 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. After optional introductory courses, the main study
curriculum is divided into three years of 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.
Introduction
to Buddhism (curriculum
100 series courses)
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.
Introductory
classes.
Hinayana
(curriculum 200 series courses)
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.
Hinayana
course outline.
Mahayana
(curriculum
300 series courses)
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.
Mahayana
course outline.
Vajrayana
(curriculum
400 series courses)
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.
Vajrayana
course outline.
Course
Outlines
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.
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