Certificate in Buddhist Meditation

First Semester – Foundations in Buddhism

Module 1: Meditation – Calm Abiding Meditation – Explication and Practice: Part 1

Course Description

Students are guided through the first steps in traditional Buddhist calm-abiding meditation (śamatha), taking an external image of the Buddha as the focal support. Students learn the methods for concentrating their minds and calming their thoughts.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

• To notice and reduce distraction.
• To increase concentration.
• To develop a calmer, more pliant mind.

Course Components

The course is comprised of two main units:

1. Explication of:
   1. The benefits of focusing the mind on an image of the Buddha
   2. The methods for focusing the mind on the image of the Buddha
   3. The seven-point meditation posture
2. Practise in accordance with these

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Teachings
2. Oral examination
3. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a-a, a-b, a-c	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a-a, a-b, a-c	3×20

Module 2: History – The Life of the Buddha

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Course Description

Students learn about the life of Gautama Buddha Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. By following the birth, renunciation, enlightenment and teachings of Lord Buddha, students become familiar with the key tenets of Buddhism and their origins and develop respect and faith in their progenitor.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

• To understand the origins of Buddhism.
• To develop respect towards its founder, Buddha Sakyamuni.

Course Components

The course is comprised of three main units:

1. The manner of the birth of the Buddha
2. The traditional explication of His twelve deeds
3. The teachings of the Buddha

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Teachings
2. Oral examination
3. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks
or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a, b, c	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a, b, c	3×20

Module 3: Meditation – Calm Abiding Meditation – Explication and Practice: Part 2

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Course Description

Students are guided through the first steps in traditional Buddhist calm abiding (śamatha) meditation, taking a stone as the focal support. Students learn the methods for concentrating their minds and calming their thoughts.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

• To notice and reduce distraction.
• To increase concentration.
• To develop a calmer, more pliant mind.

Course Components

The course is comprised of two main units:

1. Explication of:
   1. The benefits of focusing the mind on a stone
   2. The methods for focusing the mind on a stone
2. Practise in accordance with these

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Teachings
2. Oral examination
3. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a-a, a-b	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a, b	3×20

Module 4: Philosophy – The Three Vehicles

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Course Description

Students learn about the three vehicles of Buddhism that correspond to the three turnings of the wheel of dharma: the lower vehicle (hinayana), the sutra vehicle (sutrayana) and the tantra vehicle (tantrayana). They will explore the differences between the view, meditation, and conduct unique to each vehicle, as well as ascertain their common grounding in Buddhist values.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

• To be exposed to the progressive profundity of Buddhist philosophy, practice and ethics.
• To foster an appreciation for the variety and depth of the Buddha’s teachings.
• To challenge one’s understanding of the outer world and inner mind.

Course Components

The course is comprised of three units:

1. The lesser vehicle – Turning the dharma wheel of the four noble truths
2. The sutra vehicle – Turning the dharma wheel of the absence of characteristics
3. The tantra vehicle – Turning the dharma wheel of proper differentiation

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Teachings
2. Oral examination
3. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or

Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a, b, c	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a, b, c	3×20

Module 5: Introduction to Tibetan / English Language – Beginner level

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Course Description

On the Tibetan language course, students learn to read and write classical Tibetan, and to speak colloquial Tibetan, starting with the Tibetan alphabet and simple spoken phrases. On the English language course, students learn to speak, read and write modern English, starting with the phonetic alphabet and simple spoken phrases. Both courses are suitable for complete beginners.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of the Tibetan course are:

• To gain a foundation in written and spoken Tibetan
• To be able to read Tibetan without relying on phonetic rendering
• To be able to introduce oneself and hold a simple conversation

The specific objectives of the English course are:

• To gain a foundation in written and spoken English
• To be able to read SATPIN + level phonetic books
• To be able to introduce oneself and hold a simple conversation

Course Components

The Tibetan course is comprised of two main units:

1. Written Tibetan:
   1. Recognising the alphabet
   2. Reading by spelling out
   3. Reading whole words
   4. Training in basic uchen script
2. Spoken Tibetan:
   1. Basic phrases, introductions, etc.
   2. Present, past and future simple tenses
   3. Dharma vocabulary

The English course is comprised of two main units:

1. Written English:
   1. Recognising the alphabet
   2. Reading through phonetics
   3. Reading whole words
   4. Training in basic non-cursive script b.
2. Spoken English:
   1. Basic phrases, introductions, etc.
   2. Present continuous, past simple and future simple tenses
   3. Dharma vocabulary

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

2. Teachings
3. Oral examination
4. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

2. Conduct – 10
Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question		1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions		3×20

Second Semester – Building on Foundations

Module 1: Meditation – Calm Abiding Meditation – Explication and Practice: Part 3

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Course Description

Students are guided through the first steps in traditional Buddhist calm abiding (śamatha) meditation, taking the breath as the focal support. Students learn the methods for concentrating their minds and calming their thoughts.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

To notice and reduce distraction.
To increase concentration.
To develop a calmer, more pliant mind.

