This course is delivered by DDM monastic teachers in Mandarin Chinese. English speakers will use translated English materials while listening to the simultaneous interpretation of the teaching at the class. 

Prior to the start of the course, attendees will be assigned to discussion subgroups per attendee's language preference.  There are three available language options; Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.  Please mark your language preference at registration time.

◎ Course Description：

1. The Sheng Yen Academy Buddhism course takes 3 academic years to complete, with 2 semesters each year, aiming to provide a solid foundation with a systematical approach. The course is to be attended in person with prior approved exceptions.

 2. To advance to next semester, attendees are required not to miss more than 3 classes in a semester (Exceptions are provided to those who made up the class within three days of the missed class) 

 3. There are annual minimum volunteer hours in the “Field of Merits”to fulfill before proceeding to the next year. 

◎ Course Outline:

Field of Wisdom

Year One

1st Semester: Buddha Dharma Fundamentals, Dharma Drum Mountain and the Founder Master Sheng Yen

2nd Semester: The approach and practice of the three dharma doors: 1, Chan Meditation, 2, Mindful of Buddha, and 3, Guan Yin Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

Year Two

1st Semester:  ‧ Five Lectures on the Buddha Path (Religion and Buddhism, The Right View of Buddha Dharma, Humanistic Buddhism, Buddhism in Daily Life, Genuine Buddhism in Practice)

2nd Semester: One of the three books by Master Sheng Yen: Treasures from Within ( Tathagata-garbha )，Classics of Mind (Heart Sutra), Exploring Consciousness

Year Three

1st Semester:  Essence of Bodhisattva Precepts 

2nd Semester: One of the three books by Master Sheng Yen: Treasures from Within ( Tathagata-garbha )，Classics of Mind (Heart Sutra), Exploring Consciousness

Field of Merits

32 volunteer hours each year

◎ Course Objectives：

Providing guidance for a good understanding of the true meaning of Buddhist teachings, the humanitarian approach of Buddhism, and the Chinese Chan Buddhism as propagated by Master Sheng-Yen. Let the unsettled body and mind find a place to settle down; this opens up opportunities for the spiritual growth, and aspires to study and practice Buddhist teachings further in an orderly manner.

◎ Year One Second Semester Dates and Time: 

Eleven classes on Saturdays from 12:30pm to 3:30pm in 2023 on 

Sep. 9, 16, 30

Oct. 7, 14, 28

Nov. 4, 11, 18

Dec. 9, 16