Discovering Buddhism

The Spiritual Teacher

Wednesdays, Jun 25, Jul 2, 9 & 30, 7–9pm EDT ONLINE

Wed Jul 23, 7–9pm EDT IN-PERSON & ONLINE

Optional Review Session: Wed Aug 6, 7–9pm EDT ONLINE

“Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.” –Japanese Proverb
“Whoever makes your mind become Dharma, that is the Tsaway lama, the root guru.” –Lama Zopa Rinpoche

The best way to learn anything is to rely on a skilled and experienced teacher. In Tibetan Buddhism, the guru-disciple (teacher-student) relationship is considered essential for making spiritual progress. Yet for many people, this most important relationship can seem mysterious or even challenging. What are the benefits of having a teacher, and how does one identify a suitable one?

In this five-session course, we will discuss such topics as:

The need for a teacher
The challenges we face when thinking of entering into a teacher-student relationship, and learning how to overcome these skillfully
The qualities of a teacher, and the qualities of a student
How to relate to a teacher to derive the greatest benefit in one’s spiritual life

This is the fourth 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.

Important Note

This is an in-person and online event. For online, the events will be 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 Aug 6 is optional. Discovering Buddhism Daylong Retreat will be on Sun Jul 27, 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. 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 Daylight Time (GMT/UTC-4)

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

Additional 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 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.