LAY STUDY PROGRAM

The Lay Minister Program involves 21 months of studying assigned books and readings; writing weekly reports and calling in to a weekly small discussion group via tele-conference with other participants from around the country. Email access is required. Other than purchasing required text books, there are no tuition fees. Heavy sweat equity is involved and a commitment to writing reports and participating in teleconferences every Sunday evening for 21 months.

Two points help describe the approach of our Lay Program. The first is that our purpose is not to provide religious training to prepare a person to function as a minister in the traditional sense of a profession or occupation. This is the meaning of "lay." A Lay Minister does not function within the context of being employed by a congregation or temple, as is the case for traditional clergy. Both cases, that of a lay ministry and that of traditional clergy, have their pro's and con's and it is not suggested that one approach is better than the other. Our Lay Program simply offers a viable and important option that we feel can make a significant contribution and can provide a valuable service.

Our focus is on everyday spirituality, rather than activities at a formal place of worship. Our focus on individual spirituality in every day activities should not be considered to conflict or compete with an individual's existing religious tradition. We want to add something, not take anything away. We consider our approach to complement and enhance any traditional practices that an individual may be following. In fact, we see no need for there to be any promotion of exclusivity. A person could be a student or teacher in several traditions or approaches, perhaps integrating different aspects for optimal benefit.

Of course, our approach can stand on its own for those persons who have no need to integrate it with any existing practices. In such cases, there is nothing wrong with individual spirituality expanding to form a Sangha with like-minded persons. In any case, it is not necessary to be judgmental and criticize other approaches in order to justify what one is doing. We want to be supportive and inclusive with regard to the "how" of making the teachings available. We recognize that what is "best" varies with time, place, and person.

A related second point about our Lay Program is that it explicitly endorses the concept of lay spiritual teachers. This differs from the usual situation of a sharp separation between lay and clergy, where the clergy delivers the teachings and conducts the religious rituals, and the congregation receives the teachings and is led in the rituals. Instead of this kind of sharply defined dichotomy between lay and clergy, our Lay Program proposes that lay persons be encouraged to provide religious teachings and practices rather than just be passive consumers or receivers.

Such encouragement can undoubtedly enhance an individual's spiritual growth. It is quoted, "If you really want to learn something, teach it." This is true because in order to teach and communicate something clearly to others, one's understanding has to be deeper and more comprehensive than when one is just the consumer of said teachings..

All ministers, when reflecting on their spiritual paths, would agree that a deep understanding of the teachings occurred through their ministry, rather than during their earlier years of studying. Although such prior study and training may have laid a necessary foundation, the building of a beautiful temple of understanding, so to speak, took place when, as ministers, they had to express and share the teachings with others.

The goal of our program is not to become a Dharma teacher but rather to perfect one's studentship; that is, to cultivate "Beginner's Mind." The emphasis in our program is not a scholarly approach to increasing one's knowledge about Buddhism but rather the deepening of gratitude and humility by introspectively living the Dharma.

Anyone who is serious about his or her spiritual path, is encouraged to become a Lay Minister. The motivation to do this is important because it changes one's attitude toward the teachings. When one takes an active role of responsibility, the teachings are deeply internalized, often in creative ways that make the teachings uniquely one's own. It is by developing one's individual capabilities to the maximum that a contribution is made to society in general.

Interested persons can request more information about our Lay Program by contacting us using the email link on this website.

BRIGHT DAWN
Institute for American Buddhism
28372 Margaret Road
Coarsegold, CA 93614
Phone: 559-642-4285
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