We offer several Buddhist classes at the Central Coast Dharma Center (CCDC). Classes are held both onsite and online (which are recorded for easy reference). Our classes are taught by ministers, lay personnel and invited experts and are designed to help you learn more about Buddhism, learn more about the various traditions and to go deeper into how Buddhism can help improve your life. 

You can download our Current Class Calendar HERE or can contact us by clicking HERE.

Introduction to Buddhism
As the world's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices based on the teachings (Dharma) attributed to the Buddha Shakyamuni who lived in the fourth or fifth century BCE in what is now Northern Nepal. 

Learn the core teachings common to all Buddhist teachings with an emphasis on the Ekayana "One Vehicle" tradition.  You will learn about the most widely observed fundamentals include taking Refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha; The Four Noble Truths; the Eightfold Path; the Law of Causation; the Six Perfections; and the Three Great Dharma Seals.  

The 6-week class is offered at no cost but a certificate and one-on-one coaching are available for a donation of $25.  Click here to contact CCDC to learn when the next classes begin.

Basic Buddhism
​This is an introductory online course on Ekayana Buddhism as interpreted through the writings of Nikkyo Niwano, founder of Rissho Kosei-kai. It is a great place to start your exploration into Buddhism or to deepen your faith. 

Upon completion of this course, a student will:
  1. Understand basic Buddhist teachings,
  2. Be able to apply the teachings to their every day life and
  3. Convey a moderate understanding of the basic Buddhist teachings to others.

There is an online class every Wednesday at 6 pm PT via Zoom. Each class will be 60 minutes long, including lecture and Q&A. ​

​Click here to contact CCDC to learn when the next classes begin.

Sutra Studies
The teachings of the Buddha are preserved in various writings called Sutras. The Center offers individual classes on a wide range of sutra materials including ones from the Theraveda tradition by Ajahn Geoff of Metta Wat Monastery, the Mahayana tradition from Jack Kornfield of the Insight Mediatation Center, Pure Land/Zen from Thich Nhat Hahn of Plum Village, and Ekayana tradition of Nichiko Niwano of Rissho Kosei-kai. 

Our most popular sutra class is on the Wondrous Dharma of the Lotus Sutra, one of the foremost Mahayana Buddhist texts. The Lotus Sutra is an amazing combination of stories, poetry, imagery and predictions in which the Buddha Shakyamuni expounds the ultimate truth of life to which he was enlightened. The sutra’s key message is that Buddhahood, the supreme state of life characterized by boundless compassion, wisdom and courage, is inherent within every person without distinction of gender, ethnicity, social standing or intellectual ability.  

Click here to contact CCDC to learn when the next classes begin.