MAITRIPA COLLEGE COURSE CATALOG


SUBJECT INDEX: Click on the Subject Index Link or Scroll Down the Page to View Courses; NOTE: "d" = distance learning / online course


CS001 | CST001. Who We Are & Who We Serve: Personal Theology & Foundations of Engagement (1 credit, 1st Term MA & MDiv)
An introduction to the service "core" at Maitripa College for both MA and MDiv students, focusing on understanding and developing a personal theology both within and outside of the Buddhist tradition, understanding the concept of spiritual transformation through service, developing knowledge and relationships with local community partners, and developing a familiarity with the concept of "service" within the framework of traditional Buddhist philosophy. This class includes a 20-hour concurrent service-learning project.

CS002. Compassionate Service: Building Bridges (1 credit, 2nd Term MA)
Building on the foundation of CS001, this course will focus on developing the students' practical understanding, fluency, and perspective on issues of Buddhist social service, with a focus on framing community issues in terms of spiritual practice, and caring for spiritual communities. As with all service learning curriculums at Maitripa, the course will emphasize the laboratory of the service partner environment and one's own mind as the foreground for understanding, integration, and transformation. This class includes a 20-hour concurrent service-learning project.

CST002. Compassionate Service: Building Bridges (3 credits, 2nd Term MDiv)
Building on the foundation of CST001, this course will focus on developing the students' practical understanding, fluency, and perspective on issues of Buddhist social service, with a focus on framing community issues in terms of spiritual practice, caring for spiritual communities, Interfaith relationships, and models of community care. As with all service learning curriculums at Maitripa, the course will emphasize the laboratory of the service partner environment and one's own mind as the foreground for understanding, integration, and transformation. As this is a core class for MDiv program students, another level of emphasis and exploration will also be placed on development of leadership skills and methods inside and outside one's own community. This class includes a 30-hour concurrent service-learning project.

CS003. Compassionate Service: Conflict & Diversity, Wisdom & Method (1 credit, 3rd Term MA)
This class focuses on applying real-world skillful means for the individual and groups working in engaged service. The practical emphasis will be on ethics, identifying and engaging with diverse populations. This class will also examine personal narrative and storytelling as a means of constructing one's relationships with others and the world. This class includes a 20-hour concurrent service-learning project.

CST003. Compassionate Service: Wisdom & Method (3 credits, 3rd Term MDiv)
This class focuses on applying real-world skillful means for the individual and groups working in engaged service. The practical emphasis will be on ethics, diversity, and developing an awareness of multiculturalism. Topics will include an introduction to various theories and practices of group dynamics and systems, as well as an introduction to productive communication models such as compassionate communication. This class will also examine personal narrative and storytelling as a means of constructing one's relationships with others and the world.  This class includes a 30-hour concurrent service-learning project.

CS004. A Life of Social Action (1 credit, 4th Term MA)
This course will focus on facilitating the fourth term student in their service experience and helping them shape their accumulated body service of work into their culminating work for the term, a final project. This will be accomplished through an advanced study of personal narrative and an immersion in a group reflective process based on their service experience thus far. The focus and direction of the primary course materials and reading lists for the term will be developed by each student in accordance with his or her needs in conjunction with the course instructor.

CST004. Buddhist Ministry & Leadership: Building Spiritual Communities (3 credits, 4th Term MDiv)
This course is intended for the intermediate/advanced student seeking a practical context for their spiritual training. The course will explore modern concepts of spiritual community and leadership and consider how a Buddhist community might evolve and integrate itself with purpose and dignity into the fabric of modern society. Topics covered will include leadership theory, as well as an introduction to organizational development, Dharma centers & communities, becoming an instructor, fundraising, the clash of cultures east & west, and more.


HIS301 | HIS301d.  History of Buddhism: India and Tibet (2 credits)
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 traditions that preceded classical Hindu traditions in India.  From here we will discuss the brahmana (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.

HIS305. Special Topics: Great Figures & Innovative Ideas in Buddhist History (2 credits)
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.


MDT301 | MDT301d. Introduction to Buddhist Meditation (2 credits)
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 PHL301 | PHL301d. 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.

