Mission-driven, non-profit, and community-supported, Lion’s Roar provides Buddhist teachings, news, and perspectives so that the understanding and practice of Buddhism flourishes in today’s world and its timeless wisdom is accessible to all. We do this by providing as many entry points as we can: through our print and digital publications, our website, video, social media, online courses, practice retreats, and more. We try to bring dharma to people right where they are, knowing what a difference it can make in their lives.
About Lion’s Roar
Lion’s Roar Foundation is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the United States, and a not-for-profit, charitable organization in Canada. We are mission-driven and community-supported.
Taking Refuge
in Your Body
Hosted by Cyndi Lee
About Naropa University
Join Naropa University’s Wisdom Traditions faculty in a contemplative learning experience as they illuminate the Buddha’s foundational teachings and help awaken the spirit of personal inquiry.
By combining contemplative practice and academic study you’ll gain deep insight into the nature of mind and emotions, the bodhisattva path of wisdom and compassion, and buddhanature.
The latest online course from Lion’s Roar features insight meditation practitioner and teacher JoAnna Hardy.
The Buddhist word metta is often translated into English as “Loving-Kindness”, this course explores the practice of metta that offers an opportunity to develop inner calm and focus. This centuries-old meditation technique can be a tool for those struggling with the suffering of the world. It is a way to make sense of the helplessness and turn it into action. It is a powerful tool for reflection and action in situations where you may feel helpless.
Learn how to cultivate more compassion and kindness – towards yourself and the world – in this new online course from Lion’s Roar.
Imagine a World with More Love
…It Begins with You.
How to Cultivate a Loving Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Metta is taught by JoAnna Hardy, meditation practitioner and teacher. Together with Lion’s Roar, she guides you through all you need to know to begin and deepen the practice of loving-kindness meditation.
Journey into the heart of the Buddha’s teachings
“This was a fantastic course... the production values were amazing. I would happily invest in another Lion’s Roar course.”
Journey into the heart of the Buddha’s teachings
About Lion’s Roar
–previous online course participant
Join Naropa University’s Wisdom Traditions faculty in a transformational learning experience as they illuminate the Buddha’s foundational teachings and help awaken the spirit of personal inquiry.
By combining contemplative practice and academic study you’ll gain deep insight into the nature of mind and emotions, the bodhisattva path of wisdom and compassion, and buddhanature.
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs that integrate Eastern wisdom studies and the arts with traditional Western scholarship.
Taking Refuge
in Your Body
Hosted by Cyndi Lee
ABOUT THE THREE TURNINGS OF THE WHEEL SERIES
The Three Turnings of the Wheel delivers the heart of Naropa University’s Buddhist studies program in a convenient online environment. It’s like having a Naropa University classroom in the comfort of your home, available on your own schedule.
The series is designed for anyone seeking a deeper, more complete understanding of the historical roots and central pillars of the Buddhist tradition. Those familiar with modern day and secular presentations of mindfulness will discover its foundation in the Buddhist tradition of compassion practice and training the mind.
Bring together deep study with contemplative practice in four 6-week long courses, carefully created to spark insight and encourage greater self-awareness in your life and practice.
The Three Turnings of the Wheel series includes:
THE FIRST TURNING OF THE WHEEL
The Nature of Mind and Emotions
Throughout this 6-week course, you will enjoy stories about the Buddha’s life while learning about the historical, social, and spiritual context in which the Buddhadharma arose. You will also explore the foundational teachings of Indian Buddhism. With Amelia Hall
THE FIRST TURNING OF THE WHEEL
The Nature of Mind and Emotions
Trace the Buddha’s discoveries and cultivate an understanding of foundational teachings with Amelia Hall
THE FIRST TURNING OF THE WHEEL
The Nature of Mind and Emotions
Throughout this 6-week course, you will enjoy stories about the Buddha’s life while learning about the historical, social, and spiritual context in which the Buddhadharma arose. You will also explore the foundational teachings of Indian Buddhism. With Amelia Hall
Participate in a learning experience like no other from the nation’s leader in contemplative higher education. Naropa’s Wisdom Traditions faculty are distinguished for their research, scholarly output, and personal insight.
