༄༅། Training in Courageous Compassion
Cultivating Strength and Love through the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
With Chandra Easton
Course Overview
Join us for a transformative journey through Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicaryāvatāra), a timeless Mahayana text that offers poetic and practical guidance for meeting the world with resilience, clarity, and boundless compassion.
Over 12 weeks, we’ll gather for weekly 90-minute sessions devoted to study, meditation, and sincere community dialogue. Together, we’ll explore how to live with courageous compassion—grounded in the aspiration to awaken for the benefit of all beings.
Weekly Rhythm
Course Dates: January 10 – March 28, 2027
Live Sessions: Sundays, 10 – 11:30 A.M PT
Location: Online via Zoom (live attendance encouraged; recordings provided)
Each session includes:
- 30-minute guided meditation
- Study of selected verses from The Way of the Bodhisattva
- Group reflection and shared practice
Green Tara (Photo credit: Himalayan Art Resource Center)
Shantideva (685-763 CE).
Author of Bodhicharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva).
Themes We'll Explore
- Cultivating bodhichitta, the courageous heart of awakening for the benefit of all beings
- Transforming emotional adversity into wisdom
- Living the Bodhisattva vow in a complex world
- Ethical practice and joyful effort
- Interdependence, emptiness, and insight
- Dedicating merit and walking the path together
What’s Included
- Weekly readings & practice prompts
- Guided meditation recordings
- Optional commentary excerpts and supplemental resources
- Private community forum access
- Closing ceremony and Certificate of Completion
Who This Is For
This course welcomes anyone drawn to living with compassion, commitment, and clarity. Whether you’re exploring Buddhist practice for the first time or deepening a long-held intention, you are warmly invited.
All levels of experience, backgrounds, and identities are honored and included.
Optional Peer Pods
To nourish community connection, participants may opt into Peer Pods—small groups that meet independently between sessions to reflect, share, and support one another’s practice. Pods are matched by time zone and availability.
Bodhicharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva) Tibetan text (pecha)
Tuition & Generosity Model
We offer a tiered pricing model designed to support accessibility while honoring the care and depth of teaching:
| Tier | Description | Full Course Total |
|---|---|---|
| General Rate | Standard Enrollment | $595 USD |
| Pay-It-Forward Rate | Includes contribution to scholarship fund | $895 USD |
| Access Rate | Available for those with financial need (full) | $295 USD |
| Payment Plan Rate | Monthly Payment Over 3 Months | $200 USD / month |
No one turned away for lack of funds. Please choose the tier that feels generous and sustainable for you. Monthly payment plans are available upon request.
All Access Rate slots are filled. When we receive more Generosity Rate registrations, we will open up this option again.
Pricing Guidelines
Pay-It-Forward Rate
Choose this amount if you have the financial security and capacity to support this program at a higher level. The contributions we receive at this rate make it possible for us to offer a below-cost Access Range to those practitioners with a limited income.
This range is for you if you:
Own your own home and live comfortably without financial worry
Have investments and savings
Easily have access to money in times of need or emergencies
Have the desire to help make the Dharma more accessible to others
General Rate
Choose this rate if you have the financial capacity to sustain our ability to offer high-quality programs. The contributions we gratefully receive at this rate enable us to keep our prices low while covering the basic program costs.
This range is for you if you:
Have the capacity to meet your basic financial needs
Make your rent or mortgage and other monthly payments
Are generally able to purchase new items and experiences for yourself
Can afford to take trips and go on retreats
Access Rate
Choose an amount if you have limited financial capacity or are currently experiencing financial hardship. The contributions we gratefully receive at this rate go toward covering costs and are supported by contributions of those who choose the Pay-It-Forward Rate.
This range is for you if you:
Have difficulty meeting your basic financial needs
Are experiencing housing, employment, or income instability
Live paycheck-to-paycheck and and lack money in times of need
Face challenges due to devaluation of your currency against the US dollar.
