ACI Reno Diamond Heart Center, Reno, Nevada

ACI Formal Study Course 8

Death and the Realms of Existence

(Level two of Higher Knowledge, Abhidharma)

“Death and the realms of Existence ”

Welcome to the Star Trek of the ACI course series! This is one of the most fascinating of all the courses, taking us on a journey through all the different realms of existence and the kinds of beings that reside in each realm (think of that famous bar scene in Star Wars!) and what causes rebirth in such realms. In addition we will look at how world systems form, evolve and are destroyed, what eons are, and where we might be right now in that vast order. We will also explore some principles of karma, and the nature of the bardo state, the state in between death and rebirth and how to influence that in your present life.

This Course is based upon the Treasure House of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Kosha) by Master Vasubandhu (350 AD), along with its commentary by the First Dalai Lama, as well as sections of the Great Book of the Steps to Buddhahood (Lamrim Chenmo) by Je Tsongkapa (1357-1419).

Dates: Every  Thursday Evening starting on Nov 10, 2011 (11 sessions)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center
Instructor: Beverle Deerfoot
Registration & Information: 775-848-2158
Course Flier: ACI course 8 Flier >

Listen and download to all audio files here:

There are no prerequisites for attendance, and homeworks, quizzes and final for this course are highly recommended, but are not required.

Taught by Beverle Deerfoot

Please call Beverle at 775-848-2158 for more information. Pre registration is appreciated.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per class for this course; no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Dharma is always free. Your donation helps support Diamond Heart Center and teaching expenses.

Beverle Deerfoot has completed the 18 courses of the open teachings (The 18 ACI Formal Study Courses) and the 18 courses of the higher teachings, under the guidance of her teacher, Lama Sumati Marut.

The 18 courses of the Asian Classics Institute were compiled and translated by Geshe Michael Roach from his 20 years of training in the Gelupka tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (the lineage of the Dalai Lamas), in monasteries in India and with his teacher Khen Rinpoche. Free online courses are available at The Knowledge Base or the Asian Classics Institute.