Meet your instructors for the Three Turnings of the Wheel series:
PHIL STANLEY
Professor, Religious Studies
Course 2: The Second Turning of the Wheel
With each course in The Three Turnings of the Wheel
you will receive:
AMELIA HALL
Assistant Professor, Religious Studies
Course 1: The First Turning of the Wheel
Course 3: The Third Turning of the Wheel
JUDITH SIMMER-BROWN
Distinguished Professor of Contemplative Religious Studies
PLUS: Flight of the Swans
Throughout The Third Turning of the Wheel, you will explore the development of the Yogacara School and seminal teachings on buddhanature through a preliminary study of key texts, along with guided meditation and contemplation exercises to help you deepen your understanding.
COURSE 3 CURRICULUM
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Week 1:
• Get an overview of the of the historical, doctrinal, and spiritual dimensions of the third turning of the wheel of dharma
• Review the Mahayana bodhisattva path including excerpts from primary sources in translation
• Introduce the three Turnings and explain key terms important in the study of the third turning teachings
Week 2:
• Learn historical and biographical accounts of two key figures in the third turning teachings, Asanga and Vasubandhu
• Examine a variety of ways in which the two philosophical schools of Yogacara and Madhyamaka react to one another
• Gain an overview of important texts considered classic works of the Yogacara School in Indo-Tibetan and East Asian contexts.
Week 3:
• Learn the Yogacara development of the eight-consciousness model, as well as the mind-knowledge and storehouse consciousness
• The Yogacara development of the three natures, the imaginary, the dependent, and the accomplished
• Hear about classic Buddhist Mahayana examples of illusions such as optical illusions, magic tricks, dreams, and rainbows
Week 4:
• Hear a preliminary summary the Saṃdhinirmocana Sūtra
• Overview of the ten chapters translated from the Tibetan version of the sutra.
Week 5:
• Introduction, summary, and review the three reasons why all beings have buddhanature
• Introduction and summary of the fourth ‘Vajra Point’ and the nine examples of buddhanature
• Introduction and summary of the fourth ‘Vajra Point’ and the five reasons and errors
Week 6:
Using the Uttaratantra, The Sublime Continuum as a starting point to further explore the seven ‘Vajra Points’ contained within this scripture
• Introduction and summary of the fifth ‘Vajra Point’
• Introduction and summary of the sixth ‘Vajra Point’
• Introduction and summary of the seventh ‘Vajra Point’, and provide an introduction of the synthesis of buddhanature as a bridge between sutra and tantra.
The Contemplative Study Series is designed for anyone who wants a more well-rounded understanding of Buddhism and meditation. It doesn’t matter whether you follow a certain lineage or no lineage at all. Eager learners, spiritual practitioners, meditation teachers—all are welcomed, regardless of background. This series presents a wonderful opportunity for university students and teachers of Buddhism, Eastern Religion, and Comparative World Religions to experience Buddhism in a contemplative context setting.
Can I take more than 6 weeks to finish the course?
We aim to provide a contemplative approach to learning—discovering new insights is an unfolding process. Take as much time as you need to work through the course, and come back to the material as often as you’d like. Amelia says that she continues to learn new things from this subject, even after 20 years!
I’m interested in the whole series. Did I miss the First and Second Turning courses?
When you enroll in the complete series, you receive unlimited access to all four courses. The courses are being released in sequence to facilitate continuity and to schedule live sessions with the instructors. But with lifetime access you can return to any course on your own schedule. Live sessions will be recorded and available to all students.
Can I earn continuing education credits for this series?
While this course doesn’t offer such credits, you can earn a Certificate of Accomplishment signed by the instructor. Qualifying for that requires completing the entire course, and fulfilling all meditation practices and enrichment activities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It’s for students—and teachers—of Buddhism, Eastern Religion, Comparative World Religions, and of mindfulness meditation. With that said, the path of wisdom and compassion is for everyone. So if this course resonates with you, we encourage you to sign up for it. No prior experience with meditation or Buddhism is necessary. If you’re new to meditation, you’ll definitely benefit from the practice instructions provided in the course. More experienced practitioners will appreciate the balance between scholarly study and meditative investigation.
Who is this course for?
Does the courses in this series follow a specific lineage or tradition?
Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule!
