10 Suttas That Every Practitioner Should Know
This 5-week course, led by Gullu Singh, offers a detailed exploration of ten foundational Buddhist suttas, integrating guided meditation, contemplative reading, and Dharma discussions to deepen understanding of the core principles of mindfulness, compassion, and the path to awakening.
Course Description
"Suttas are not meant to be 'sacred scriptures' that tell us what to believe. One should read them, listen to them, think about them, contemplate them, and investigate the present reality, the present experience with them. Then, and only then, can one insightfully know the truth beyond words."
– Venerable Sumedho
Join Gullu Singh for an enriching 5-week journey into some of the earliest preserved teachings of the Buddha. Together, we’ll explore ten foundational suttas—essential readings for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Dharma.
Rather than treating these texts as distant artifacts, we will engage with them as vibrant, living guides to the path of liberation and uncover the practical and profound insights of the Buddha and his disciples illuminating mindfulness, compassion, and the path to awakening.
Sessions will include:
Guided meditations to set good inner conditions or learning.
Contemplative reading exercises to engage with the teachings in a meditative process
Dharma talks to explain, elaborate and help integrate the teachings
Group discussions to foster connection and understanding
Whether you are new to Buddhism or a seasoned practitioner, this course provides an inspiring opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Dharma, guided by the enduring words of the Buddha.
Suttas to be covered:
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta: Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion
Samma Ditti Sutta (The Discourse on Wise View)
Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta: Instructions to Rahula
Kainiya Metta Sutta
Simile of the Mountain
Sallatha Sutta, The Arrow
Bahiya Sutta
Vitakkasanthana Sutta: The Removal of Distracting Thoughts
The Beauty Queen
Mangala Sutta (The Discourse on the Highest Blessings)
Facilitator
Gullu Singh (he/him) is a corporate real estate attorney and dedicated dharma practitioner. He teaches both secular and Buddhist classes, groups and retreats at Insight LA and Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He has taught mindfulness at the University of Southern California, has been a guest lecturer at UCLA Law School and has taught mindfulness in law firms, bar associations and corporate settings. He is a graduate the 4-year Spirit Rock Teacher Training Program focused on teaching in retreat settings as well as Spirit Rock’s Dedicated Practitioner Program. He is also trained to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Gullu is deeply inspired to share meditation in the legal and corporate community as an antidote to stress, a way to cope more effectively with the challenges of work and life and to inject more sanity, compassion and wisdom into this world.
Key Information
Meets for 5 weeks on Mondays from 5:00-6:30 p.m. PST beginning on January 27th.
All meeting dates are: January 27th, February 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th.
Registration for this event will close on January 24th.
This offering is shared on a tiered based contribution scale. No one will be turned away due to financial need.
This course will be recorded and recordings will be shared with all registered participants.