Year-long Dharma Study Course
Year-long Independent Dharma Study
Join Karen for a year of immersion into the teachings of the Buddha while training to give an effective dharma talk! This year-long course will explore the span of the foundations of Buddhism, and students will participate not only in discussion but also by presenting a dharma talk and short meditation when we meet each quarter. This course last met December 2023-December 2024; the next course will likely be held June 2026-June 2027 after the completion of 300-Hour MTT.
This course provides Yoga Alliance continuing education hours.
In this course we will explore:
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path
Meditation Practices of the Heart (Brahma Vihara)
Final Quarter Independent Study Topic of your Choosing
There are no specific requirements to join this course other than a commitment to a year of intensive reading as well as thoughtful preparation of a talk each quarter and providing kind feedback to fellow participants. Guidance will be offered on how to structure and present talks. Previous class participants will be available for ongoing mentorship during the course, and will be a valuable resource.
We will meet one day per quarter at a pre-arranged time and date that works for all participants. Meetings will be in-person at Karen’s home studio or you’re free to join by Zoom. The length of the meeting will depend on the number of participants, but plan for around 4 hours.
The cost of this course is $750. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own reading material.
Please email Karen with questions or to apply. Space is limited. Pay by venmo @karene-vail or if you prefer to pay by credit card, you can do so here: