Buddhist Studies Summer Program

July 7 – August 15, 2008 (6 weeks)

This program is a full immersion into the theory and practice of Buddhism. In the unique setting of both a Buddhist monastery and (during the latter part of the seminar) a traditional retreat center, students are introduced to both classical Buddhist scholarship and meditation training. In this way, the course offers students firsthand experience with many key aspects of Buddhist training, which are otherwise rarely accessible to lay-students.

Classes are structured as a combination of traditional Tibetan-style classroom lectures on fundamental Buddhist topics and texts, along with instruction on their practical application through meditation training. The daily meditation sessions are an important aspect of the course and provide a personal perspective to the philosophical content of the lectures.

During the last two weeks of the program, the course shifts to Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery's traditional meditation retreat center near Pharping, a picturesque village on the southern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. During this period, the main focus of the classroom lectures shifts to practical meditation instruction and a major part of the day is spent in contemplation and group meditation practice.

Lectures are delivered in Tibetan by Khenpos and Lamas (senior monastic lecturers) from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, and are translated into English. Teachers and translators are all faculty members at CBS.

The level of intensity of the program is high and students are expected to invest considerable time and effort in order to meet class requirements and academic expectations. The complete course is awarded academic credit at the Centre for Buddhist Studies for the course in Buddhist Philosophy and Hermeneutics I (6 credits).

Tuition

US$ 1760. Price includes tuition, meals and accommodation during the last two weeks of the program, lunch at the Institute’s restaurant, and tours.

CBS will assist all students in finding accommodation at nearby guesthouses in Boudhanath where they can stay comfortably and inexpensively during the first four weeks of the program.

Application

To apply, please click here