MDT302 | MDT302d. Techniques of Buddhist Meditation: The Medium & Great Scope (2 credits)
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 as taught in PHL302 | PHL302d. 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.

MDT303 | MDT303d. Techniques of Meditation: Madhyamaka (2 credits)
The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in as taught in PHL303 | PHL303d. 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.

MDT304 | MDT304d. Madhyamaka Meditation: Preparation for Vajrayana (2 credits)
The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in as taught in PHL304 | PHL304d. 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 (2 credits)
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.

MDT320. Calming the Mind: Shine Meditation Class (2 credits)
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 as 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.

MDT 340/340d. Meditation for Mental Health I  (2 credits)
This course will be the first in a two-part series of meditation instruction, resources, and practical application of techniques designed specifically to cultivate and support a healthy mind. Techniques learned in this class will include basic practices for developing a calm and focused mental state, techniques for managing stress and overwhelming emotions, and an emphasis on examining and correctly positioning one’s motivation for working with others.

MDT 341/341d. Meditation for Mental Health II (2 credits)
This course is the second in a two-part series on meditation instruction, resources, and practical application of techniques designed specifically to cultivate and support a healthy mind. This part of the course will focus on strengthening the motivation and focus of the practitioner, as well as introduce methodologies and practices to help you help others manage their minds. This course will also introduce specific meditations designed to mitigate painful emotional states, such as anger, resentment, jealousy, and fear. Meditation for Mental Health I is a pre-requisite to this course.

MDT401. Vajrayana Meditation I: Preliminary Practices (2 credits)
This course is the first in a two-part series on the tantric path of Tibetan Buddhism. The course will explore the foundations and explanations of Vajrayana meditation based on the experience and writings of Je Rinpoche Lama Tsongkhapa. This class presupposes a familiarity with Buddhist tenets and a history of Buddhist practice. This class should be taken in conjunction with PHL401. THIS COURSE IS PART OF THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN TANTRIC STUDIES AND IS RESTRICTED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MA IN BUDDHIST STUDIES AT MAITRIPA COLLEGE .

MDT402. Vajrayana Meditation II (2 credits)
This course is the second in a two-part series on the tantric path of Tibetan Buddhism. The course will explore the foundations and explanations of Vajrayana meditation based on the experience and writings of Je Rinpoche Lama Tsongkhapa. This class presupposes a familiarity with Buddhist tenets and a history of Buddhist practice. This class should be taken in conjunction with PHL402. THIS COURSE IS PART OF THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN TANTRIC STUDIES AND IS RESTRICTED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MA IN BUDDHIST STUDIES AT MAITRIPA COLLEGE .


PHL301 | PHL301d.  Introduction to Buddhist Thought (2 credits)
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.

PHL302 | PHL302d.  Foundations of Buddhist Thought: The Medium and Great Scope (2 credits)
This class surveys 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, the Abhisamayalamkara (attributed to Maitreya), Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and 70 Topics, as well as modern scholarly analysis of the same. There will be a particular focus on the readings as they relate to the medium and great scope of the Lamrim as presented by the Tibetan scholar Je Tsongkhapa and others. Students will gain a strong foundation in Buddhist philosophy including key topics that relate to the medium and great scopes such as: cause and effect, the potential for enlightenment, the structure of existence according to the Buddhist world view. 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, as well as 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.

PHL303 | PHL303d. Madhyamaka Philosophy: Where is the Middle Way? (2 credits)
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 MDT303 Techniques of Meditation: Madhyamaka in conjunction with this class.

PHL304 | PHL304d. Madhyamaka Philosophy: A Dose of Emptiness (2 credits)
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.

PHL315. Buddhist Psychology (2 credits)
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.

PHL316. Stages of Meditation: Kamalashila’s Gom Rim in Theory & Practice (2 credits)
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.

PHL317. The Foundations of Mahayana Buddhism (2 credits)
The Bodhisattva Path: This course will introduce the history, philosophy, and practices of Mahayana Buddhism.  The class will be a mix of lectures and discussion focused around both secondary literature as well as primary Mahayana texts in translation including the classics such as Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and Atisha's Jewelled Rosary of a Bodhisattva.  The course will begin by examining the historical beginnings of Mahayana Buddhism in India, then move on to investigate the major Mahayana philosophical schools: the Mind-Only School and the Middle Way School, and proceed from there to look at the practices and practice structure of Mahayana.

