The Nalandabodhi Study Curriculum provides a comprehensive
introduction to Buddhism and deepens the understanding of the
teachings in stages, by systematically leading students through a
complete overview of the ground, path, and fruition of the three
yana journey. The main study curriculum is divided into studies of
the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana teachings respectively. A
detailed outline of the classes, modules and courses is available
below and by following the links.
Course Outline
Courses and classes are identified by number to indicate the
ideal sequence of study. It is not necessary that the sequence of
courses be taken in order, but the sequence is designed to display
an ideal path from foundation through advanced studies. 400 level
classes do have prerequisites. The following table provides links
to each of the four levels of course work.
| Number |
Curriculum |
| INT 100 |
An Introduction To Buddhism: Discovering The Heart Of
Enlightenment |
| HIN 200 |
Hinayana: The Path Of The Noble Ones |
| MAH 300 |
Mahayana: Compassion Without Limit |
| VAJ 400 |
Vajrayana View: Devotion And Enlightenment |
INT 100 Introduction to Buddhism
The introductory classes explore the
basic principles underlying all the different schools of Buddhism,
laying the foundation for deeper studies in subsequent courses.
These classes cover topics such as "What Is Buddhism", "The Life of
the Buddha", "The Causes of Suffering and Its Cessation", "Karma",
"Emotions", and "The Practice of Mindfulness." It also introduces
students to the fundamentals of Buddhist meditative practices.
HIN 200 Hinayana
Hinayana studies are the foundation for Buddhist learning. The
Four Marks of Existence --impermanence, suffering, defilement, and
egolessness -- distinguish Buddhism from other religions. The Four
Noble Truths explain suffering, the origin of suffering, the
cessation of suffering and the path that leads to that cessation.
In Hinayana, we also find a detailed analysis of ourselves, as
individuals, and of the world in which we live. Furthermore,
Hinayana teachings include the study of Buddhist ethics and
society, as well as serving as a bridge to the Mahayana and
Vajrayana teachings.
MAH 300 Mahayana
The Mahayana Teachings introduce the topics of the vast conduct
of great compassion and profound view of emptiness view. We study
the different views of the Mahayana schools, where the famous
Madhyamaka doctrines are introduced. The classes on the Mahayana
Path cover the four mindfulnesses, the bodhisattva vows and
practices, and the mind training. This level of coursework
concludes with a discussion of the paths, bhumis and Mahayana
enlightenment.
VAJ 400 Vajrayana
Vajrayana Buddhism is the innermost essence of the Mahayana
Teachings of the Buddha. This course is mainly focused on the view
of Vajrayana and provides an introduction to the different levels
of the Vajrayana path, as well as Mahamudra and Dzogchen. In order
to have a proper understanding and realization in Vajrayana
practice, one must rely on genuine knowledge and wisdom of the
three yana view, meditation, and action. It is necessary for each
individual student to learn this section of the three yana
curriculum with his or her own individual Vajrayana master.