Course Components

The course is comprised of two main units:

1. Explication of:
   1. The benefits of focusing the mind on the breath
   2. The methods for focusing the mind on the breath
2. Practise in accordance with these

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

2. Teachings
3. Oral examination
4. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a, b	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a, b	3×20

Module 2: History – The Promulgation of Tibetan Buddhism

Credit Hr: 3 Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX Full Mark: 100

Course Description

Students explore the manner in which Tibetan Buddhism became widespread internationally. They learn how it spread to countries in Asia and to the West, relying on contemporary studies of this subject.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

To understand how Tibetan Buddhism spread internationally from Tibet.
To gain confidence in the reliability of the transmission.
To develop faith in the transmission.
To appreciate the current opportunity to study and practise these longstanding teachings.

Course Components

The course is comprised of two units:

1. The Dharma’s initial spread from Tibet
2. The principal regions and recipients of the teachings

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Teachings
2. Oral examination
3. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a, b	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a, b	3×20

Module 3: Meditation – Calm Abiding Meditation – Explication and Practice: Part 4

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Students are guided through the first steps in traditional Buddhist calm abiding (śamatha) meditation, taking a mental image as the focal support. Students learn the methods for concentrating their minds and calming their thoughts.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

To notice and reduce distraction.
To increase concentration.
To develop a calmer, more pliant mind.

Course Components

The course is comprised of two main units:

1. Explication of:
   1. The benefits of focusing the mind on a mental image
   2. The methods for focusing the mind on a mental image
2. Practise in accordance with these

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Teachings
2. Oral examination
3. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a, b	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a, b	3×20

Module 4: Philosophy – The Four Philosophical Schools

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Course Description

Students learn about the four main philosophical schools of Buddhism: Particularist (vaibhāṣika), Sutra Follower (sautrāntika), Mind Only (cittamātra) and Middle Way (madhyamaka). They will explore the tenets unique to each vehicle as well as ascertain their common grounding in Buddhist values.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of this course are:

To be exposed to the progressive profundity of the Buddhist philosophical view. To foster an appreciation for the variety and depth of the Buddha’s teachings. To challenge one’s own understanding of the outer world and inner mind.

Course Components

The course is comprised of four units:

1. The Particularist school
2. The Sutra Followers’ school
3. The Mind Only school
4. The Middle Way school

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Dharma teachings
2. Meditation sessions
3. Oral examination
4. Written examination

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

1. Teachings
2. Oral examination
3. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

1. Attendance – 5
2. Conduct – 10
3. Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade
Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question	a, b, c, d	1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions	a, b, c, d	3×20

Module 5: Introduction to Tibetan / English Language – Intermediate level

Credit Hr: 3

Contact Hr: 48

Code No.: XXX

Full Mark: 100

Course Description

On the Tibetan language course, students build on their foundation of basic Tibetan or English read conversation, reading and writing. Dharma vocabulary is given particular emphasis. Both courses are suitable for complete beginners.

Course Objectives

The specific objectives of the Tibetan course are:

• To gain a foundation in written and spoken Tibetan
• To be able to read Tibetan without relying on phonetic rendering
• To be able to understand the gist of a simple Dharma teaching

The specific objectives of the English course are:

• To gain a foundation in written and spoken English
• To be able to read a text of simple sentences without phonetic spell-reading
• To be able to understand the gist of a simple Dharma teaching

Course Components

The Tibetan course is comprised of two main units:

1. Written Tibetan:
   1. Training in accuracy and speed when reading aloud
   2. Training in comprehension when reading
   3. Training in basic umé script
2. Spoken Tibetan:
   1. Compound phrases, explanations, etc.
   2. Perfect tenses, conjunctions, phrasal verbs
   3. Dharma vocabulary

The English course is comprised of two main units:

1. Written English:
   1. Training in pronunciation when reading aloud
   2. Training in comprehension when reading
   3. Training in basic cursive script
2. Spoken English:
   1. Compound phrases, explanations, etc.
   2. Continuous tenses, conjunctions, prepositions, and phrasal verbs
   3. Pronunciation
   4. Dharma vocabulary

Teaching and Evaluation Procedures

2. Teachings
3. Oral examination
4. Written examination

Evaluation Procedures

Internal Evaluation: 40% of the total grade

• Attendance – 5
• Conduct – 10
• Oral examination – 25

Final Examination: 60 % of the total grade

Group A: Long Comprehensive Question = 60 Marks or
Group B: Short condensed Questions = 60 Marks

Question Grid

S.N.	Questions	Units	No of Questions
1	Long Comprehensive Question		1×60
2	Short Condensed Questions		3×20