PHL321/PHL321d: THE GOOD HEART: Buddhist Literature & Meditation – Cultivating Compassion through Lojong (2 credits)
This course will examine a corpus of Buddhist teachings called lojong (mind training) from both a traditional Tibetan Buddhist and a Western psychological approach. Based on the essential Mahayana Buddhist teachings of impermanence, compassion, and the exchange of self and other, the lojong teachings are a source of guidance shared by masters of all Tibetan traditions. These teachings offer techniques and inspiration toward a deep altruism for others, which in turn trains the practitioner’s mind toward the embrace of tranquility and joy under any conditions. Western social psychology specializes in the observation and description of us as social beings, illuminating the best and worst of human behavior. This class will explore theories for why love, affection, and altruism are important for human development from the perspective of western psychology and the interstices between these conclusions and the Buddhist presentation of compassion. A combination of philosophical study, discussion, reflection, and meditation training will be utilized in the exploration of these topics. Texts studied will include: Serlingpa’s Leveling Out All Conceptions, Atisa’s Bodhisattva’s Jewel Garland, Langri Tangpa’s Eight Verses on Mind Training, Chekawa’s Seven-Point Mind Training, among other Buddhist texts and works of Western psychology.

PHL401. Vajrayana Philosophy I: The Stages of the Tantric Path (2 credits)
This course is the first in a two-part series on the tantric path of Tibetan Buddhism. The course will explore the foundations and explanations of Vajrayana philosophy based on the experience and writings of Je Rinpoche Lama Tsongkhapa. This class presupposes a familiarity with Buddhist tenets and a history of Buddhist practice. This class should be taken in conjunction with MDT401. THIS COURSE IS PART OF THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN TANTRIC STUDIES AND IS RESTRICTED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MA IN BUDDHIST STUDIES AT MAITRIPA COLLEGE .

PHL402. Vajrayana Philosophy II (2 credits)
This course is the second in a two-part series on the tantric path of Tibetan Buddhism. The course will explore the foundations and explanations of Vajrayana philosophy based on the experience and writings of Je Rinpoche Lama Tsongkhapa. This class presupposes a familiarity with Buddhist tenets and a history of Buddhist practice. This class should be taken in conjunction with MDT401. THIS COURSE IS PART OF THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN TANTRIC STUDIES AND IS RESTRICTED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MA IN BUDDHIST STUDIES AT MAITRIPA COLLEGE .

PHL410. Tantric Ritual & Ethics (2 credits)
This course is a key foundational piece for anyone wishing to explore the unique practices of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. The course will cover the basics of the ethics of tantric practice, including precepts of practice, their purpose, meaning, and how to properly maintain them. The course will also cover an introduction to tantric ritual, including the meaning and function of ritual instruments and ornamentation, altar preparation, torma, and more. THIS COURSE IS PART OF THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN TANTRIC STUDIES.

PHL411 | PHL411d. Tantric Ritual & Ethics II (2 credits)
This course builds on the key foundational piece for anyone wishing to explore the unique practices of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism as introduced in Tantric Ritual & Ethics I. The course will cover the basics of the ethics of tantric practice, including precepts of practice, their purpose, meaning, and how to properly maintain them. The course will also pick up from last semester’s introduction to tantric ritual, including the meaning and function of ritual instruments and ornamentation, altar preparation, torma, and more. THIS COURSE IS PART OF THE CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN TANTRIC STUDIES. TANTRIC RITUAL & ETHICS I IS NOT A REQUIRED PREREQUISITE FOR THIS CLASS.

