STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020
NAN TIEN INSTITUTE 231 Nolan Street Unanderra NSW 2526 Australia Table of Contents
SECTION 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 2 FOUNDATION AND HISTORY ...... 2 INTRODUCING NAN TIEN INSTITUTE ...... 2 SECTION 2. COURSES, ENTRY REQUIREMENT AND FEES ...... 3 APPLIED BUDDHIST STUDIES ...... 3 HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELLBEING ...... 4 MENTAL HEALTH ...... 5 HUMANISTIC BUDDHISM ...... 6 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...... 6 Proficiency in English ...... 6 Students in final year undergraduate studies ...... 6 Interview and references ...... 6 SECTION 3. COURSE INFORMATION ...... 7 APPLIED BUDDHIST STUDIES ...... 7 Program Introduction ...... 7 Graduate Certificate in Applied Buddhist Studies ...... 7 Graduate Diploma in Applied Buddhist Studies ...... 7 Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies) ...... 8 Course Advice...... 8 Subject Information ...... 8 HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELLBEING ...... 14 Program Introduction ...... 14 Graduate Certificate in Health and Social Wellbeing ...... 14 Graduate Diploma in Health and Social Wellbeing ...... 14 Master of Arts (Health and Social Wellbeing) ...... 15 Course Advice...... 15 Subject Information ...... 15 MENTAL HEALTH ...... 22 Graduate Certificate in Mental Health ...... 22 Graduate Diploma in Mental Health ...... 22 Master of Mental Health ...... 23 Course Advice...... 23 Subject Information ...... 23 HUMANISTIC BUDDHISM ...... 27 Program Introduction ...... 27 Graduate Certificate in Humanistic Buddhism ...... 27 Course Advice: ...... 27 Subject Information ...... 27 SECTION 4. CROSS INSTITUTIONAL STUDIES ...... 29 Subject Information ...... 29 SECTION 5. SERVICES ...... 32 ACCOMMODATION ...... 32 DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT ...... 32 LEARNING RESOURCES ...... 33 STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE ...... 34
SECTION 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Foundation and History Standards Agency, NTI offers postgraduate programs in Applied Buddhist Studies, Health and Since the grand opening of Nan Tien Temple in Social Wellbeing, Humanistic Buddhism and 1995, the Temple has been enthusiastically Mental Health, as well as customised Continuing sharing and promoting Buddhism, as well as Professional Development (CPD) programs. New reinforcing the understanding between Western programs in Business and Health Services will be and Eastern cultures. introduced soon. In September 2001, the Wollongong City Council NTI operates from its own state-of-the-art campus, donated a parcel of land just opposite Nan Tien incorporating contemplative pedagogy and Temple as the site for the Nan Tien Institute (NTI) fostering an environment for holistic learning, and Art Gallery. This was the start of a truly allowing students to contribute to the advancement precious and remarkable opportunity for NTI to and integration of knowledge, culture and ethical flourish in an exquisite setting. NTI began teaching understanding. and operating out of rooms at Nan Tien Temple in NTI is dedicated to: 2011, until construction of its Campus was complete. The NTI Wollongong Campus was • Promoting the abilities and personalities of officially opened four years later, by the Prime students in a harmonious Buddhist Minister of Australia, The Honorable Tony Abbott environment. MP and Grand Master Hsing Yun on 1 March 2015. • Preparing students to meet the challenges of "To foster talent through education" is one of the Fo a globally interdependent society. Guang Shan's main objectives. Over 25 years, • Developing awareness of the scientific Grand Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang method and its application in understanding Shan (FGS) has founded 5 institutes of higher social problems. education and 16 Buddhist colleges around the • Using the knowledge and skills obtained world. The aim is to share the wisdom of Buddhism through studies of science and the and to create a well-informed society. Fo Guang humanities, to engage in problem-solving in Shan has established the University of The West in today's society. California USA (1990), Fo Guang University (1993) • Developing a community of scholars, and Nanhua University (1996) in Taiwan, Nan Tien academics, skillful practitioners and students Institute Australia (2009) and Guang Ming College not only rich with knowledge and skills, but in the Philippines (2014). The five institutions form also with an aspiration to enrich their the Fo Guang International University Consortium. spirituality to become meaningful caring members of society. Introducing Nan Tien Institute
Nan Tien Institute (NTI) is the first Australian educational institution to offer an enlightened and holistic education for the 21st century in an environment which embraces humanistic Buddhist virtues and values. It is a non-profit private higher education provider registered in Australia through the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency and open to students from Australia and countries worldwide.
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SECTION 2. COURSES, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND FEES Applied Buddhist Studies
ENTRY COURSE DURATION FEES# REQUIREMENTS Graduate Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $7,200* Certificate in 6 months with a major in humanities or International $8,800 Applied Buddhist social sciences, OR Part time options Studies available relevant work experience and *FEE HELP available to professional training of at least eligible Australian citizens 3 years, for example in Buddhist ministry or counselling.
