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Greg Vanderford

This course is an introduction to Buddhism. I became very interested in Buddhism while living in Vietnam for over five years from 2007 to 2012. While Buddhism is by definition a religion, in actual practice it resembles philosophy and psychology more than religion if we go by Buddha's actual teachings.

Buddhism is essentially a set of tools developed over thousands of years in India, China, Japan and throughout Asia. These tools are more applicable now than ever before as we grapple with the anxiety that has become typical in modern life.

Read more

This course is an introduction to Buddhism. I became very interested in Buddhism while living in Vietnam for over five years from 2007 to 2012. While Buddhism is by definition a religion, in actual practice it resembles philosophy and psychology more than religion if we go by Buddha's actual teachings.

Buddhism is essentially a set of tools developed over thousands of years in India, China, Japan and throughout Asia. These tools are more applicable now than ever before as we grapple with the anxiety that has become typical in modern life.

This course will introduce to you what Buddhism is, how it can help you develop happiness, contentment, equanimity, peace, and love so that you can deal with modern challenges effectively, and generally enrich your experience as a human being.

I have now spent thousands of hours studying Buddhism, meditating, and speaking with monks at Pagodas and Monasteries throughout Vietnam and South East Asia. Since I am an American, I feel that I am in a unique position to communicate the essence of Buddhism and it's teachings to a western audience as very few people can.

In addition, I am trained as a teacher, with a teaching certificate from the University of Idaho as well as a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the same school. So I am confident that students will leave my course with a solid understanding not only of what Buddhism is, but HOW it can help you to improve yourself and change your life for the better.

Join my course, and let these ancient strategies help you deal with modern challenges. They've lasted this long because they work.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Do breathing meditation
  • Increase feelings of equanimity
  • Increase feelings of peace
  • Increase feelings of contentment
  • Increase feelings of happiness
  • Understand the core of the buddha's teachings
  • Apply buddha's teachings to their life
  • Use meditation to look more deeply into yourself and the nature of reality

Syllabus

Explain what Buddhism is and the essence of the Buddha's teachings

Learn the traditional story of Siddhartha Gautama and how he became the "Awakened One"

Read more

Learn the core principles of Buddhism as they taught by the Buddha and are still practiced today

The Four Noble Truths form the foundation of the Buddhism.

The Eightfold Path is one of the Four Noble Truths and is the path to salvation according to the Buddha. Learn how you can begin to follow the Eightfold Path in your life.

The Middle Way is another tenet at the heart Buddhism that helps us to maintain balance in our life, which is another important teaching of the Buddha

Meditation is the primary tool by which human beings may become enlightened according to the Buddha and his followers. Learn how to do breathing mediation which has been described as the best form of mediation for beginners.

The idea of non-attachment is one of the most important principles in Buddhism as it helps us to maintain equanimity as we grapple with challenges in our lives.

Emptiness is a challenging idea that Buddhism espouses as a worthwhile state to perceive. Learn about the Buddhist notion of emptiness and its importance in our training

Learning to let go of a fixation on the self is another key principle of Buddhism, as it allows us to focus on others which is ultimately what brings us happiness.

Learn what the Buddha meant by cutting out "toxins" and how we can remove harmful habits from our lives

Sometimes going back to the basics is what we need in order to move forward. Learn how simpflifying our life and thoughts can increase happiness and contentment

Learn why the Buddha regarded solitude as necessary to strengthen our new habits as we begin to follow the "path of the warrior" and implement the Eightfold Path into our every day lives

Only through total acceptance of the world can we move forward with our training and learn to "rule our world". Learn why this is a key idea in Buddhism

Learn about Windhorse, which is an idea from the ancient Tibetan lineage of Buddhist teachers. The ancient kingdom of Shambhala used Windhorse to create an enlightened society.

Learn how to create an enlightened society according to the Buddha. Bringing Heaven Down to Earth is a powerful idea that can help to transform your life

We take a final look at the core principles of Buddhism and how we can learn to use them to improve our happiness, help others, and contribute to the Buddhist ideal of enlightenment and an enlightened society

Test yourself on your knowledge of the content covered in the course

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW COURSE!

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers practical strategies for managing anxiety and cultivating inner peace, which are highly relevant for individuals navigating the challenges of modern life
Introduces breathing meditation, a foundational practice for beginners seeking to cultivate mindfulness and improve their overall well-being
Explores the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which form the core principles of Buddhism and provide a comprehensive framework for ethical and spiritual development
Examines the concept of non-attachment, which can help learners develop equanimity and resilience in the face of life's challenges
Discusses the importance of solitude in strengthening new habits, which may require learners to intentionally create space for self-reflection and personal development
Explores Shambhala Warriorship, which may require learners to engage with concepts and practices specific to Tibetan Buddhism

