We are following COVID-19 protocols

Buddhism Basics:
The Path of Practice

with teacher Melissa Coats

Nov 3 - Dec 22, 2025, Mondays 6 - 7:15pm PST

This is an online series of core principles on the path of awakening. The framework of samsara, karma, the 4 Noble Truths, the 8-Fold Noble Path, and more will be shared in a way that is suitable for folks newer to the Dharma as well as those interested in reviewing or deepening their understanding of the path of practice as it applies to all aspects of life. Each session will include a meditation, Dharma talk, and discussion. These offerings are rooted in the teachings of the historical Buddha (the Theravadan Buddhist tradition/Teachings of the Elders). Spiritual friendship, optional readings and regular meditation practice will be encouraged.

Teacher

Melissa Coats, aka “Mel”, is a devoted, long-time Dharma practitioner, living a life of practice and service. Seven years ago she gave up conventional home life and career to go forth and delve deeply into the Dharma. She has lived in long-term practice at monasteries in Myanmar, including time as an ordained nun, and has given over a year of residential volunteer service to the community at Dhamma Dena. She currently lives giving service at a small Buddhist hermitage for long-term practice. She identifies as mixed-race Asian American and queer, and she was empowered to teach in 2020 by Arinna Weisman.

Recommended Commitment

We will meet weekly on Mondays from 6 - 7:15pm PST from November 3 - Dec 22nd, 2025. It is recommended that you join from the beginning for the whole course, as each session builds upon the previous ones. Recordings will be posted in the Retreat Resources sent to all who register, so if you miss one, you can watch the recording to catch up before the next class. Dhamma Dena has morning and evening drop-in meditations that are optional to join to support with establishing a daily practice during the course.

Dana

Mel offers her teaching on a Dana basis and receives no compensation. Offerings to Mel support her livelihood and help her continue the invaluable sharing of the Dhamma.

Dana is a word in the ancient Pali language which means Generous Giving, which the Buddha tells us is a heart quality that arises from our gratitude and deep connection to each other. The practice of Dana has sustained and passed down the Buddhist teachings for over 2,500 years. In this lineage historically and today, mutual interdependence between teachers and community is practiced as the teachers offer teachings to the community out of generosity, and the community supports the teachers and the centers to continue their practice and teachings, generously giving to the level of their ability. The practice of Dana invites us to disrupt the transactional consumer economy where everything and everyone is commodified and to live into a world where we can support all beings, and the planet, through generosity and care.

How to give dana: Your gifts are deeply appreciated!

Donations to Mel
- PayPal: paypal.me/danaformel
  Venmo: @melissapcoats

Donations to Dhamma Dena
- - You can donate to Dhamma Dena online through paypal or venmo (@Dhamma-Dena). Offerings will go towards ensuring that future retreats will be able to continue, open to all who want to come practice, regardless of ability to pay. Please put "Buddhism Basics" in the memo.

Questions? Please contact us at retreats@dhammadena.org