Graduate Diploma Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic 14,400* in Applied Buddhist 12 months with a major in humanities or International $17,600 Studies Part time options social sciences, OR available a Graduate Certificate with a *FEE HELP available to focus on Buddhist Studies. eligible Australian citizens
Master of Arts Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $21,600* (Applied Buddhist 18 months with a major in humanities or International $26,400 Studies) Part time options social sciences, OR available a Graduate Diploma with a *FEE HELP available to focus on Buddhist Studies, OR eligible Australian citizens a Graduate Certificate with a focus on Buddhist Studies and 3 years of relevant work experience (for example in Buddhist ministry or counselling). Note: Applicants who are not eligible for direct entry to this course, but are eligible for entry to the Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Diploma can transition to the Master’s degree, upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma requirements.
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Health and Social Wellbeing
ENTRY COURSE DURATION FEES# REQUIREMENTS Graduate Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $7,600* Certificate in Health 6 months with a major in in a relevant International $9,600 and Social field, such as health sciences, Part time options Wellbeing social sciences, liberal arts, or available education, OR *FEE HELP available to eligible Australian citizens relevant working experience and professional training over at least 3 years, for example in the health sector or social services or education
Graduate Diploma Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $15,200* in Health and 12 months with a major in a relevant field, International $19,200 Social Wellbeing such as health sciences, social Part time options sciences, liberal arts, or available *FEE HELP available to education, OR eligible Australian citizens
a Graduate Certificate with a focus on health.
Master of Arts Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $22,800* (Health and Social 18 months with a major in a relevant field, International $28,800 Wellbeing) such as health sciences, social Part time options sciences, liberal arts, or available *FEE HELP available to education, OR eligible Australian citizens a Graduate Diploma with a
focus on health, OR
a Graduate Certificate with a focus on health and credit average performance. Note: Applicants who are not eligible for direct entry to this course but are eligible for entry to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, can transition to the Master’s degree, upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma requirements.
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Mental Health
ENTRY COURSE DURATION FEES# REQUIREMENTS Graduate Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $7,600* Certificate in Mental 6 months with a major in in a relevant International $9,600 Health field, such as health sciences, Part time options social sciences, liberal arts, or available education, OR *FEE HELP available to eligible Australian citizens relevant working experience and professional training over at least 3 years, for example in the health sector or social services or education
Graduate Diploma Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $15,200* in Mental Health 12 months with a major in a relevant field, International $19,200 such as health sciences, social Part time options sciences, liberal arts, or available *FEE HELP available to education, OR eligible Australian citizens
a Graduate Certificate with a focus on health.
Master of Mental Full-time EITHER a Bachelor degree Domestic $22,800* Health 18 months with a major in a relevant field, International $28,800 such as health sciences, social Part time options sciences, liberal arts, or available *FEE HELP available to education, OR eligible Australian citizens a Graduate Diploma with a focus on health, OR a Graduate Certificate with a focus on health and credit average performance. Note: Applicants who are not eligible for direct entry to this course but are eligible for entry to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, can transition to the Master’s degree, upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma requirements.
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Humanistic Buddhism
COURSE DURATION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FEES#
Graduate Full-time A bachelor degree, or Domestic $6,600* Certificate in 6 months equivalent qualification. International $8,000 Humanistic Part time options Relevant work experience Buddhism *FEE HELP available to available is normally conceived as eligible Australian citizens work in a Buddhist
profession or workplace for
at least three years full-time or six years part-time.
competencies expected from a relevant bachelor Additional Information degree. A letter of reference from a university or Proficiency in English college lecturer or a workplace supervisor who is familiar with your qualifications and experience may Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas be suitable supporting documentation and might be may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. required. For applicants who have not completed substantial tertiary studies in English, the requirement is IELTS Details of the application procedure can be found (academic version only) 6.5 overall with minimum on the Nan Tien Institute website at 6.0 in each subtest, or equivalent assessment of www.nantien.edu.au. English language proficiency. The test must be completed no more than 2 years before FEES# commencement of the postgraduate course at Nan Tien Institute. Please note: # Indicative fee assuming a full-time load and Students in final year undergraduate all electives are chosen within the Award studies program. Costs may vary depending on Applicants who are in the final year of their elective subjects chosen. undergraduate studies may submit a current official All prices listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). transcript showing their completed subjects and A one-off enrolment fee of $100 applies to grades. Applicants may be granted conditional international students and to domestic students admission subject to the successful completion of in the Mental Health program once they have the undergraduate degree prior to the been accepted into the course. commencement of the postgraduate course at Nan Costs are subject to change annually. Tien Institute. Costs are for tuition only. They do not cover accommodation, meals or incidentals Interview and references
