Sometimes, there are requests for notes for my Dharma classes, by those who have not attended them. Usually, I decline, while encouraging them to sign up for the classes. (Another thing I discourage is the assumption that printed Powerpoint slides are equivalent to a whole course – when they only highlight some points.) The reason for this is because there are huge differences between written words and classes where there is show and tell, imbued personally with proper tone for emphasis. There is so much more beyond printed words. If written words are exactly the same as the classes, there would be no need to hold the classes in the first place – and schools would be unnecessary.
The best elements of a good class are delivered with spirit during the class, while written words read with one’s preferred perception cannot deliver the same essence. (Isn’t this why we all wish to meet the Buddha in person?) Hundreds of pages of lifeless notes also cannot compare with a skilled teacher’s ability to distill the key elements for easier and focused understanding. It’s hard to imagine or explain the differences in full – until one attends a class to compare! I discourage mere audio recording too, because the visual facial and bodily expressions of the teacher can be crucial in delivering the taught material too.