Leading the academic teaching of Buddhism in Spanish
The Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG) has established itself as a reference in the academic teaching of Buddhism in the Spanish-speaking world. Through solid strategic alliances with leading academic institutions, it offers rigorous and accessible training. Its commitment transcends mere instruction, focusing on building a collaborative network that promotes the study of Buddhism as a discipline throughout the region.
Strategic alliance with Fundació Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Since 2021, the Dharma-Gaia Foundation and the Fundació Universitat Rovira i Virgili (FURV) have forged a strategic alliance that has established itself as a benchmark in the promotion and development of Buddhist studies in Spanish. This fruitful collaboration has promoted research and academic training, the organization of conferences and seminars, and the publication of relevant academic works, such as the two volumes of Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain.
This synergy between the FDG and FURV has not only facilitated access to high quality Buddhist training in Spanish, but has also set a precedent for inter-institutional collaboration in academia. By combining the FDG's experience in teaching Buddhism with the infrastructure and rigor of the FURV, a unique space has been created for critical reflection and in-depth study of Buddhist traditions, contributing to their legitimization and expansion in the Hispanic American university context.
As a result of this joint work, two training courses have already been offered, each consisting of four modules over two years, for a total of 8 courses. Each of these programs has lasted 60 hours and awards 6 academic credits, consistently attracting between 60 and 80 students per course, who have praised the quality of the content and the high level of the teaching staff.
The collaboration with Buddhistdoor en Español and the promotional efforts of the FDG have been essential for a wide dissemination of these courses and to facilitate the participation of leading specialists. On the other hand, as both the FURV and the FDG are non-profit entities, the FDG is able to assume the organizational and promotional costs, which translates into affordable tuition for students.
This alliance not only celebrates the achievements made, but also lays a solid foundation for future initiatives, including new publications in progress and the expansion of academic offerings.
Next cycle of four quarterly courses FDG-FURV (2026-2027)
The collaboration between FDG and FURV is consolidated with a new cycle of courses for the period 2026 and 2027, marking the third edition of their academic programs.
1. Early Buddhism and the theravāda tradition: teachings and practices 2.
Dates: April - June 2026
Teachers: Agustí Pàniker Vilaplana, Aleix Ruiz Falqués, Bhikkhunī Arindama
2. Mahāyāna Buddhism and its expansion in East Asia.
Dates: October - December 2026
Faculty: Agustí Pàniker Vilaplana, Dr. María Elvira Ríos Peñafiel (UPC), Dr. Gustavo Pita Céspedes (UAB).
3. Vajrayāna and Tibetan Buddhism: teachings and practices.
Dates: April - June 2027
4. Modern and contemporary Buddhism
Dates: October - December 2027
Academic collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
FDG also maintains a framework agreement and a fruitful collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).The UAB has positively evaluated the program of classical Buddhist languages. This alliance has allowed rapid progress in offering courses in Pali, Sanskrit and classical Tibetan, which are fundamental for the in-depth study of Buddhist sources. In addition, new courses are being developed that are compatible with FURV courses, such as a new Buddhist art course, and future joint publications are planned.
Classical Buddhist language courses offered to date by FDG and UAB
1. Introduction to Pali Language and Literature (1st Edition) (Pali I)
Dates: October 2 - December 18, 2024
Teacher: Dr. Aleix Ruiz Falqués
Introduction to Pali language and literature. Advanced Concepts (1st Edition) (Pali II)
Dates: April 2 - June 25, 2025
Teacher: Dr. Aleix Ruiz Falqués
3. Introduction to Pali language and literature (2nd edition UAB) (Pali I)
Dates: September 29 - December 22, 2025
Teacher: Dr. Aleix Ruiz Falqués
4. Introduction to the Tibetan language: reading texts of Tibetan Buddhism (1st Edition)
Dates: September 29 - December 22, 2025
Teacher: Ferrán Mestanza García
5. Classical language offerings will expand in 2026 with the following courses:
Sanskrit I: April - June 2026
Sanskrit II: October - December 2026
Pali III: January - June 2026
Pali IV: July - December 2026
Tibetan I (to be determined):
Tibetan II (to be determined):
6. Buddhist Art Course:September - December 2026
Other collaborations and projects
The strengthening of this educational project has been achieved thanks to a robust network of partnerships with universities and other entities, a constantly growing alliance that enriches the FDG's founding mission. A fundamental pillar of this network is the collaboration with the Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism (RIEB), an institution of which the FDG is one of the members.of which it is one of the founding members, cooperating closely in the promotion of studies, conferences, seminars and publications.
It also highlights its collaboration with the significant ecological and educational initiatives of Laboratorio Ecobudismo (LEB), and the synergy established with the Coordinadora Catalana d'Entitats Budistes ( CCEB ). Coordinadora Catalana d'Entitats Budistes (CCEB).. With the latter, it co-organizes the prestigiousBuddhist Film Festivalof Catalonia (FCBC) and develops other relevant initiatives.
In short, the Dharma-Gaia Foundation, through its strategic agreements with the Fundació Universitat Rovira i Virgili and the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, together with other valuable alliances, is establishing a benchmark in the academic teaching of Buddhism in Spanish. This educational offer is distinguished by its high quality and rigor, contributing significantly to the enrichment of the educational and cultural landscape.
Links:
"The situation of Buddhist studies in Spain: teaching programs" by Juan Arnau Navarro, Montse Castellà Olivé, Francisco Díez de Velasco, Ricardo Guerrero Diáñez, Basili Llorca Martínez, Daniel Millet, Agustín Pániker Vilaplana, Aleix Ruiz Falqués, Jaume Vallverdú Vallverdú, Abraham Vélez de Cea.