PHL450. Theories & Methods of Buddhist Studies (2 credits)
This course is designed to give students the methodological and theoretical tools needed to think critically about ways to approach the academic study of Buddhism, tools that will be imperative in the preparation of their thesis. What are the goals of Buddhist Studies?  What are the best methods for achieving those goals? What sorts of presuppositions and assumptions do we bring into our work and our orientation towards Buddhism? Do our presuppositions and assumptions serve our goals? How do political, religious, and/or ideological preferences impact our engagement with the object of study? What are the authoritative sources for the information we want and how do we determine that? How do we understand and interpret the “data”? What sorts of responsibilities do scholars have? What we study and how we study it are inextricably tied to questions of theory and method. Those who see methodological discussions as needless academic meanderings do not somehow thereby free themselves of methodological biases. Everybody engages their object of study with a theoretical and methodological orientation. The goal of this class is to encourage students to do so consciously, to think about their own assumptions and the assumptions of the broader community of scholars who engage the Buddhist traditions. 

PHL500. Masters Thesis/Comprehensive Exam (4 credits)
Final mastery for the master's degree is demonstrated through one of the following two options:

1. Completion of a Master's Thesis - The MA thesis is submitted to a committee of no fewer than two faculty members at least three weeks prior to the final oral defense of the thesis.  The oral defense includes a short presentation of the thesis by the student (30 minutes), followed by a question-and-answer period with the audience (including other graduate students and faculty), followed by a closed-door question-and-answer period between the thesis committee and the student. A final decision is made by the committee members there. Students propose, frame, and present drafts of the thesis in consultation with the thesis advisor in the months preceding the final defense.
 
2. Passing a Final, Comprehensive Exam - The comprehensive exam is an on-campus four-hour exam covering the breadth of content of the subject matter of the MA degree.  A list of 40 potential questions from which the faculty will draw are given to the students in advance for their study and preparation.  The actual exam will have twelve questions from which the student will choose eight to serve as the subjects of their essays.

PHL501 | PHL501d. Final Project / Certificate Program (4 credits)
Final project for completion of Certificate in Advanced Buddhist Studies: topic and scope to be developed by the student and approved by faculty.

PHL600 | PHL600d. The Uttaratantra: The Nature of Mind (2 credits)
The Uttaratantra Shastra (Sublime Continuum) is a Mahayana text presenting the definitive Buddhist perspective on the understanding of Buddha-nature and the inherent perfection of the nature of mind. One of the five classic texts attributed to the Arya Maitreya, the Uttaratantra is said to function as the philosophical bridge between the sutra and the tantra traditions of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, and understanding it is a fundamental foundation for the practice of Vajrayana. This class will encompass a line-by-line reading and commentary on the work itself from the philosophical perspective, in addition to instructions on the lineage of meditative approach to the material. PHL301 & MDT301 or some familiarity with Buddhist philosophy and meditation strongly recommended as prerequisites.


PSY 301 | 301d. Survey of East/West Psychology (2 credits)
This course provides an overview of western psychology and Buddhist perspectives on the mind. Students will become familiar with the historical foundations, major branches of psychology, and current issues in the field. Emphasis will be placed on overlap with Buddhism. This course includes a mandatory service learning component.

PSY302/302d. Making the Sick Mind Well: Psychotherapy, Neuroscience, and Buddhism. (2 credits)
This course provides an overview of the fields of clinical psychology and neuroscience with specific emphasis on the influence of Buddhist contemplative practices and philosophy. Students will become familiar with categories of mental illness and prominent psychotherapies for treating mental illness, particularly modalities that incorporate mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy. The course will focus on the theoretical underpinnings of psychotherapy; students will not be trained in delivering psychotherapy. This course will also provide an overview of the field of neuroscience. Students will become familiar with theories of the central nervous system and its role in behavior; Western psychological and Buddhist theories of mind and consciousness, and the neuroscience of meditation.

PSY401 | PSY401d. Meaning, Mythology, and Mystical Experience: Understanding Social &
Multicultural Psychology & the Psychology of Religion
(3 credits)
Why are human beings religious? What is the purpose of religion in a society and for an individual? What is a myth, and why do we tell stories in order to understand the universe and human existence? In what ways can a myth be be "true?" What is a mystical experience, and how might a mystical experience be similar to and distinct from a psychedelic or psychotic experience? What forms of religious expression and experience are "valid" or "true?" Where does authority come from to define "truth," and what is the role of those who challenge authority? This class will explore human religiosity and religious experience from many perspectives including social, multicultural, Jungian, and empirical psychology, as well as from Buddhist points of view. Students will examine psychological research and literature, myths and religious texts, and their own personal experiences in order to deepen their understanding of the human experience of religion. This 3-credit course includes a mandatory service-learning component.


