Dharma 101: An Introduction to Buddhist Practice
The purpose of this course is to embody the spirit of practicing the Buddha’s teachings. Through gradual cultivation, we can develop a sense of inner peace and stability in our daily lives. From this stable foundation, deeper insight and realization can naturally unfold.
Each class begins with 10–20 minutes of sitting meditation, followed by a clear and accessible introduction to key Dharma principles. The instructor will gently guide beginners step by step into both meditation and the study of the teachings, with space for reflection and discussion.
Schedule:
Wednesdays, 7:30–8:30 PM
Please refer to the class schedule below to see the first day of the class
Free of charge
About the teacher:
Ms. Iris Wang has been a Chan meditation practitioner since 1992 when she began her practice with Chan Master Sheng Yen. She has participated in many intensive meditation retreats with Master Sheng Yen at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in New York and several Dharma retreats at the Bodhi Monastery in New Jersey. Iris became certified as a meditation teacher in 2003 and has been teaching Chan Buddhist meditation since then. Iris leads Sunday morning meditations, teaches classes for beginners, and lectures on the Dharma at Chan Hall in Wheeling, Illinois, the home or center of the Chicago Chapter of Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (DDMBA).
Full Year Schedule:
• Fall 1: September 9 – October 21, 2026
• Fall 2: November 11 – December 16, 2026
• Winter 1: January 13 – February 24, 2027
• Winter 2: March 3 – April 7, 2027
• Spring 1: April 14 – May 19, 2027
• Spring 2: May 26 – June 30, 2027
• No class in summer
Registration:
First-time students are required to send an application for the class. Click here to register.
If you have any questions, please contact Iris Wang via email: iwang123@yahoo.com.