Discovering Buddhism
How to Develop Bodhicitta
with Gus Cutz
Wednesdays, Oct 28, Nov 4, 11, 18 & Dec 2, 7–9pm EDT/*EST
Optional Review Session: Wed Dec 9, 7–9pm EST
Discovering Buddhism Daylong Retreat: Sun Dec 13, 10:30am—3:30pm EST
ONLINE
*Due to differences in daylight saving time, please note that clocks will “fall back” one hour on Nov 8.
“The most precious mind of all, that which cherishes all beings, can become a genuine part of our life, a real gut feeling that motivates us in everything we do, and not just a vague wish.”
–Geshe Tashi Tsering, The Awakening Mind
After spending some time considering how the spiritual path can bring joy and peace to our lives, we may notice the countless living beings all around us who also want to be happy and free from problems. Steadying our love and compassion, we may ask what we can do to bring joy to others, and to help them with their troubles. According to Mahayana Buddhism, the answer is straightforward, though not easy: attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. A mind focused on that goal is called bodhicitta.
Delve deeply into the rich topic of bodhicitta with Gus Cutz as he takes you through the step-by-step instructions on how to kindle a vague wish to help others so that it becomes the blazing mind of enlightenment. Gain clarity on often-confused concepts, such as the differences between self-esteem and self-cherishing, equanimity and indifference, compassion and pity, and bodhicitta and compassion. Learn beginner techniques and advanced aspirations, including meditating on exchanging self for others and the 18 bodhisattva vows. Cultivating bodhicitta makes our lives meaningful, and it is at the very heart of the Buddha’s teachings!
This is the tenth of 14 modules in the Discovering Buddhism series. Students may join at any point in the cycle. Discovering Buddhism was designed for students interested in deepening their understanding of fundamental Buddhist concepts, and provides an experiential taste of the Buddha’s teachings and the skills we need to make our lives most meaningful. Each module includes teachings, meditations, readings, discussions, and a short retreat. For more information on the Discovering Buddhism program, please click here.
Gus has been facilitating and teaching Discovering Buddhism since 2012. To view one of his teaching courses, watch: Rebirth Without Faith
Important Note
This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.
After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation email (if opted in) and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. Some email domains like Yahoo, AOL are rejecting the auto emails. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.
Registration / Schedule
The course is 5-weeks.
Suggested: $20 per session, or $90 for all 5-weeks of the course
Other offering options: free to $30
The review session or assessment on Wed Dec 9 is optional. Discovering Buddhism Daylong Retreat will be on Sun Dec 13, 10:30am—3:30pm.
The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member discounts or benefits will be applied automatically if you have a membership in MindBody.
If you prefer to donate using PayPal (i.e. not through the registration system), please click the Register button and select the “Donate via PayPal” option to get the Zoom link AND then visit this link to donate. Please note that donation via PayPal alone is separate from and not a registration.
Shantideva Center may publish recorded sessions in the public domain (e.g., on YouTube). By registering for this event, you are agreeing to give your consent to this process. Please be conscious of any personal information you share. Recordings are typically made to spotlight only on the teacher or facilitator so participants are usually not visible.
Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-4); Nov 8: Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-5)
For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.
Additional Materials
Discovering Buddhism Certification
If you are a registered student, you will have access to readings and recordings on a password protected page. Please refer to the confirmation email (or receipt email) for the page link and password. Please email registration@shantidevanyc.org if you have questions about accessing this page.
FPMT certification is available for those who complete all the components of the course. The completion certificate confirms the satisfaction of having accomplished a comprehensive engagement with the path to enlightenment and is symbolic of your commitment to spiritual awakening.
Dana for the Teacher
About the Teacher
Gustavo Cutz is an FPMT-certified teacher with some 25 years of Buddhist practice and study. Gus previously worked as an editor at Wisdom Publications in Boston. He worked with Geshe Thubten Soepa on interpreting and summarizing Geshe-la’s teachings on several topics, such as the Four Noble Truths, the eight worldly concerns, and the six perfections until Geshe-la passed away in 2022. Gus has a doctorate from LIU Post and works as a clinical psychologist on Long Island.
Gus has volunteered with Shantideva Center since 2008, facilitating and teaching Discovering Buddhism since 2012. With his deft mastery of a vast bibliography, Gus approaches Discovering Buddhism as a rigorous and comprehensive seminar. At the same time, Gus teaches with a light touch, warmly encouraging questions and valuing student understanding of the material. Gus brings the Buddha’s teachings to life with an appealing sense of humor, personal anecdotes, and vivid metaphors.
Gus also teaches the Debate Club at Shantideva Center in addition to teaching dharma topics at other spiritual centers.
