MAITRIPA COLLEGE ADVANCED BUDDHIST STUDIES PROGRAM COURSE CATALOG: DEGREE REQUIREMENTS & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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MAITRIPA COLLEGE:
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS


Courses Offered Fall 2008

PHL306 Madhyamaka II: A Dose of Emptiness
Instructors: Yangsi Rinpoche, James Blumenthal, PhD
Tuesdays 7-9 pm

A continuation of Madhyamaka I class, in which the exploration and debate of the philosophy and practice of Madhyamaka, or the “ Middle Way ” is deepened and refined. The primary reading text for this class will be Khedrup Je’s Dose of Emptiness (stong thun chen mo), a detailed critical exposition of the theory and practice of emptiness as expounded in the three major schools of Mahayana philosophy, as well as its commentaries. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in MDT306 Madhyamaka Meditation: Preparation for Vajrayana in conjunction with this class.

PHL316 Stages of Meditation: Kamalashila’s Gom Rim in Theory & Practice
Instructor: Yangsi Rinpoche
Wednesday 7-9 pm

Structured around readings of the root text Stages of Meditation by the 9th century Indian scholar-saint Kamalashila, and supplemented by traditional and modern commentaries, this class will explore the philosophical and practical elements of a Buddhist worldview. Particular focus will be given to Kamalashila’s unique presentation of the logical sequence of meditational practice a practitioner should undertake in order to attain freedom from suffering and enlightenment, and its application to our lives in the modern world today.


MDT306 Madhyamaka Meditation: Preparation for Vajrayana
Instructor: Yangsi Rinpoche
Saturday 10 am-12 noon

The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Madhayamaka II. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.

MDT316 Stages of Meditation: Theory & Practice
Instructor: Yangsi Rinpoche
Saturday 2 pm-4 pm

This class will be a workshop and practice class incorporating instruction, guided meditation, question and answer, and practice. The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in PHL316. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.

TIB103 Intermediate Tibetan

Using examples and short selections from texts, students continue working with Tibetan grammar and syntax.

TIB105 Seminar in Tibetan Translation
Instructor: James Blumenthal, PhD
Thursday 7-9 pm

Advanced Tibetan translation seminar. Prerequisites: Beginning Tibetan I, Tibetan II, & Intermediate Tibetan, or Instructor permission.

CS006 & CS003 Community Service Practicum

Students engage with community service partners while developing their practice of service using structured reflection techniques and training methods specific to a Buddhist worldview. Includes development of practice components related to engaged Buddhist practice, examination of personal strengths and challenges, and exploration of relevant social justice issues.



Courses Offered Spring 2008

PHL305 - Madhyamaka I Yangsi Rinpoche: An overview and in-depth introduction to the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the philosophy and practice of Madhyamaka, or the “Middle Way,” as presented by the renowned Indian Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna and his Indian and Tibetan commentators. Primary readings for this course include Lama Tsongkhapa’s Essence of Eloquence (Lekshé Nyingpo) and its sources. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in MDT305 Techniques of Meditation: Madhyamaka in conjunction with this class.

PHL315 - Buddhist Psychology Yangsi Rinpoche: An introduction to the study of the mind as presented by Buddhist philosophical sources and commentators. This course includes presentation of lo rig, or mind and mental factors, as taught in the traditional monastic curriculum, as well as in-depth analysis and discussion of the classical distortions of the mind, the mental afflictions, their antidotes, perceptions of reality, and the relationship between mind and its object.

MDT305 – Techniques of Meditation: Madhayamaka Yangsi Rinpoche: The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Madhayamaka I. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.

MDT320 – Meditation on Calming the Mind Yangsi Rinpoche: This class will be a workshop and practice class incorporating instruction, guided meditation, question and answer, and practice. It is designed to give the student a basis in the practice and theory of the meditative practice of calming the mind (shamatha, shiné). Students will receive meditation instruction on the practice, as well advice on the pitfalls and challenges of calming the mind practice, practical advice on its application to everyday life, and personal meditation instruction. Sitting practice will be included in class time.