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Reviews summary

Buddhism for modern life and peace

According to students, this course provides a largely positive and accessible introduction to Buddhism, focusing on its practical application to contemporary issues. Learners frequently praise the clear explanation of core Buddhist principles like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, finding them easy to grasp. Many highlight the course's effectiveness in offering actionable strategies for navigating modern anxiety, stress, and challenges, often citing the meditation guidance as particularly helpful. The instructor is commended for their knowledgeable and engaging approach, making the ancient teachings relevant for a Western audience. While widely regarded as an excellent starting point for beginners, some learners note a desire for greater depth on specific topics.
Knowledgeable and engaging teacher.
"The instructor is clearly passionate and explains everything very well."
"His perspective as a Westerner teaching Buddhism was incredibly helpful."
"Found the teacher's style engaging and easy to listen to."
Accessible introduction to meditation.
"The breathing meditation instructions were easy to follow and very effective."
"Good starting point for someone new to meditation practice."
"The practical steps for beginning meditation were exactly what I needed."
Ideal entry point for newcomers.
"Perfect introduction for someone with absolutely no prior knowledge of Buddhism."
"I didn't feel overwhelmed as a complete beginner, everything was explained well."
"If you are new to this topic, this course is an excellent starting point."
Easy-to-understand explanation of basics.
"The Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path were explained in a way that finally made sense to me."
"Provides a very clear and solid foundation in the core principles of Buddhism."
"I appreciated how simply the complex ideas were broken down for beginners."
Strategies for dealing with modern life.
"I found the strategies for dealing with anxiety and daily stress incredibly useful."
"The course really helped me see how ancient Buddhist teachings can be applied to my modern life."
"Learned practical tools to bring more peace and contentment into my everyday challenges."
Some topics are covered briefly.
"While broad, I wished there was more depth on certain concepts like emptiness."
"Felt like the section on Shambhala Warriorship was quite short."
"It's more of a good overview than a deep dive into philosophical nuances."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Buddhism: Ancient Strategies for Modern Life with these activities:
Review 'Mindfulness for Beginners'
Provides a practical introduction to mindfulness meditation, a core practice in Buddhism.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Mindfulness for Beginners'.
  • Read the introduction and first few chapters.
  • Practice the guided meditations in the book.
Review 'What the Buddha Taught'
Provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of the Buddha's teachings.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'What the Buddha Taught'.
  • Read the chapters on the Four Noble Truths.
  • Take notes on the key concepts presented.
Practice Breathing Meditation
Reinforces the breathing meditation techniques taught in the course to increase feelings of equanimity and peace.
Show steps
  • Find a quiet and comfortable space.
  • Set a timer for 15 minutes.
  • Focus on your breath, noting sensations.
  • Gently redirect your attention when your mind wanders.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Journaling on Non-Attachment
Deepens understanding of non-attachment by reflecting on personal experiences and applying Buddhist principles.
Show steps
  • Reflect on a recent experience of attachment.
  • Describe the experience and your feelings.
  • Analyze the experience through the lens of non-attachment.
  • Write about how you might approach similar situations differently in the future.
Lead a Meditation Session
Solidifies understanding of meditation techniques by guiding others in a practice session.
Show steps
  • Prepare a guided meditation script.
  • Invite friends or family to participate.
  • Lead the meditation session.
  • Gather feedback on the experience.
Create a Personal Ethical Framework
Applies the Eightfold Path to create a personal ethical framework for daily life.
Show steps
  • Review the Eightfold Path.
  • Identify areas in your life where you can apply each element of the path.
  • Write a personal code of ethics based on these applications.
  • Reflect on how this framework can guide your actions.
Research and Present on Shambhala Warriorship
Deepens understanding of Shambhala Warriorship by researching and presenting on its core principles.
Show steps
  • Research the history and principles of Shambhala Warriorship.
  • Prepare a presentation on your findings.
  • Present your research to a group or online forum.
  • Answer questions and engage in discussion.