THE SECOND TURNING OF THE WHEEL
The Bodhisattva Path
Why is the relationship between wisdom and compassion so important in Buddhism? In this six-week course, you’ll discover increasingly profound answers. You’ll also explore the bodhisattva vow, along with the history of Buddhism’s Tibetan and East Asian schools. The weekly enrichment activities and peer discussions will offer you plenty of opportunities to further your learnings. With Phil Stanley
THE SECOND TURNING OF THE WHEEL
The Bodhisattva Path
Explore the path of the bodhisattva as the union of wisdom and compassion with Phil Stanley
THE SECOND TURNING OF THE WHEEL
The Bodhisattva Path
Why is the relationship between wisdom and compassion so important in Buddhism? In this six-week course, you’ll discover increasingly profound answers. You’ll also explore the bodhisattva vow, along with the history of Buddhism’s Tibetan and East Asian schools. The weekly enrichment activities and peer discussions will offer you plenty of opportunities to further your learnings. With Phil Stanley
THE THIRD TURNING OF THE WHEEL
Mind Only and Buddhanature
According to Mahayana Buddhism, all beings without exception have buddhanature–the inherent purity of mind and seed of enlightenment. Faced with confusion and negativity in the world every day, what does it really mean to say that our true nature is already perfectly awake? In this six week course you will explore the good news of Mahayana Buddhism, which teaches that the confusion and negativity we experience is temporary and removable–merely obscurations of the true nature of mind, like passing clouds in front of the sun. Led by Amelia Hall.
THE THIRD TURNING OF THE WHEEL
Mind Only and Buddhanature
Examine the foundations of the third turning, the development of the Yogācāra School, and buddhanature with Amelia Hall
FLIGHT OF THE SWANS
Dharma Comes West
Get a grip on the history, evolution, impact, and sustainability of Buddhism in North America.
Flight of the Swans explains the origins and evolution of Buddhism in North America, its traditions of practice and training, and its impact on society. The course also focuses on the development and distinctive qualities of socially engaged Buddhism in response to issues of gender, race, power, and the climate crisis.
With Judith Simmer-Brown.
FLIGHT OF THE SWANS
Dharma Comes West
Track themes of the dharma’s transmission from Asia to America, and survey how Buddhism influences American culture (and in turn is influenced by it) with Judith Simmer-Brown
FLIGHT OF THE SWANS
Dharma Comes West
Track themes of the dharma’s transmission from Asia to America, and survey how Buddhism influences American culture (and in turn is influenced by it) with Judith Simmer-Brown
FLIGHT OF THE SWANS
Dharma Comes West
Get a grip on the history, evolution, impact, and sustainability of Buddhism in North America.
Flight of the Swans explains the origins and evolution of Buddhism in North America, its traditions of practice and training, and its impact on society. The course also focuses on the development and distinctive qualities of socially engaged Buddhism in response to issues of gender, race, power, and the climate crisis.
With Judith Simmer-Brown.
AMELIA HALL gained her PhD in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies from the University of Oxford in 2012. She has led courses on Buddhism as an online religious studies faculty member at Central Michigan University, and she has served as a faculty member teaching the history of Indian Buddhism for Antioch University’s Buddhist Studies Abroad program in Bodhgaya, India. A dharma practitioner for 20 years, she is a contributor to the Brill Encyclopedia of Buddhism and the forthcoming Oxford Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Amelia is currently working on a book related to her research on tantric Buddhist landscapes in the Eastern Himalayas.
PHIL STANLEY gained his PhD in Religious Studies in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism from the University of Virginia. He is also Dean of Academic Affairs and authorized teacher of Nitartha Institute, devoted to translating the entire Tibetan monastic college curriculum of the Kagyu tradition into English and to training and authorizing Western teachers of that curriculum. He is a recipient of a Fulbright-Hays scholarship. Phil is the author of Primer of Classical Literary Tibetan, which is used in language classes at Naropa, and he does Tibetan textual translation for Nitartha Institute courses.
JUDITH SIMMER-BROWN is a founding faculty member at Naropa University, Judith is also Senior Advisor to the Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education. She co-chairs the Contemplative Studies Steering Committee for the American Academy of Religion, and serves on the Board of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies. Judith is the author of Dakini’s Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism (Shambhala) and editor, with Fran Grace, of Meditation and the Classroom: Contemplative Pedagogy for Religious Studies (SUNY).