MAITRIPA COLLEGE: ADVANCED BUDDHIST STUDIES PROGRAM
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

CRN
COURSE
CREDITS
OFFERED

BUDDHIST STUDIES CORE COURSES (38)

PHL301

Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy (formerly known as Foundations of Buddhist Thought I: The Small Scope)

2

Spring 2006,
Fall 2007

PHL302
Foundations of Buddhist Thought II: The Medium Scope

2
Fall 2006
PHL303
Foundations of Buddhist Thought III: The Doorway to the Great Scope

2
Spring 2007
PHL304
Foundations of Buddhist Thought IV: The Great Scope

2
Fall 2007
PHL305
Madhyamaka I

2
Spring 2008

PHL306

Madhyamaka II

2
Fall 2008
MDT301
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation (formerly known as Techniques of Buddhist Meditation: The Small Scope)

2

Spring 2006,
Fall 2007

MDT302

Techniques of Meditation: The Medium Scope

2
Fall 2006
MDT303

Techniques of Meditation: The Great Scope

2

Spring 2007

MDT304

Techniques of Meditation: Bodhichitta

2

Fall 2007

MDT305

Techniques of Meditation: Madhyamaka

2
Spring 2008
MDT306
Madhyamaka Meditation: Preparation for Vajrayana

2
Fall 2008
HST301
History of Buddhism in India and Tibet

2
Spring 2006,
Fall 2007
TIB101
Introduction to Classical Tibetan Language

2
Spring 2006,
Fall 2007

TIB102
Classical Tibetan Language II

2
Fall 2006,
Spring 2008

PHL450
Theories & Methods of Buddhist Studies

1
Spring 2008
CS001
Community Service Practicum

1
Spring 2006,
Fall 2007

CS002

Community Service Practicum

1
Fall 2006

CS003

Community Service Practicum

1
Spring 2007

CS004

Community Service Practicuum

1
Fall 2007

CS005

Community Service Practicuum

1
Spring 2008

CS006

Community Service Practicuum

1
Fall 2008

PHL500

Masters Thesis/Comprehensive Exam

1
Fall 2008
CORE TOTAL
38

ELECTIVES (8)

TIB201

Classical Tibetan Language Intermediate I

2
Spring 2007

TIB202

Classical Tibetan Language Intermediate II

2
Fall 2007

TIB301

Seminar in Tibetan Translation

2
Spring 2008, Fall 2009

HST305

Special Topics: Great Figures & Innovative Ideas in Buddhist History

2
Spring 2006, Fall 2007
SOC305
Buddhist Theories of Non-Violence, Social
Justice, & Engaged Buddhism

2
Spring 2007
PHL315
Buddhist Psychology

2
Spring 2008
HST320
Buddhist Theology: Critical-Constructive
Thinking in the Buddhist Academy

2
Fall 2007
MDT320
Meditation on Calming the Mind

2
Spring 2008
PHL316
Stages of Meditation: Kamalashila's Gom Rim
in Theory & Practice

2
Fall 2008
MDT316
Stages of Meditation: Theory & Practice

2
Fall 2008
ELECTIVE TOTAL REQUIRED
10
CERTIFICATE TOTAL
48

TANTRIC STUDIES CERTIFICATE (12)***

PHL401

Vajrayana Philosophy I

2
Spring 2009

PHL402

Vajrayana Philosophy II

2
Fall 2009

MDT401

Vajrayana Meditation I

4
Spring 2009

MDT402

Vajrayana Meditation II
4
Fall 2009

CERTIFICATE TOTAL
12
***ENTRY INTO TANTRIC STUDIES PROGRAM REQUIRES COMPLETION OF ALL OF THE
BUDDHIST STUDIES PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & MEDITATION REQUIREMENTS