SOC305. Engaged Buddhism: Non-Violence and Social Justice in Buddhist Thought and Practice
Engaged Buddhism is the application of the Dharma to large and small scale problems that cause suffering in the world.  Most commonly it is thought of as Buddhist social and political action, but can include everything from hospice care, to environmental work, to anti-war activism, to soup kitchen work, to solitary meditation in a Himalayan cave for ultimate benefit of all living beings.  Socially Engaged Buddhism is not aligned with any particular Buddhist denomination and can be found across the Buddhist world.  It   has been more clearly defined and prominent in the past fifty years thanks to the efforts of leading Engaged Buddhist thinkers like Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sulak Sivaraksa, Samdhong Rinpoche, and Robert Thurman among others.  In this class we will look at the writings of these Engaged Buddhists and investigate the kinds of activities Engaged Buddhists are doing in order to transforms society to create a world that engenders our highest ideals and nurtures compassion and wisdom.


TIB101. Introduction to Classical Tibetan Language (3 credits)
Introduction to alphabet, grammar, and sentence structure of Classical Tibetan language. Students gain first exposure to dictionary use and online resources for Tibetan studies.

TIB102. Classical Tibetan Language II (3 credits)
Continued study of Tibetan grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Classical Tibetan language.

TIB201. Classical Tibetan Language Intermediate I (2 credits)
Students continue to deepen their knowledge of Tibetan grammar and syntax through reading and decoding basic verse and prose texts and commentaries on Buddhist philosophy and practice in their original language. This course also introduces basic translation theory.  Whenever possible, students receive oral commentary of the texts they are working with as part of the class, and begin to learn how to "decode" some of the more cryptic forms of Tibetan philosophical exegesis.

TIB202. Classical Tibetan Language Intermediate II (2 credits)
Students continue to deepen their knowledge of Tibetan grammar and syntax through reading and decoding more complex texts, treatises, poetry, and commentaries on Buddhist philosophy and practice in their original language. This course includes the continued study of translation theory, and students will begin working on their own basic translations. Students receive oral commentary of the texts they are working with as part of the class and as an aid to their understanding and translation of the texts.

TIB300. Seminar in Tibetan Translation (2 credits)
Students read Tibetan texts and their commentaries in their original language.


THL320. Buddhist Theology (2 credits)
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. Recent years have seen a growth of Buddhist "theological" thinking paralleling the kind of theological thinking our monotheistic counterparts have engaged in to address similar issues in their own traditions. Buddhist scholars who are also practitioners have moved beyond simply describing the tradition from a critical distance, and begun to use the critical skills of the academy to think about the tradition and speak from within the tradition about issues of concern to themselves as members of Buddhist communities. What do Buddhists have to say about the environmental crisis? How ought Buddhists think about the tradition's patriarchal past?  What might Buddhism contribute to prison reform? How might "justice" be conceived in Buddhist terms?  What are the appropriate and effective Buddhist ways of thinking about these problems and questions? 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.


THL410: Buddhist Rituals, Ethics, Services & Ceremonies (2 credits)
This course will present an overview of some of the most important rituals, ethics, services, and ceremonies that form the core of Buddhist practice in the Tibetan tradition, and shape everyday life of practitioners. We will begin with an overview of the ethical guidelines for practitioners, including precepts of practice, their purpose, meaning, and how to maintain them. The course will continue with an introduction to and, where relevant, instruction in, rituals, services, and ceremonies performed by the clergy and by practitioners themselves in the course of every day life. Finally the course will touch on some of the more esoteric rituals and ceremonies of the tradition, such as divination, offering practices, and so forth, and their significance in the tradition and in the lives of practitioners and Buddhist communities.


Maitripa College is a nonprofit corporation authorized by the State of Oregon to offer and confer the academic degrees described herein,
following a determination that state academic standards will be satisfied under OAR 583-030.
Inquiries concerning the standards or school compliance may be directed to the
Office of Degree Authorization, 1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon, 97401.



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