PLUS
Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule!
ABOUT THE THREE TURNINGS OF THE WHEEL SERIES
With each course in The Three Turnings of the Wheel you will receive:
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Participate in a learning experience like no other from the nation’s leader in contemplative higher education. Naropa’s Wisdom Traditions faculty are respected for their research, scholarly output, and personal insight.
Meet your instructors for the Three Turnings of the Wheel series:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the courses in this series follow a specific lineage or tradition?
The Contemplative Study Series is designed for anyone who wants a more well-rounded understanding of Buddhism and meditation. It doesn’t matter whether you follow a certain lineage or no lineage at all. Eager learners, spiritual practitioners, meditation teachers—all are welcomed, regardless of background. This series presents a wonderful opportunity for university students and teachers of Buddhism, Eastern Religion, and Comparative World Religions to experience Buddhism in a contemplative context setting.
Can I take more than 6 weeks to finish the course?
We aim to provide a contemplative approach to learning—discovering new insights is an unfolding process. Take as much time as you need to work through the course, and come back to the material as often as you’d like. Amelia says that she continues to learn new things from this subject, even after 20 years!
I’m interested in the whole series. Did I miss the First and Second Turning courses?
When you enroll in the complete series, you receive unlimited access to all four courses. The courses are being released in sequence to facilitate continuity and to schedule live sessions with the instructors. But with lifetime access you can return to any course on your own schedule. Live sessions will be recorded and available to all students.
Can I earn continuing education credits for this series?
While this course doesn’t offer such credits, you can earn a Certificate of Accomplishment signed by the instructor. Qualifying for that requires completing the entire course, and fulfilling all meditation practices and enrichment activities.
“This was a fantastic course... the production values were amazing. I would happily invest in another Lion’s Roar course.”
$139/mo
The Three Turnings of the Wheel series
All 4 courses
3 Monthly Payments (totalling $417)
PAYMENT PLAN
$796
$399
About Naropa University
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs that integrate Eastern wisdom studies and the arts with traditional Western scholarship.
PLUS
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
6 weeks of video classes with your Naropa University instructor (about 1 hour total per week, in a few short sessions)
2 live discussions with your instructor
Full transcripts of each session
Weekly deep dive readings to expand your understanding
Short quizzes to support your reflection and comprehension
Weekly contemplation or meditation to help enrich your experience
Moderated discussion board with your peers
Certificate of Accomplishment
Preview the course now!
Wheel of Life Part 1
Throughout this six-week course, you’ll learn–or rediscover–the historical, social, and spiritual context in which the dharma arose. Supported by discussion and guided practices, you’ll explore the view, practice, and foundational roots of the Buddha’s early teachings.
Your instructor, Naropa University’s Amelia Hall, will walk you through key texts and discourses, contemplations and guided meditation. Her scholarly knowledge, combined with 20 years of personal experience as a practitioner, offer invaluable insight on the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the nature of mind and emotions, and more.
Preview the course now!
Wheel of Life Part 1
Preview the course now!
Wheel of Life Part 1
By completing The First Turning of the Wheel, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of Buddhism’s historical roots and seminal teachings.
COURSE 1 CURRICULUM
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Week 1: The Spiritual Landscape of Ancient India
Gain historical, social, and spiritual knowledge of the context in which Buddhism arose; Learn details of the Buddha’s life story; Develop skill in reading foundational Buddhist texts
Week 2: The Four Noble Truths
Gain an in-depth understanding of the four noble truths; Develop ways of understanding how suffering occurs; Cultivate insight into patterns of craving that cause dissatisfaction in your own life
Week 3: Buddhist Cosmology
Gain understanding of the components of “existence” according to the Buddhist system; Cultivate insight into how habitual patterns are perpetuated; Learn how to work with difficult emotions
Week 4: What Is a Person? Introduction to the Abhidhamma
Gain an understanding of early Buddhist psychology; Cultivate insight into the nature of thoughts and emotions; Develop ways to work with the core Buddhist teachings on selflessness
Week 5: Foundational Buddhist Meditation
Be able to identify the purpose of mindfulness practice according to its Buddhist roots; Begin to develop your own mindfulness practice; Identify common hindrances to meditation practice
Week 6: The Sangha
Understand why the Buddha employed various teaching methods; Learn about the ethical considerations of the Buddhist sangha; Explore the role of women in early Buddhism
According to Mahayana Buddhism, all beings without exception have buddhanature–the inherent purity of mind and seed of enlightenment. Faced with confusion and negativity in the world every day, what does it really mean to say that our true nature is already perfectly awake? In this six week course you will explore the good news of Mahayana Buddhism, which teaches that the confusion and negativity we experience is temporary and removable–merely obscurations of the true nature of mind, like passing clouds in front of the sun.
