Online Intensive - Introduction to Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
Agora Foundation Online Intensive -
Introduction to Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
Wednesday Evenings - September 9 to December 16, 2026
5:30-7:00PM Pacific
Roxana Zirakzadeh
Andy Gilman
Sessions will be facilitated by Roxana Zirakzadeh and Andy Gilman.
Buddhism originated in 5th-century BCE in Northeast India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) who taught the path to the liberation from suffering and the ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana, a state of freedom, peace, and the extinguishing of greed, hatred, and delusion. As a non-theistic tradition emphasizing ethics and mindfulness, it grew from a local movement into a major religion that spread across Central, East, and Southeast Asia. The religion evolved into diverse traditions — notably the Theravada and Mahayana practices — while shaping art, philosophy, and society, eventually evolving into a global presence with roughly 500 million followers today.
Differences Between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
Among several key differences, Theravada Buddhism looks to the earliest Buddhist scriptures, known as the Pali Canon. New compositions or later additions to the early sutras are not generally recognized. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism uses additional newer texts, revelations, and teachings and does not rely exclusively on the oldest sutras or scriptures. As Mahayana Buddhism spread through Asia (Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia) it incorporated local cultures and customs.
In practice, differences in these traditions lie in their ultimate goals, scriptural focus, and approach to liberation. Theravada (School of the Elders) focuses on personal enlightenment through the canon, aiming to become an Arhat (a Sanskrit term meaning worthy, deserving, or noble). Mahayana (Great Vehicle) focuses on compassion, aiming to become a Bodhisattva (one who delays their own entry into Nirvana to compassionately help all other sentient beings achieve liberation).
We will explore these two traditions through a selection of readings from two texts: In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon, and The Lotus Sutra. The online series will take place over 14 Wednesday evenings, 5:30-7:00PM Pacific time. Participants will be mailed the texts and no prior knowledge is required. The series tuition is $800. Comunity of Lifelong Learning subscribers receive a $100 discount through a refund. Payment options are available and teachers receive 2 CEU credits upon request
Introduction to Buddhism is $800.
Community of Lifelong Learners subscribers receive a discount of $100 through a refund.
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Introduction to Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
Wednesday Evenings -
September 9 to December 16 - 5:30-7:00PM Pacific
Texts:
In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon
Wisdom Publications (July 2005)
ISBN-13 : 978-0861714919
The Lotus Sutra
Wisdom Publications( December 2008)
ISBN-13 : 978-0861715718
Dates and Curriculum - Introduction to Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
Seminar One
Wednesday, September 9
5:30-7:00PM
In the Buddha's Words
General Introduction - pages 1-15
Chapter 1 - The Human Condition pages 19-40
The impermanence of life, suffering, and the realities of aging, illness, and death.
Seminar Two
Wednesday, September 16
5:30-7:00PM
In the Buddha's Words
Chapter 5 - The Way to a Fortunate Rebirth - pages 143-179
The foundation for ethical living and the practical application of karma, focusing on how one's actions affect their immediate and future life.
Seminar Three
Wednesday, September 23
5:30-7:00PM
In the Buddha's Words
Chapter 7 - The Path to Liberation - pages 221-253
The Noble Eightfold Path as the means to end suffering.
Seminar Four
Wednesday, September 30
5:30-7:00PM
In the Buddha's Words
Chapter 8 - Mastering the Mind pages 255-298
Meditation and mental development, including techniques to remove mental obstacles and cultivate deep concentration.
Seminar Five
Wednesday, October 7
5:30-7:00PM
In the Buddha's Words
Chapter 9 - Part 1 - Shining the Light of Wisdom - pages 299-335
Developing insight into the true nature of reality, which leads to the direct realization of the Four Noble Truths and ultimate liberation.
Seminar Six
Wednesday, October 14
5:30-7:00PM
In the Buddha's Words
Chapter 9 - Part 2 - Shining the Light of Wisdom - pages 335-369
Continued
Seminar Seven
Wednesday, October 21
5:30-7:00PM
In the Buddha's Words
Chapter 10 - The Planes of Realization - pages 371-423
The final fruits of the path, including the stages of enlightenment and the nature of Nirvana.
Seminar Eight
Wednesday, October 28
5:30-7:00PM
The Lotus Sutra
Chapter 1 - Introduction - pages 53-74
The core Mahayana doctrines of universal Buddhahood and the eternal nature of the Buddha.
Seminar Nine
Wednesday, November 4
5:30-7:00PM
The Lotus Sutra
Chapter 2 - Skillful Means - pages 75-102
The idea that the Buddha uses various teaching methods tailored to the capacity of different beings—and reveals that all paths ultimately lead to the One Buddha Vehicle.
Seminar Ten
Wednesday, November 11
5:30-7:00PM
The Lotus Sutra
Chapter 3 - A Parable - pages 103-139
Why and how the Buddha uses skillful means to lure sentient beings away from the dangers of the world toward enlightenment.
Seminar Eleven
Wednesday, November 18
5:30-7:00PM
The Lotus Sutra
Chapter 11 - The Sight of the Treasure Stupa - pages 235-246
The importance of preserving and sharing the sutra's teachings.
Off Wednesday, November 25
Seminar Twelve
Wednesday, December 2
5:30-7:00PM
The Lotus Sutra
Chapter 12 - Devadatta - pages 247-253
Even the most evil individuals can achieve immediate Buddhahood.
Seminar Thirteen
Wednesday, December 9
5:30-7:00PM
The Lotus Sutra
Chapter 16 - The Lifetime of the Tathagata - pages 291-299
The Buddha is not merely a historical figure who passed away, but an eternal presence that has always been enlightened and continues to guide beings.
Seminar Fourteen
Wednesday, December 16
5:30-7:00PM
The Lotus Sutra
Chapter 25 - The Universal Gateway of the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World - pages 371-379
The compassion of the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World and how they manifest in various forms to save those in distress.