YEARLONG BUDDHIST STUDIES COURSE — YEAR TWO

MODULE 2: INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

THE FOUR TENET SYSTEMS AND THE PRACTICE OF CONTEMPLATION/ANALYSIS 

Mondays, March 24th – April 28th, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET

In the second course module, we get philosophical. Using the four different tenet systems of classic Buddhist philosophy (The Atomistic School, The Sutra School, The Mind-Only School, and The Middle-Way School) we learn to decode our long-existing ideas of self, perception, and the universe, giving us a much better sense of the teachings on “Right View,” which are the very bones of Buddhist practice.

MODULE 3: THE PRACTICE OF LOJONG MIND TRAINING

THE 59 SLOGANS OF LOJONG AND THE PRACTICE OF TONGLEN

Mondays, May 19th – June 23rd, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET

In the third course module, we go deeper into the bodhisattva path of compassion via study and contemplation of the 59 slogans of Lojong which greatly enrich the practice of compassion meditation (tonglen).

MODULE 4: THE NATURE OF MIND

MAHAMUDRA AND WINDHORSE 

Mondays, September 8th – October 13th, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET

In the fourth course module, we examine the tantric teachings on the nature of mind that come from the Mahamudra tradition alongside the practice of Rousing Bodhicitta or “Windhorse'' to enrich our understanding of the experience of ever-present wisdom and learning to “live in awareness.” Mahamudra is a classical tradition of tantric Buddhism which teaches us to rest within the awakened mind which we already possess. Windhorse is a self-existing, primordial energy we can tap into. It’s the energy of our emotions that can be harnessed and ridden, just like a horse, rather than knocking us off our seat and undercutting our ability to show up to life. When we can tap into these energies, we are able to move through obstacles and challenges in a more resourced and resilient way. 

MODULE 5: WHAT'S THE DHARMA TO ME?

APPLIED AND ENGAGED BUDDHISM 

Mondays, November 3rd – December 8th, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET

In the fifth and final course module, we take the approach that the teachings begin to fully integrate into our systems when we as students begin to activate our own wisdom. We do this in a guided manner by pursuing further study of a topic of either classic, modern, or applied dharma with the help of a faculty member, which you’ll then present to the larger sangha to complete the YLBS program. By the end of this year, you’ll have a broader, deeper and more integrated understanding of Buddhist practice and philosophy than the vast majority of modern mindfulness practitioners, and these teachings will be brought to life in practical ways that benefit you and others, regardless of whether or not you pursue further dharma study.

"I loved year 2! I began noticing a huge difference in my day to day life and approach to stress. Life changing."

"This year has been so meaningful - not only in the creative ways we learned together but in the building of the sangha. It hasn't felt like a course but like a community."

"I thoroughly enjoyed Year Two, I am back on my cushion and this has been a blessing for me. I was intimidated by all the terms, lists, and various practices but I truly enjoyed the insights and perspectives of the Teaching Team. Ethan, Jackie and Panos each brought their own unique experience of the various mediation techniques as well as their intuitive sensibilities to life! Truly enjoyed the small group discussions and did feel a genuine sense of 'virtual community'."

"It was a wonderful way to stay focused throughout the year. This course served as an important touchstone for my week!"

"This year brought me into a great quad (actually a quint) that has evolved into a sangha that we intend to keep going even though the course is over. I also really loved the deeper dives into so many topics we covered last year, like Mahamudra and Windhorse, and new things, like the Lojong study. It was more than just geeking out and getting absorbed in the material. It changed my life in a lot of ways."

"I really enjoyed the smaller class and getting to spend more time hearing about others views and interests."

"It's been a big year personally. The breakthrough moments I've had are at least partly attributable to my practice and insights of the class coming just when I needed them."

"This course was a significant commitment of time over the 2 years, and for me it was time really well spent. I learned a lot from the range of topics, and also the amount of material that could be covered in 2 years was great. I like the tempo of once a week, and having a consistent schedule. Of course, I love the staff, and Ethan you have put together a great team. It was fun to see them grow also as teachers over the 2 years. And the class really felt like a sangha. I can't believe 2 years is over! Thank you!"

"I really enjoyed doing the 15 minute "what the dharma is to me" presentations. I learned so much about myself and the sangha."

"So grateful to Ethan , Panos and Jackie. I looked forward to a meeting of the minds/ hearts every Monday. I will miss it."

"Just thank you for offering something so unique and being the perfect balance of expecting we do the work while also being kind. I thought all of the meditation practices we were shown/taught were excellent."

"I'm so grateful to all of the teachers. You hold space beautifully for everyone and navigate so much for all the students!"

"This course helped me stay grounded in my practice and contemplating the dharma. A truly a heartfelt, impactful experience. i feel forever grateful to all of the teachers. thank you."

"I have truly loved this course from start to finish. So well thought through and presented."

Ethan Nichtern is a Senior Buddhist teacher, author, and lecturer. For the past 19 years, Ethan has taught meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and workshops around New York City, North America and Europe, along with working with students privately.

He was formerly on the part-time faculty at Eugene Lang College at New School University and has lectured at Brown, Wesleyan, Yale, NYU, FIT, Antioch and other universities, and as well at many other meditation/yoga centers and conferences around the country and world.

Ethan is the author of the acclaimed books The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path and The Dharma of The Princess Bride: What The Coolest Fairy Tale of Our Time Can Teach Us About Buddhism and Relationships. He is also the author of One City: A Declaration of Interdependence, and the Novella/poetry collection, Your Emoticons Won’t Save You, and his most recent book Confidence: Holding Your Seat Through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds. 

He founded and served as executive director (2007-11) of the Interdependence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to secular Buddhist practice and transformational activism and arts.

Ethan primarily studied in Shambhala and Tibetan traditions, as well as Theravadan and Soto Zen Buddhism. Ethan is an avid yoga practitioner. He served as Shastri, or Senior Teacher-In-Residence, for the Shambhala Meditation Center of New York from 2010-18.

In 2018, Ethan launched his podcast, The Road Home, available on iTunes, Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Ethan has been featured on CNN, NPR, ABC/Yahoo News, The New York Times, Vogue.com, Business Insider, Nautilus, and Vice to discuss Buddhism and meditation in the 21st Century. His articles have been featured on The Huffington Post, Beliefnet, Shambhala Sun, Tricycle Magazine, BuddhaDharma Magazine, and Reality Sandwich as well as other online publications.