Befriending the Suttas: Learning Directly from the Buddha
A six session class, Nov. 2026 - Feb. 2027
Befriending the Suttas is a six-session course designed to help people become familiar with some of the suttas (discourses) that are key to the Theravada Buddhist path. We will rely on translations from Bhikkhu Bodhi, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, and Bhikkhu Sujato.
For many who have been meditating for a while, there comes a time when they are interested in reading the original teachings from the Buddha, rather than only hearing teachers’ interpretations of them. Having current-day teachers is important, but it is also freeing to realize that each of us can benefit from understanding for ourselves what the Buddha taught. Reading a sutta that is the source for a teaching you’ve heard about and practiced can be an uplifting and eye-opening experience. There can be a fun sense of “Oh, the Buddha really taught that!”
The suttas are sometimes challenging to read on one’s own, so having a group structure to do so can be extremely beneficial. Before each session, students will be provided with specific suttas that we will consider together when we meet. Each session will begin with meditation.
The sessions will be held at 9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, Middleton, WI, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on six Sundays:
Sunday, November 15 & 29, 2026
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Sunday, January 10 & 24, 2027
Sunday, February 7, 2027
There is a several-week break in December to hopefully accommodate holiday travel plans.
Participants are requested to register only if you feel confident you will be able to attend almost all sessions, as the content will be sequential and cumulative.
To register, please indicate your interest by sending your name and email address to cittasubha@gmail.com. Please register as soon as possible (so I can judge if there is sufficient interest), and no later than November 7, 2026, so I can send additional information and the first sutta before the first session on November 15.
With metta,
Jan Cittasubha Sheppard
cittasubha@gmail.com