Certificate Course in Introduction to Buddhism

Certificate Course in Introduction To Buddhism

(This programme will be conducted in online mode.)

Programme details for Academic year 2025-2026

Date of Commencement: 14th July 2025
Days: Fridays 
Timing: 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm 
and
Days: Saturdays 
Timing: 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm                                                                

Buddhism is a great Indian religious and philosophical tradition that left its mark on the religion and culture of its homeland as well as across Asia, where it was disseminated from very early in its history. Apart from a rich collection of textual materials, some of which are only preserved in the Chinese and Tibetan languages, Buddhism contributed to philosophical discourse and debates, art, architecture and meditation practice.

In India, the tradition was almost completely lost by the 14th century, surviving in small pockets in the Northeast and in Ladakh. The religious conversion led by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1956 has played a significant role in bringing the Buddha’s teachings back to India.This course is designed for beginners who seek an introduction to Buddhism, specifically Theravada Buddhism. It is also useful for Dharma practitioners who seek to broaden their engagement with an insight into Indian Buddhist history, the magnificent heritage sites in Maharashtra and the contributors to the revival of Buddhism in modern India.

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Key Information

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Admission Details

Eligibility

HSC or equivalent examination (e.g. 10+2)

Pedagogy

Teaching-learning occurs in primarily in lecture format. Students have the option to attend workshops and seminars that are regularly organised at the Centre, to enrich their learning experience.

Curriculum

 
 
 
Introduction to Buddhism

Differentiators

The Centre for Buddhist Studies has led the field in innovative curriculum design that addresses the learning needs of students who can engage full time, as well as those who pursue their passion part-time, at their own pace. The faculty have diverse specialisations, which is reflected in the syllabus.

The Certificate Course Elementary Pali provides a good foundation, based on which a student can pursue the Diploma in Pali at our institution.

Recognising that Buddhism is a living tradition, eminent members of the Sangha are regularly invited to or campus. This gives students an opportunity for experiential learning. The institution has had the privilege of hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama four times. ven. Dhammadipa, a Buddhist monk from the Czech republic, is an annual visitor who has taught several key programmes on meditation texts as well as led retreats.

The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies has a library with over 30,000 books, which is an important resource.

In addition to the workshops that are an integral part of this programme, students can attend seminars, workshops and field trips that are offered by the institution across the various disciplines. This creates opportunities of learning beyond the classroom and permits interaction with students pursuing different interests: this is a key feature of the learning experience on our campus.

The most unique aspect of our Centre is community engagement at our outreach project, Jetavan, in rural Maharashtra, which is available for students to visit and volunteer for engagement. The centre has been set up in collaboration with Godavari Biorefineries and Ven. Dhammadipa.

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, a student will:

  • Have an understanding of the life and principle teachings of the Buddha, including instructions for lay people.
  • An overview of the Pali Tipitaka
  • An insight into the Buddhist heritage of Maharashtra and the contributors who led to a revival of Buddhism in India

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