Courses Offered Fall 2007

PHL 304. Foundations of Buddhist Thought IV: The Great Scope: This class (the fourth in a series) will take up where PHL303 left off and continue to survey the foundational philosophical ideas of the Buddhist tradition as presented by the great pandits of India and commented upon by the Tibetan inheritors of the Indian Buddhist tradition. As we continue to explore the literature of the Mahayana—or the great scope—the course will make use of philosophical treatises (primary sources in translation), literature, and historical analysis to present the foundations of Buddhist philosophy. Readings will include selections from the lamrim root text, Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and 70 Topics. There will be a particular focus on the readings as they relate to the great scope of the lamrim as presented by the Tibetan scholar Je Tsongkhapa. Students will gain a strong foundation in Buddhist philosophy including key topics that relate to the great scope such as the mind of enlightenment, the six perfections, and an in-depth examination of the path of a bodhisattva.

MDT 304. Meditation Techniques: Bodhicitta: 
This course will continue with instruction in meditation based on the foundations established in MDT 303. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. The subject matter will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Foundations of Buddhist Thought. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.

HST 320. Buddhist Theology: Critical-Constructive Thinking in the Buddhist Academy: The work of the academic study of Buddhism by contemporary scholars has offered tremendous insights into the historical and social conditions that grounded, informed, and influenced the formation of Buddhist ideas and institutions.  Yet due to the academic attempt to keep an objective and scientific distance from its object of study, such scholars, many of whom are self-identified Buddhists, have traditionally been discouraged in the academy from thinking about the normative implications of these insights for modern Buddhist communities.  How might the work of academic studies and a critical consciousness contribute in fruitful new ways to Buddhist thinking and Buddhist responses to the issues that arise in our contemporary world?  How might Buddhists draw on their traditions to think about potential Buddhist responses to contemporary issues such as the environmental crisis, war, terrorism, human rights, or social justice?  How might a feminist Buddhism think in honest and useful ways about Buddhism's patriarchal history?  How might Buddhists think about and make use of an historical understanding of the development of Buddhist ideas in light of the historical consciousness of many modern Buddhists?   In the past decade there has emerged a movement among contemporary Buddhist academics to use the critical methods of the academy to speak in important new ways from within the tradition and about the values that are important to those within the tradition in light of contemporary situations and problems.  This critical-constructive thinking by contemporary Buddhist scholars mirrors the kind of work their colleagues in Christian theology have been engaged in for centuries.  This course will examine the development of this new branch of Buddhist thinking including the very use of the term "theology" for a tradition without a theos (God), its theoretical grounding, and examples of its contemporary application.

PHL 301.  Introduction to Buddhism: This class will make use of philosophical treatises, literature, and historical analysis to present  the foundations of Buddhist philosophy as taught by the early Indian pandits and commented upon by Tibetan scholars. Readings will include selections from the Abhidharma Kosha, Pramanavarttika, and Abhisamayalamkara, with particular focus on the readings that relate to the three scopes of the lamrim as presented by the Tibetan scholar Je Tsongkhapa. Students will come away from this course with a foundation in Buddhist philosophy and knowledge of key issues of Buddhist Studies, including personal identity and the five skandhas, subtle impermanence, and the basics of a Buddhist world view. Students will gain important grounding in basic principles of dependent arising, the structure of Buddhist logic, and familiarity with Buddhist logic and logical arguments.

