A Journey of Dharma Exploration that is Straightforward, Humorous, and Touches the Heart.
中文報名表請點：
https://neti.cc/pNvMl06Have you ever been curious about the Dharma, but didn't know where to start? Or on your learning path, have you always felt the lack of a systematic guide that can be applied to daily life and actual practice?
Welcome to the "Introduction to Buddhism" English study group, personally led by Nalandabodhi's senior practice instructor, Karunika Joshua Erickson (Josh).
Josh has been a student of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche for over thirty years and is known for his teaching style that is direct, humorous, and deeply relevant to modern life. He excels at transforming profound Dharma teachings into clear, practical guidance for daily living.
This Study Group is especially for you if you:- Wishing to systematically study the Dharma, starting from the very beginning of Prince Siddhartha’s journey toward awakening;
- Are filled with curiosity or questions about life, your own mind, and the world;
- Long to deeply understand the root of your own emotions and afflictions;
- Hope to establish a clear and correct view before practicing meditation;
Course FeaturesThis study group series begins its learning journey following the "Nalandabodhi Study Path" curriculum designed by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. This series of courses not only presents the Dharma in a lively and fresh way using modern language, but most importantly, each chapter and topic in the book includes a section that progressively guides the reader through simple, subtle, yet powerful actual meditation practices.
Participants of this study group will start by building a systematic foundation for learning with the
Four English introductory books: Introduction to Buddhism 101-104. Afterward, you will also be able to continue reading and studying the detailed contents of the Foundational Vehicle and the Mahayana in-depth with Josh.
The Chinese books can be purchased online or at the nalandabodhi taipei.
《佛陀佛陀請開門》：https://www.ddc.com.tw/book/detail.php?id=1525
《沒有我時我是誰》：https://www.ddc.com.tw/book/detail.php?id=2594
The English eBooks are available for purchase on Apple Books and Google Play Store. You can find them
https://digitaldharma.nalandabodhi.org/source-texts/Thoughtful Design: Removing All Barriers to Learning- Flexible Learning Support: The course is taught entirely in English, with Chinese and English textbooks available—choose what works best for you.
- No Worries if You Miss a Class: The entire course will be recorded, and replays will be available for one week after each session, so you can review anytime during that period and not miss any key points.
- Easy to Participate: The course is free of charge. Your generous donations to support our ongoing operations are welcome.
Study Group Schedule:
Starting from
November 21, 2025, the group will meet
every Friday from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Taipei Time (GMT+8) continuing weekly until
Introduction to Buddhism 101-104 have been completed.
How to Participate:
You're welcome to join us
in person at nalandabodhi taipei (1F, No. 5, Mingde Road, Taipei), or
online via Zoom.
It is strongly recommended that students read the corresponding chapter before class. This will allow for more in-depth discussion.
Course Instructor: Karunika Joshua Erickson
Born in Minnesota, USA, Karunika Josh holds a Master of Arts degree in Buddhism, from Naropa University, established by Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. He lived at NalandaWest, the center of Nalandabodhi mandala, for many years as a close, Vajrayana student of Dzogchen Ponlop, Rinpoche. Josh served as the personal assistant to dpr from 2010 to 2014: living with, working for and studying under Rinpoche, daily.
With over 30 years of daily meditation practice, he has been appointed to be a Practical Instructor (P.I.) from nalandabodhi, and provided individual and group meditation guidance worldwide for more than 20 years. Currently, he lives in Taipei with his family, and has been responsible for providing teachings & practical instructions at the nalandabodhi taipei.
We sincerely welcome you to join us and embark on this spiritual journey together!Contact us at nbtaipei2013@gmail.com
