The Rovira i Virgili University Foundation and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation are pleased to announce that registrations for the course. "Early Buddhism and the theravāda tradition: teachings and practices" are now open. This theoretical-practical course is part of an innovative program that represents the cutting edge in Spanish-language academic education on Buddhism and its traditions. It has been conceived to satisfy the growing interest in the study of primordial Buddhism and the preponderant religious system in several countries of South and Southeast Asia. It is distinguished by its innovative design and high educational quality, reflecting the commitment of both institutions to academic excellence.
Students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the teachings and practices of early Buddhism through a platform that combines accessibility with a deep respect for traditional content. The Fundació Universitat Rovira i Virgili (FURV) and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG) extend a cordial invitation to all those interested in exploring in depth the teachings and practices of early Buddhism and the theravāda tradition, and to participate in this unique opportunity for learning and discovery in an academic environment that promotes both theoretical knowledge and practice.
Buddhism, beyond its status as a worldwide religion, emerges as a key element in the fabric of history and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of philosophical thought, the currents of modern psychology and contemporary art. Its resonance in today's society is palpable and it has been a guiding light for countless people throughout the centuries in many corners of the planet. However, despite its relevance, and unlike other spiritual traditions, this vast legacy contrasts with its modest appearance in the cultural panorama of Spanish-speaking countries, where its academic presence in the Latin American university circuit is scarce.
In 2021, the FURV and the FDG established a broad collaboration agreement to promote the study and learning of Buddhism in the Spanish-speaking academic context. This agreement has given way to a variety of educational programs ranging from courses to the publication of books, as well as conferences and seminars, all focused on exploring the vast heritage of Buddhism.
The launch of this initiative materialized in the first cycle of academic courses that ran from September 2022 to December 2023, entitled "Studies in Buddhist and Meditation Traditions". This pioneering inaugural cycle was a resounding success, attracting approximately a large number of students in each of the three courses offered. The response from participants was extremely positive, as evidenced by the enthusiastic ratings and comments received, demonstrating the great interest and satisfaction with the quality and content of the educational program.
Strengthened by this initial success and in response to the interest expressed, the FURV and the FDG have decided to expand their educational offerings by launching a more extensive Buddhist studies program. This new program, entitled "Buddhism and its traditions: from its origins to its modern interpretations", will run for a period of two years, from April 2024 to December 2025, and will include four courses that can be taken completely independently of each other. These courses are 1) early Buddhism and the theravāda tradition; 2) mahāyāna Buddhism; 3) vajrayāna Buddhism; 4) modern and contemporary Buddhism. The design of this program is intended to provide a complete and thorough understanding of Buddhism, covering all its major traditions.
The course "Early Buddhism and the Theravāda Tradition: Teachings and Practices" will be offered from April 2 to June 20, 2024, marking the beginning of this new cycle of academic studies on Buddhism. Open to the international Spanish-speaking community, this second edition promises to be an enriching educational experience, intended to nurture the legacy of the previous edition, and is aimed at all those seeking to deepen their understanding of early Buddhism and theravāda practices.
Description:
This is a theoretical-practical course designed to provide a concise but complete and comprehensive overview of early Buddhism and the Theravāda tradition. After a description of the life of the Buddha, we will learn the essential doctrines of early Buddhism, including the principle of co-dependent origination, the three marks of existence, "no-self"(anattā) and the analysis of empirical individuality, the four noble truths, as well as the concept of nibbāna as the Buddhist soteriological ideal. We will continue to narrate the history of early Buddhism and its spread throughout Asia, and the evolution of the theravāda tradition, the sole survivor of the schools that formed early Buddhism. Doctrinal explanations will alternate with the reading of suttas, excerpts from classical texts such as the Dhammapada, The Questions of King Milinda, and excerpts from famous commentaries such as the Visuddhimagga. The course has a practical and experiential aspect, with meditation workshops led by experienced guides.
Language and scope:
It is taught in Spanish and is aimed at students and the general public who are highly interested in the subject.
Duration:
The course "Early Buddhism and the Theravāda tradition: teachings and practices" has a duration of 60 teaching hours, which is equivalent to 6 ECTS credits. Classes will be held through the virtual campus (Moodle) of the URV, with a duration of 5 hours per week distributed in two days.
Dates and schedule:
The course will be held from Tuesday, April 2, 2024 until June 20, 2024. Afternoon hours, from 16:00 to 18:30 (Spanish time), are scheduled so that students from Latin America can follow the course.
Location: virtual campus (Moodle)
The course is developed in virtual format and comprises two videoconference sessions per week. All teaching sessions will be recorded so that students can view them during the course at their convenience.
Enrollment:
The course has a maximum limit of 50 places, which will be filled in strict order of enrollment. The registration fee is 180 €.
Admission requirement:
The only requirement for admission to the course is to have completed secondary education.
Requirements necessary to meet completion requirements:
- A minimum of 70% online attendance.
- Delivery of a final essay of approximately 2000 words.
Certifications:
A certificate of achievement will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the course. A certificate will be issued to students who have completed the four separate courses that make up the program "Buddhism and its traditions: from its origins to its modern interpretations", which will run from April 2, 2024 to December 19, 2025.
Find here the link to the registration form
Objectives:
- To know the history and cultural context of early Buddhism.
- Understand the philosophical and doctrinal principles and fundamental practices of early Buddhism.
- Know the scriptures, literature and essential terms early Buddhism and the theravāda school.
- Learn and experience the basics of theravāda meditation.
Academic direction:
Jaume Vallverdú Vallverdú
Daniel Millet Gil
Faculty:
The course has specialized and qualified teachers in the instruction of Buddhist teachings and practices.
Teaching staff:
Agustí Pàniker Vilaplana
Aleix Ruiz Falqués
Francisco Morillo Gable
Information:
For more information, visit the URV Foundation website or contact FURV contact person: Cristina Jacas - cristina.jacas@fundacio.urv.cat
Publications:
The Universitat Rovira i Virgili and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation have recently published an outstanding two-volume collective work of academic research entitled Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain in which some of the leading scholars of Buddhism in Spanish have participated.
Links of interest:
Rovira i Virgili University 2020 presentation video
Buddhist Film Festival of Catalonia
Articles written by course instructors and published in Buddhistdoor en Español
"Saraṇa Vihāra: a refuge in the Montseny massif " by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués.
"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.
Other related articles published in Buddhistdoor in English
"Interview with Agustín Pániker, director of Editorial Kairós" by Daniel Millet.
"The expansion of Buddhist studies through the study of Pali: interview with Aleix Ruiz Falqués" by Dipen Barua and Daniel Millet.
Presentation of the book "In the Words of the Buddha. An anthology of Discourses of the Pali Canon, by Bhikkhu Bodhi" by Caridad Martin Nieto.