HIS 301.  History of Buddhism: India and Tibet: This course will provide a broad-based survey of the history of Buddhism in India and Tibet.  We will begin by discussing the historical and cultural context out of which Buddhism emerged, namely the Vedic period and Vedic tradition that preceded classical Hindu traditions in India.  From here we will discuss the bramana (ascetic) movement, the life the historical Buddha, and the formulation of the early sangha.  After discussing Buddhism during the lifetime of the Buddha, we will cover the early history of Buddhism including the early Buddhist councils, the creation of the Buddhist canon,  and the formulation of early Buddhist schools.  We will then cover the beginnings of the Mahayana, the early Mahayana philosophers and the intellectual history of Mahayana Buddhism in India.  In addition to reading histories of Buddhism, we will also read and discuss scholarly articles about the proper methods for approaching and understanding this history. We will then turn our attention to the transmission of Buddhism from India to Tibet.  We will discuss the key figures in both the early and later disseminations of Buddhism to Tibet and the key events  which helped shape the forms Tibetan Buddhism takes today.  This portion of the course will be divided into two sections: the early transmission and the later transmission.  Each of the four major Tibetan Buddhist schools as well as the indigenous Bon tradition, their histories, key figures,  texts and lineages will be discussed. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Buddhist beginnings in India, its history and development in the land of its origin, and the manner in which the tradition was transmitted to Tibet.  In addition, students will gain a detailed understanding of the religious and intellectual history of Buddhism in Tibet,  including the key figures, lineages, texts, and practices which make the schools of Buddhism in Tibet unique.

MDT 301. Introduction to Buddhist Meditation: This course will provide a broad introduction to the vast corpus of techniques and practices of Buddhist meditation, with particular emphasis on the techniques of analytical meditation. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. The subject matter will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Foundations of Buddhist Thought. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.


Courses Offered Spring 2007

PHL 303. Foundations of Buddhist Thought III: The Great Scope Yangsi Rinpoche: This class (the third in a series) will take up where PHL 302 left off and continue to survey the foundational philosophical ideas of the Buddhist tradition as presented by the great pandits of India and commented upon by the Tibetan inheritors of the Indian Buddhist tradition.  The course will make use of philosophical treatises (primary sources in translation), literature, and historical analysis to present the foundations of Buddhist philosophy.  Readings will include selections from Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakosha,  Dharmakirti’s Pramanavarttika, and Abhisamayalamkara (attributed to Maitreya) as well as modern scholarly analysis of the same. There will be a particular focus on the readings as they relate to the great scope of the Lamrim as presented by the Tibetan scholar Je Tsongkhapa. Students will gain a strong foundation in Buddhist philosophy including key topics that relate to the great scope such as: loving kindness, great compassion, and abandoning the mind of self-cherishing.

PHL 500. Non-Violence and Social Justice in Buddhist Thought and Practice Professor James Blumenthal: This course investigates the theoretical and practical frameworks for the modern movement of Socially Engaged Buddhism.  We will examine the key thinkers in the movement including Dr. B.R. Amebedkar, Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, Sulak Sivaraksa, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as modern Western Buddhists.  In addition to the philosophical grounding, we will look at the methods of training and the types of actions Engaged Buddhists participate in, both in Asia and in the West.

MDT 303. Techniques of Buddhist Meditation: The Great Scope Yangsi Rinpoche: This course will continue with instruction in meditation based on the foundations established in MDT 302. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. The subject matter will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Foundations of Buddhist Thought. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.


Courses Offered Fall 2006

PHL 302.  Foundations of Buddhist Thought II: The Medium Scope Yangsi Rinpoche: This class (the second in a series) will take up where PHL 301 left off and continue to survey the foundational philosophical ideas of the Buddhist tradition as presented by the great pandits of India and commented upon by the Tibetan inheritors of the Indian Buddhist tradition.  The course will make use of philosophical treatises (primary sources in translation), literature, and historical analysis to present the foundations of Buddhist philosophy.  Readings will include selections from Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakosha,  Dharmakirti’s Pramanavarttika, and Abhisamayalamkara (attributed to Maitreya) as well as modern scholarly analysis of the same. There will be a particular focus on the readings as they relate to the medium scope of the Lamrim as presented by the Tibetan scholar Je Tsongkhapa. Students will gain a strong foundation in Buddhist philosophy including key topics that relate to the medium scope such as: cause and effect, the potential for enlightenment, and the structure of existence according to the Buddhist world view.

