Essential Buddhist Philosophy and Practice
Understand the core teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.
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About this course
Course contents
7 modules · 31 lessons · 3h
1
The Origins and the Teacher
Understand the historical context and the biography of the Buddha.
- Welcome to the Path
Overview of what Buddhism offers the modern seeker.5 min - The Language of Dharma
Introduction to essential terminology like Dharma, Sangha, and Buddha.6 min - Ancient India
The historical and social context into which Siddhartha Gautama was born.5 min - The Prince's Palace
Siddhartha's early life and the realization of life's fragility.5 min - The Great Search
The renunciation and the years of ascetic struggle.5 min - Awakening
The story of reaching Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.6 min
2
The Four Noble Truths
Master the core framework of Buddhist doctrine.
- The Reality of Dukkha
Understanding that dissatisfaction is an inherent part of life.6 min - The Root of Craving
Identifying attachment and desire as the causes of suffering.6 min - The Possibility of Peace
The concept of Nirodha—that suffering can indeed end.6 min - The Prescription
Introducing the Eightfold Path as the practical way out of suffering.6 min
3
The Eightfold Path
Explore the three pillars of Wisdom, Conduct, and Mental Discipline.
- Wisdom: Right View and Intention
Aligning your perspective and motivation with reality.6 min - Conduct: Right Speech and Action
How our words and deeds impact our mental state.6 min - Conduct: Right Livelihood
Choosing a way of life that does no harm.6 min - Discipline: Right Effort and Mindfulness
Cultivating helpful mental states and staying present.6 min - Discipline: Right Concentration
The role of focused meditation in stabilizing the mind.6 min
4
Philosophical Pillars
Understand how the universe and the self function in Buddhist thought.
- The Law of Karma
How intentional actions shape our future experiences.6 min - Cycles of Rebirth
The Buddhist perspective on the continuity of consciousness.6 min - Interdependent Origination
The concept that nothing exists in isolation; everything is connected.6 min - The Three Marks of Existence
Impermanence, suffering, and non-self as the nature of reality.6 min
5
The Practice of Meditation
Learn and apply foundational meditation techniques.
- What is Mindfulness?
Defining Sati and its role in daily awareness.6 min - The Anchor: Breath Meditation
Instructions on using the breath as a primary object of focus.6 min - Guided Practice Session
A short, structured breath meditation exercise.8 min - Working with the Wandering Mind
Techniques for handling distractions and thoughts during practice.6 min
6
Ethical Living (Sīla)
Apply Buddhist ethics to modern life and relationships.
- The Five Precepts
Foundational ethical guidelines for a harmonious life.6 min - Mindful Decision-Making
Using Sīla to navigate complex moral choices.6 min - Compassionate Relationships
Applying Buddhist principles to interpersonal communication.6 min - Generosity and Loving-Kindness
Cultivating an open heart toward oneself and others.6 min
7
Traditions and Integration
Differentiate between schools and build a personal practice.
- Theravada: The School of Elders
Focus on individual liberation and the Pali Canon.5 min - Mahayana: The Great Vehicle
The Bodhisattva ideal and universal compassion.5 min - Buddhism in the Modern World
How different traditions evolved and where they stand today.5 min - Your Daily Practice
Integrating philosophy, ethics, and meditation into a routine.5 min
The Mindful Life Blueprint
Design a personalized 7-day integration plan that incorporates one specific ethical guideline, a daily 10-minute breath meditation, and a reflection on one 'Right' from the Eightfold Path.
What you'll get
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Certificate of completion
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Audio version included
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Lifetime access
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Phone or computer
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14-day refund
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Short & focused
3h of practical content
Certificate of completion
Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.
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Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
How do I pay? +
By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.
Can I get a refund? +
Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
How long will I have access? +
Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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