Discovering Buddhism

Mind and Its Potential
with Gus Cutz

Wednesdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 & *Feb 5, 7–9pm EST

Optional In-Person Discussion: Wed *Feb 5, 6–6:50pm EST

Optional Review Session: Wed Feb 12, 7–9pm EST

ONLINE

*Feb 5: IN-PERSON & ONLINE

In this module, we will examine what the mind is, what its nature and function are, and how it affects our experiences of happiness and suffering. We will explore the difference between mind and brain, the implications of possessing a mind that has no beginning or end, and we will learn methods to transform negative thoughts and attitudes, turning the mind to cultivate positive potential.

We will also explore questions such as:

  • What is the nature of consciousness?
  • What accounts for the continuity of consciousness from moment to moment?
  • What are the different levels of consciousness, and what are their respective roles in spiritual practice and realization?
  • What are the different types of consciousness, and what are the different mental factors that can be involved in each type?
  • What are the root delusions, how do they arise, and how do they disrupt our lives?
  • What is the essence of spiritual transformation?
  • Is it possible to eliminate delusions from our mind completely?

This is the first in a series of 14 modules covering the complete Buddhist path to enlightenment and a great opportunity to join the group from the beginning and follow the whole cycle.

Discovering Buddhism is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of fundamental Buddhist concepts. The program is designed to provide 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, assessment questions, and a short retreat. For more information on the program, please see Discovering Buddhism.

Important Note

February 5 will be an in-person and online event. Please review our latest Covid-19 policy if you are attending in person. For online, the events will be administered using Zoom*.

The other classes will be online-only events that are administered using Zoom.

After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.

*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.

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 Feb 12 is optional. Discovering Buddhism Daylong Retreat will be on Sun Feb 16, 10:30am—3:30pm. 

The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member benefits will apply automatically if you have a membership in MindBody. 

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. To protect your privacy, we recommend being conscious about any personal information you share during the sessions. To further enhance anonymity, you may want to consider turning off video or naming yourself using abbreviations.

Register

Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-4)

For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.

Additional Materials

Access Materials

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.

Discovering Buddhism Certification

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.

If you are interested in receiving credit for completing each module, please indicate your commitment to completing all of the module’s requirements by printing, completing, and signing the first page of this document. You can bring it to the first session of the module or email it to gus@shantidevanyc.org.

Dana for the Teacher

Shantideva Center makes offerings to our teachers and facilitators using the funds collected through registration. You can give additional support to the teacher or facilitator and create a stronger karmic connection by offering dana. Please make sure to select the teacher’s or facilitator’s name in the dropdown menu. Dana offered is passed entirely to them, but please note that it is not tax-deductible.

About the Teacher

Gustavo Cutz is an FPMT-certified teacher and has been an active volunteer with Shantideva Center since 2008.  Gus has been the facilitator for Discovering Buddhism since 2012 and he explains complex material with simplicity, making the Buddha’s teachings practical and always accompanied with enthusiasm and a delightful sense of humor.

In addition, Gus facilitates the Debate Club and leads one day retreats. He has also taught Dharma topics at other spiritual centers. He is working on interpreting and summarizing Geshe Thubten Soepa’s teachings on several topics such as the Four Noble Truths, the eight worldly concerns, and the six perfections.  

Gus previously worked as an editor at Wisdom Publications in Boston. Presently he works as a clinical psychologist and practices on Long Island.