• (B) The different view of vinnyana (consciousness) between the (sutta) discourses and abhidhamma and their relationship to mind and matter; how it becomes a gateway for Yogacara School – idealism (cittamatra- mind only).
• How the theory of abhidhmma is formulated.
• A comparative study on the development of abhidhammic theory between Sarvastivada and Theravada schools
• Mind and matter, five aggregates, twelve bases of mind, 18 classifications of consciousness and mind-elements will be critically explained in order to understand Anatta (selflessness) doctrine.

Anthropological aspect of Buddhism

• How the Burmese believe in the doctrine of karma and merit- the structure of everyday worship at the shrine and pagoda- a critical study on Spiro’s anthropological explanation
• How Sri Lankans believe in merit and bodhi puja – a critical study of Gombrich’s approach in the Sri Lankan Buddhist culture
• How Thai believes in the power the Buddha and amulet to improve their life

FOR INTERMEDITATE STUDENTS

1. What is Buddhist Belief

(i) Karma
(ii) Samsara
(iii) Dependent Origination
(iv) Nirvana

People often ask the question: If Buddhists do not believe in God then what do they believe in? Many people express scepticism about Buddhist beliefs. Our answer is to explain the concepts of Karma, Samsara, Law, Truth or Dhamma, etc. You will learn here the profound concepts of Buddhist belief, its practices and its goal.

3. Buddhist Social and Political Life

(i) Family duties
(ii) Social norms and harmony
(iii) Political role
(iv) Buddhist economy

How did Buddhism become an organised and social religion? Political and social norms in Buddhist life will be critically examined, focussing in particular on the rites and ritual practices in Buddhist family life and exploring the influence of Buddhism on political processes and policymaking.

4. Mahayana teaching and the various Buddhist Schools of thought

The Bodhisattva Vow is to save all sentient beings. We will take a close look at the development of Mahayana thought, especially the Bodhisattva ideology of compassion, its theory of reincarnation and its goal.

FOR UPPER BEGINNER STUDENT

Why do we practice Buddhism?

Some say just to achieve peace of mind and others say to die with dignity and without fear. However, the most popular saying is to be enlightened and realise Nibbana. It all depends on an individual practitioner's view. The most common reason for why we practice is that Buddhism can offer a practical solution to being human both in our present and subsequent life.

1. What is Buddhism

A Frame work of Buddhism:

(i) As a way of social and individual living
(ii) Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha
(iii) Buddhist restraint and its philosophy
(iv)Buddhism from the aspect of tolerance~
(v)Buddhism and Brahmavihara

We will study here some key points and frameworks of Buddhism and how Buddhism should be understood in the light of our modern scientific civilisation. We will explain why Buddhism is not a religion of beliefs but a way of life and self-realisation that can bring about purity and peace.

2. A Brief History of Buddhism

(i)Buddha’s life, his beliefs (his own knowledge) and practice
(ii)Last message and death of the Buddha
(iii)Two main schools and their growth/development: past and present and
(iv)A brief account of the significant differences between the schools
(v)Buddhist Language – the medium of the message

(vi) We will look at the historical development of Buddhism over the centuries

3. The Four Noble Truths

(i)The Truth of Dukkha, i.e. Anicca and Anatta
(ii)The Truth of the Origin of Dukkha, i.e. Tanha
(iii)The Truth of the end of Dukkha, i.e. Nibbana
(iv)The Truth of the Way that leads to the End of Dukkha, i.e. Sila, Samadhi and Pannya

The Four Noble Truths are the first and foremost teaching of the Buddha. Every Buddhist should understand their meaning and implications explicitly. Meditation Practice is required to fully understand these truths.

4. The Noble Eightfold Path

(1) Right Understanding
(ii) Right Thought
(iii) Right Speech
(iv) Right Action
(v) Right Livelihood
(vi) Right Effort
(vii) Right Mindfulness
(viii) Right Concentration

These paths are the key to open the door to a spiritual life. The practice of the Noble Eightfold Path will give you a profound understanding of Buddhism from a practical aspect.

5. Basic philosophy

(i) Anicca, Dukkha and its cause
(ii)Anatta and Nama – Rupa (Reality of mind and body)
(iii)Philosophy of Nibbana

The main teaching of Buddhism is to understand things as they are. The above contents are intended to develop your cognitive ability in order to perceive who you are and what is around you.

6. The concept of Karma and Rebirth

(i)Cause of Kamma, i.e. intention
(ii)Cause of rebirth, i.e. impact of Kamma
(iii)Cause of Samsara – Dependent Origination
(iv)Anatta and Rebirth

We will study some basic concepts of philosophy related to Kamma, rebirth and Samsara.

7. Meditation Practice

(i)Basic process
(ii)Purpose of meditation
(iii)Benefits of meditation
(iv)Hindrances to meditation
(v)The different characteristics of a meditator
(vi) Meditation in everyday life
(vii)A brief overview of some types of meditation such as samadhi, vipassana (nama and rupa) and kasina (jhana).

Meditation is the only way to attain the goal of Buddhism. We will study how to meditate and its goal.

8. Books for reading, homework, assignments, workshops, meditation and examination

These courses are running three terms in a year- autumn, winter and spring.

NB: We may not finish the above listed content and changes may be required according to the number students attending classes and their knowledge. You are welcome to join at any point during the terms. All students will be assessed in the first two weeks for their appropriate class. However, each level requires at least ten students to start.