The First Turning of the Dharma Wheel outlines a progressive methodology for the cultivation of awareness. The Satipatthana Sutta, which describes the four foundational practices of mindfulness, is one of the primary teachings of early Buddhism. The course examines each of the categories of practice in the Satipatthana and compares them to the perspectives and practices within the Zen tradition. Free Preview.

The Second Turning of the Wheel took place on Vulture Peak when the Buddha revealed to his senior monks the teaching of prajna paramita, wisdom beyond wisdom. The primary philosophical school of the Second Turning is called the Middle Way School, whose founder is Nagarjuna, also known as the Second Buddha. The Vimalakirti Sutra features the wise and clever layman, Vimalakirti, who bests the Buddha’s senior students as to their understanding of non-duality and emptiness. Free Preview.

The Third Turning of the Wheel gives a deeper revelation of the nature of the ultimate truth using a conceptual and logical approach. Vasubandhu’s 30 Verses summarize the primary teachings of the Third Turning sutras, which became the basis for what is known as the Mind-Only, or Yogacara, School of Buddhism. The recommended text for this class is Inside Vasubandhu's Yogacara by Ben Connelly, available through the Zen Center Bookstore. Free Preview.