Career center

Learners who complete Buddhism: Ancient Strategies for Modern Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mindfulness Trainer
Mindfulness trainers lead individuals through practices aimed at improving presence and awareness, and this course will help someone build a foundation in mindfulness. The course helps one understand how to use meditation to look deeper into oneself and the nature of reality, which will help a mindfulness trainer refine their practice and teach more effectively. A mindfulness trainer may particularly benefit from learning to apply Buddhist teachings to daily life, as this can be incorporated into training sessions.
Spiritual Counselor
Spiritual counselors provide guidance and support to individuals seeking to explore their spirituality and personal values. This course, with its introduction to Buddhism and its focus on developing inner peace and contentment, offers a strong foundation for a spiritual counselor. The course helps one learn how to use meditation, understand core Buddhist teachings, and apply these teachings to everyday life - all skills that are valuable to a spiritual counselor. This course also discusses removing harmful habits and simplifying thoughts, which a spiritual counselor may wish to discuss with clients.
Meditation Instructor
Meditation instructors guide individuals or groups in meditation practices to promote relaxation, focus, and overall well-being. This course, with its direct instruction in breathing meditation, can help someone become a meditation instructor. This course explicitly teaches one how to use meditation for self-discovery, which helps a meditation instructor understand themselves better so they can better guide others. Furthermore, this course introduces core Buddhist principles, which a meditation instructor may find useful to understand the larger context around meditation practices.
Life Coach
A life coach assists clients in navigating challenges and setting goals for a more fulfilling life. This course in Buddhism, with its focus on developing happiness, contentment, equanimity, peace, and love, provides tools that a life coach can use in their practice. The course covers applying Buddha's teachings and using meditation to look more deeply into oneself, which can help a life coach guide clients toward self-discovery and positive change. A life coach may find the course's emphasis on dealing with modern challenges and enriching one's experience to be valuable.
Wellness Consultant
A wellness consultant helps individuals and organizations create plans focused on improving their overall well-being. This course, which teaches core principles of Buddhism such as equanimity, peace, contentment, and happiness, helps a wellness consultant better serve their clients. The course’s focus on applying Buddhist principles to daily life allows a wellness consultant to offer practical strategies to clients. The breathing meditation taught will be helpful for a wellness consultant to recommend to clients, as well.
Personal Development Coach
A personal development coach guides clients through a process of self-improvement and goal achievement. This course, which focuses on developing happiness, contentment, equanimity, peace, and love, helps a personal development coach better serve their clients. The course provides strategies for dealing with modern challenges, which is often a key area of focus for a personal development coach. Learning the core principles of Buddhism and how to apply them may give someone aspiring to be a personal development coach valuable perspective.
Adult Education Teacher
An adult education teacher instructs adults in a variety of subjects, and this course will equip one to teach adult learners about the principles of Buddhism. The course's content covers the core principles of Buddhism and teaches various meditative practices. This course also emphasizes how to apply Buddha's teachings to everyday life. This course's emphasis on teaching strategies, given the instructor's teaching background, may be helpful to an adult education teacher, as well.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga instructors lead students through physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. This course offers training in breathing meditation, which can be incorporated into a yoga instructor's repertoire of teachings. The course's emphasis on cultivating peace, contentment, and equanimity also aligns with the core principles of yoga, providing a holistic approach to well-being that may be useful to a yoga instructor. A yoga instructor may also find value in the course's discussion of the Buddhist notion of emptiness.
Employee Wellness Program Coordinator
An employee wellness program coordinator develops and implements programs aimed at improving employee health and well-being. This course, with its focus on strategies for developing happiness, contentment, equanimity, peace, and love, aligns with this role. This course teaches meditation techniques, which can be integrated into employee wellness programming. An employee wellness program coordinator may find the course's insights on dealing with modern challenges and enriching life to be helpful for supporting their company's employees.
Social Worker
Social workers assist individuals and families in navigating challenges and accessing resources to improve their lives. This course's focus on developing happiness, contentment, equanimity, peace, and love helps a social worker better understand and support their clients. A social worker may also find this course insightful, as it discusses how to remove harmful habits and simplify thoughts. The techniques described in the course, like meditation, may also assist a social worker in managing their stress.
Guidance Counselor
Guidance counselors support students in their emotional, social, and academic development, which may be improved by the skills developed in this course. This course will teach one to cultivate peace and equanimity, which are useful traits for a guidance counselor to understand and possibly teach to students. Furthermore, understanding the core principles of Buddhism can provide counselors with a broader perspective on their work. A guidance counselor may also benefit from learning how to apply Buddhist teachings to daily life.
Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer designs and delivers training programs for employees, and this course will help one teach employees stress reduction and mindfulness strategies. The course's teachings on meditation can be incorporated into corporate training programs. A corporate trainer may use content from this course to teach employees about equanimity, contentment, and peace, and how these traits may assist in navigating workplace challenges. This course's emphasis on application will be helpful in teaching these ideas to others.
Nonprofit Program Manager
A nonprofit program manager oversees the planning and implementation of community-based programs. This course may give a nonprofit program manager perspective for working with a variety of individuals from different backgrounds, and help them develop peace and equanimity even in challenging situations. This course provides insights into using meditation techniques for personal well-being. The course’s emphasis on application of Buddhist principles to everyday life may also provide a lens through which a nonprofit program manager can view their community.
Writer
A writer produces content for diverse media, and this course will help a writer produce content that explores complex themes of philosophy and psychology. The course provides insight into Buddhist philosophy and psychology. The course covers a variety of practical techniques that may be included in a writer's work, like meditation practices. This course may spark new ideas and perspectives for a writer, especially given its focus on applying Buddhist teachings to everyday life.
Editor
An editor reviews and prepares written content for publication, and this course may help an editor understand content related to Buddhism, eastern philosophy, and wellbeing. This course provides a foundation in the principles of Buddhism and their application in daily life, which may be helpful for an editor reviewing such content. The course may also give an editor a unique perspective on complex topics related to mindfulness and wellbeing. An editor may develop an increased awareness of different worldviews with the help of this course.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Buddhism: Ancient Strategies for Modern Life.
Provides a practical introduction to mindfulness meditation, a core practice in Buddhism. It offers guided meditations and exercises to cultivate present moment awareness. Reading this book will help students better understand and practice the meditation techniques taught in the course, enhancing their ability to increase feelings of equanimity and peace. It highly accessible guide for beginners.
Clear and comprehensive explanation of the Buddha's teachings. It covers the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and other key concepts. Reading this book will provide a solid foundation for understanding the core principles of Buddhism discussed in the course. It is often used as a textbook in introductory Buddhism courses.

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