HST305. Special Topics: Great Figures & Innovative Ideas in Buddhist History Yangsi Rinpoche and Professor Jim Blumenthal: This course will survey several of great figures and innovative ideas that helped to shape the evolution of Buddhist philosophy and intellectual history in Tibet. Figures studied will include the Indian scholar Shantarakshita (who spent seventeen years teaching in Tibet), and Tibetans such as Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen, Je Tsongkhapa, Jamgon Kongtrul, Gendun Choepel, and the Dalai Lamas of Tibet (focusing on the 5th, 13th, and 14th). The course will examine the biographies and major events in the lives of these masters, as well as the historical context of their times, and their impact on Tibetan Buddhist history. Particular attention will be paid to their unique contributions to Buddhist thought, and to the polemical literature, to the criticisms and defenses of these contributions that followed their lives and work.  Students will begin to develop a sophisticated understanding of Tibetan Buddhist intellectual history through analysis of ideas and the contextual factors which impacted these ideas.  Primary literature and secondary modern scholarship will be utilized and critically examined.

MDT 302. Techniques of Buddhist Meditation: The Medium Scope. This course will continue with instruction in meditation based on the foundations established in MDT 301. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. The subject matter will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Foundations of Buddhist Thought. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.


Courses Offered Spring 2006

PHL 301.  Foundations of Buddhist Thought I. This class will make use of philosophical treatises, literature, and historical analysis to present  the foundations of Buddhist philosophy as taught by the early Indian pandits and commented upon by Tibetan scholars. Readings will include selections from the Abhidharma Kosha, Pramanavarttika, and Abhisamayalamkara, with particular focus on the readings that relate to the Small Scope of the lamrim as presented by the Tibetan scholar Je Tsongkhapa. Students will come away from this course with a foundation in Buddhist philosophy and knowledge of key issues of Buddhist Studies, including personal identity and the five skandhas, subtle impermanence, and the basics of a Buddhist world view. Students will gain important grounding in basic principles of dependent arising, the structure of Buddhist logic, and familiarity with Buddhist logic and logical arguments.

HIS 301.  History of Buddhism: India and Tibet. This course will provide a broad-based survey of the history of Buddhism in India and Tibet.  We will begin by discussing the historical and cultural context out of which Buddhism emerged, namely the Vedic period and Vedic tradition that preceded classical Hindu traditions in India.  From here we will discuss the bramana (ascetic) movement, the life the historical Buddha, and the formulation of the early sangha.  After discussing Buddhism during the lifetime of the Buddha, we will cover the early history of Buddhism including the early Buddhist councils, the creation of the Buddhist canon,  and the formulation of early Buddhist schools.  We will then cover the beginnings of the Mahayana, the early Mahayana philosophers and the intellectual history of Mahayana Buddhism in India.  In addition to reading histories of Buddhism, we will also read and discuss scholarly articles about the proper methods for approaching and understanding this history. We will then turn our attention to the transmission of Buddhism from India to Tibet.  We will discuss the key figures in both the early and later disseminations of Buddhism to Tibet and the key events  which helped shape the forms Tibetan Buddhism takes today.  This portion of the course will be divided into two sections: the early transmission and the later transmission.  Each of the four major Tibetan Buddhist schools as well as the indigenous Bon tradition, their histories, key figures,  texts and lineages will be discussed. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Buddhist beginnings in India, its history and development in the land of its origin, and the manner in which the tradition was transmitted to Tibet.  In addition, students will gain a detailed understanding of the religious and intellectual history of Buddhism in Tibet,  including the key figures, lineages, texts, and practices which make the schools of Buddhism in Tibet unique.

MDT 301. Techniques of Buddhist Meditation: Foundations. This course will provide a broad introduction to the vast corpus of techniques and practices of Buddhist meditation, with particular emphasis on the techniques of analytical meditation. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. The subject matter will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Foundations of Buddhist Thought. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.


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