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 avant-garde in academic education in the Spanish language about Buddhism and its traditions. It has been designed to meet the growing interest in the study of primitive Buddhism and the prevailing religious system in several countries in South and Southeast Asia. It is distinguished by its innovative design and its 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 and practical knowledge.
Beyond its status as a worldwide religion, Buddhism emerges as a key element in the fabric of history and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of philosophical thought, on the currents of modern psychology and on contemporary art. Its resonance in today's society is palpable and it has been a beacon of guidance for countless people over 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 landscape of Spanish-speaking countries, where their academic presence in the Spanish-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 book publishing, to 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 took place from September 2022 to December 2023, called “Studies on the traditions of Buddhism and meditation”. This pioneering inaugural cycle was a resounding success, attracting approximately a large number of students in each of the three courses offered. The response of the participants was extremely positive, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reviews 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 offer with the launch of a more extensive Buddhist studies program. This new program, entitled “Buddhism and its traditions: from its origins to its modern interpretations”, will last 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 purpose of the design of this program is to provide a complete and profound understanding of Buddhism, encompassing all its great traditions.
The Course “Early Buddhism and the Theravāda Tradition: Teachings and Practices” Will be offered from April 2 to June 20, 2024, marks 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, aimed at nourishing the legacy of the previous edition, and is aimed at all those who seek to deepen their understanding of primitive Buddhism and Theravāda its practices.
Description:
This is a theoretical-practical course designed to provide a concise but complete and comprehensive view of early Buddhism and the Theravāda tradition. After a description of the Buddha's life, we will learn about the essential doctrines of ancient Buddhism, including the principle of codependent origin, the three marks of existence, “non-self” (Anatta) and the analysis of empirical individuality, the four noble truths, as well as the concept of Nibbana But the Buddhist soteriological ideal. We will continue to narrate the history of early Buddhism and its expansion across Asia, and the evolution of the Theravāda tradition, the only survivor of the schools that formed early Buddhism. The doctrinal explanations will alternate with the reading of suttas, of fragments of classical texts such as Dhammapada, King Milinda's Questions, and excerpts from famous commentaries such as 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” lasts 60 teaching hours, equivalent to 6 ECTS credits. The classes will be held through the virtual campus (Moodle) of the URV, with a duration of 5 hours per week distributed over two days.
Dates and times:
The course will run from Tuesday, April 2, 2024 to June 20, 2024. The afternoon schedule, from 16:00 to 18:30 (Spanish time), is scheduled so that students from Latin America can follow it.
Location: virtual campus (Moodle)
The course is held in a virtual format and consists of two videoconference sessions per week. All teaching sessions will be recorded so that students can view them during the course when it's most convenient for them.
Enrollment:
The course has a maximum limit of 50 places, which will be filled in strict order of enrollment. The tuition fee is 180€.
Admission requirement:
The only requirement to be admitted to the course is to have completed secondary education.
Requirements necessary to meet the completion requirements:
- A minimum of 70% online support.
- Delivery of an essay-like final work 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 independent courses that make up the program. “Buddhism and its traditions: from its origins to its modern interpretations”, which will be held between April 2, 2024 and December 19, 2025.
Find here the link to Registration form
Objectives:
- Learn about the history and cultural context of early Buddhism.
- Understand the philosophical and doctrinal principles, as well as the fundamental practices of early Buddhism.
- Know the scriptures, literature and essential terms of early Buddhism and the Theravāda school.
- Learn and experience the basics of Theravāda meditation.
Academic direction:
Jaume Vallverdú Vallverdú
Daniel Millet Gil
Teaching Staff:
The course has specialized and qualified teachers in the instruction of Buddhist teachings and practices.
Teaching staff:
Agustí Pàniker Vilaplana
Aleix Ruiz Falques
Francisco Morillo Gable
Information:
For more information, visit the URV Foundation website or contact the FURV contact person: Cristina Jacas — cristina.jacas@fundacio.urv.cat
Publications:
The Rovira i Virgili University and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation have recently published an outstanding collective work of academic research in two volumes entitled Buddhist studies in Latin America and Spain in which some of the leading scholars of Buddhism in Spanish participate.
Useful links:
Video presentation of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili 2020
Catalan Buddhist Film Festival
Articles written by course teachers and published on Buddhistdoor in Spanish
”Saraṇa Vihāra: a refuge in the Montseny Massif” by Aleix Ruiz-Falques
”The situation of Buddhist studies in Spain: educational 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 on Buddhistdoor in Spanish
”Interview with Agustín Pániker, director of Editorial Kairós” by Daniel Millet.
”The expansion of Buddhist studies through the study of Pali: an 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 from the Pali Canon, by Bhikkhu BodhI” by Caridad Martin Nieto.
