202535

by Al

I’m still considering doing this program… I’d be happy to find a history, religious studies or philosophy related program as well but distance learning options are limited. Naropa is a fairly well regarded school, especially for Buddhist work.

http://www.naropa.edu/mabuddhiststudies/index.html

Launching Summer 2004

The Master of Arts low-residency degree in Buddhist Studies spans two years and involves the broad, in-depth study of Buddhism as a spiritual, theological, and cultural tradition. Course work emphasizes Indian and Tibetan Buddhism.

The approach of this program is non-sectarian, scholarly, and critical, relying on the best of contemporary Western and traditional Buddhist scholarship. At the same time, the program is also informed and nourished by students’ “hands-on” exploration of the major Buddhist meditative traditions. Our study of Buddhism is carried out within a context of respect for the tradition and appreciation for its humane values and profound spiritual perspectives.

Core Buddhism courses examine the histories, cultural contexts, and institutions of Buddhism from the origins and early development through its Indian roots and its transmission to Tibet. Attention is paid not only to Buddhist theory, but to practice. The genres studied include sutras, commentaries, independent treatises, yogic songs, and biographies. Emphasis is placed on methods of interpretation and translation issues for the western student. Buddhist meditation is taught in a non-sectarian, practical manner.

This low-residency 36 credit MA in Buddhist Studies takes two years and a summer to complete.

The program consists of four online semesters with two 3-credit courses offered each semester and three summer onsite components. The program is finalized with an MA culminating project.

The Curriculum consists of four online semesters and three summer resident components:

  • Summer Residency 1st Year
    • Introduction to Buddhism
    • Meditation and Community
  • 1st Year Fall Online
    • Buddhist Teachings on Mind and Emotions: The Abhidharma Tradition
    • Meditation Practicum I
  • 1st Year Spring Online
    • The Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
    • Meditation Practicum II
  • Summer Community Component 2nd Year
    • Contemporary Buddhism
    • Dathun or equivalent
  • 2nd Year Fall Online
    • Madhyamaka
    • Buddhism: The Way of Wisdom and Compassion
  • 2nd Year Spring Online
    • Buddha Nature
    • The Living Spirituality of Tibetan Buddhism
  • Summer Residency 3rd Year
    • Maitri
    • Meditation and Community II
    • M.A. Culminating Project