Join Amelia Hall, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies in the Wisdom Traditions Department at Naropa University, for a clear and accessible introduction to the historical, philosophical, and spiritual view of the third turning of the wheel of dharma.
Each week includes three 20 minute video talks, accompanied by a discussion forum, supporting ‘deep dive’ readings, and contemplative practices. Your instructor will also host two live sessions online, offering a chance for a direct Q&A and discussion.
$149
The Third Turning of the Wheel
Mind Only and Buddhanature
SINGLE COURSE
$199
$149
Third Turning begins Nov. 4th
$149
The Third Turning of the Wheel
Mind Only and Buddhanature
SINGLE COURSE
$199
$149
Save 60% and pay only $349 for the complete series.
We think you’ll love this course, so we don’t want anything holding you back from enrolling. We’re therefore offering an unconditional 30-day guarantee: If you decide that this program isn’t right for you, we’ll give you a full refund within the first 30 days of the scheduled start date.
ABOUT THE THREE TURNINGS OF THE WHEEL SERIES
THE THIRD TURNING OF THE WHEEL
Mind Only and Buddhanature
According to Mahayana Buddhism, all beings without exception have buddhanature–the inherent purity of mind and seed of enlightenment. Faced with confusion and negativity in the world every day, what does it really mean to say that our true nature is already perfectly awake? In this six week course you will explore the good news of Mahayana Buddhism, which teaches that the confusion and negativity we experience is temporary and removable–merely obscurations of the true nature of mind, like passing clouds in front of the sun. Led by Amelia Hall.
$149
The Three Turnings of the Wheel series
All 4 courses
PAYMENT PLAN
$796
$139/mo
3 Monthly Payments (totalling $417)
$149
The Third Turning of the Wheel
Mind Only and Buddhanature
SINGLE COURSE
$199
$149
Third Turning begins Nov. 4th
Enroll in the Complete Series and Save 60%!
Enroll in the Complete Series and Save 50%!
The Third Turning of the Wheel begins on November 4, 2019. Enroll today to claim your registration discount and reserve your seat.
Enroll in the Complete Series and Save 60%!
$139/mo
The Three Turnings of the Wheel series
All 4 courses
3 Monthly Payments (totalling $417)
PAYMENT PLAN
$796
$399
The latest online course from Lion’s Roar features insight meditation practitioner and teacher JoAnna Hardy.
The Buddhist word metta is often translated into English as “Loving-Kindness”, this course explores the practice of metta that offers an opportunity to develop inner calm and focus. This centuries-old meditation technique can be a tool for those struggling with the suffering of the world. It is a way to make sense of the helplessness and turn it into action. It is a powerful tool for reflection and action in situations where you may feel helpless.
Learn how to cultivate more compassion and kindness – towards yourself and the world – in this new online course from Lion’s Roar.
How to Cultivate a Loving Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Metta is taught by JoAnna Hardy, meditation practitioner and teacher. Together with Lion’s Roar, she guides you through all you need to know to begin and deepen the practice of loving-kindness meditation.
$139/mo
The Three Turnings of the Wheel series
All 4 courses
3 Monthly Payments (totalling $417)
PAYMENT PLAN
$796
$399
$149
The Three Turnings of the Wheel series
All 4 courses
PAYMENT PLAN
$796
$139/mo
3 Monthly Payments (totalling $417)
Enroll in the Complete Series and Save 60%!
$149
The Three Turnings of the Wheel series
All 4 courses
PAYMENT PLAN
$796
$139/mo
3 Monthly Payments (totalling $417)