An interview or other supplementary documentation may be required to evaluate an applicant's suitability as a graduate student in Health and Social Wellbeing. For example, if your professional training or work experience is considered as the basis of the application, then you must demonstrate that you have obtained the knowledge, skills and/or
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SECTION 3. COURSE INFORMATION Note: Not all electives are offered each semester. Applied Buddhist Studies Please check on the NTI website, or with the Program Introduction Student Services Office on the scheduled subjects. Buddhism is 2,500 Years old. The art of quiet NTI900 Critical Inquiry contemplation seems a world apart from the frantic ABS902 Mindfulness: Theory and Practice competition of modern life and work. Yet Buddhist ABS903 Research Methods of Religious Studies philosophy trains the skillful mind to see human ABS904 Buddhist Ethics values and understand the causes and effects of human action. Deep reflection on the Buddhist story ABS920 Buddhism and Interreligious brings new perspectives to people who work in Understanding teaching and the caring professions. You can also ABS921 Buddhism, Environment and apply Buddhist teachings to business in the pursuit Sustainability of ethical enterprise and environmental ABS922 Buddhism and Modern Society conservation. In this program, the theory of ABS923 Health as Buddhist Practice Buddhism and other religious systems is integrated with experiential learning and meditation, giving a ABS930 Tradition and Change personal experience of Buddhist spiritual values in ABS931 Selected Readings of Buddhist Meditation daily life. Literature The program is organised in three levels – Graduate ABS932 Mindfulness and Conflict Transformation Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Arts – ABS933 Buddhist Art as Visual Communication which form a nested sequence of courses. The ABS940 Naturalisation of Buddhism in China and flexible structure allows you to pursue your studies Beyond as far as your interests take you. ABS941 Indian Buddhism ABS942 Buddhist Theories of Mind Graduate Certificate in Applied ABS943 Meditation Practices in Chinese Buddhism Buddhist Studies ABS944 Mindfulness and Cognitive Science CRICOS Course Code: 072349G CRICOS Provider Number: 03233C Graduate Diploma in Applied
Duration: One semester of full-time study or Buddhist Studies equivalent in part-time study. On the successful CRICOS Course Code: 072350D completion of the Graduate Certificate, you can CRICOS Provider Number: 03233C proceed to the Graduate Diploma and the Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies) with credits from the Duration: Two semesters of full-time study or subjects already completed. equivalent in part-time study. On the completion of the Graduate Diploma, you can proceed to the Course Structure: The qualification requires Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies) with the completion of 4 subjects (24 credit points) as credits from the subjects already completed. follows: Course Structure: The qualification requires 1 core subject: the completion of 8 subjects (Total 48 credit points) ABS901 Introduction to Buddhism as follows: 3 electives from the Applied Buddhist Studies 2 core subjects: Program but may include 1 subject from the Health ABS901 Introduction to Buddhism and Social Wellbeing Program or the Humanistic ABS902 Mindfulness: Theory and Practice Buddhism Program. 6 electives from the Applied Buddhist Studies Program but may include a maximum of 2 subjects
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from the Health and Social Wellbeing Program or 7 electives from the Applied Buddhist Studies the Humanistic Buddhism Program. Program but may include a maximum of 3 subjects from the Health and Social Wellbeing Program or Note: Not all electives are offered each semester. the Humanistic Buddhism Program. Please check on the NTI website, or with the Student Services Manager on the scheduled Note: Not all electives are offered each semester. subjects. Please check on the NTI website, or with the Student Services Manager on the scheduled NTI900 Critical Inquiry subjects. ABS903 Research Methods of Religious Studies NTI900 Critical Inquiry ABS904 Buddhist Ethics ABS903 Research Methods of Religious Studies ABS920 Buddhism and Interreligious Understanding ABS920 Buddhism and Interreligious Understanding ABS921 Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability ABS921 Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability ABS922 Buddhism and Modern Society ABS922 Buddhism and Modern Society ABS923 Health as Buddhist Practice ABS923 Health as Buddhist Practice ABS930 Tradition and Change ABS930 Tradition and Change ABS931 Selected Readings of Buddhist Meditation Literature ABS931 Selected Readings of Buddhist Meditation Literature ABS932 Mindfulness and Conflict Transformation ABS932 Mindfulness and Conflict Transformation ABS933 Buddhist Art as Visual Communication ABS933 Buddhist Art as Visual Communication ABS940 Naturalisation of Buddhism in China and Beyond ABS940 Naturalisation of Buddhism in China and Beyond ABS941 Indian Buddhism ABS941 Indian Buddhism ABS942 Buddhist Theories of Mind ABS942 Buddhist Theories of Mind ABS943 Meditation Practices in Chinese Buddhism ABS943 Meditation Practices in Chinese Buddhism ABS944 Mindfulness and Cognitive Science ABS944 Mindfulness and Cognitive Science Master of Arts (Applied Course Advice Buddhist Studies) CRICOS Course Code: 072351C Contact: Venerable Dr Juewei CRICOS Provider Number: 03233C Acting Head of Program, Applied Buddhist Studies Email: [email protected] Duration: Three semesters of full-time study or equivalent in part-time study Subject Information Course Structure: The qualification requires the completion of 10 subjects and the Research ABS901 Introduction to Buddhism Project (Total 72 credit points) as follows: Credit points: 6 4 core subjects: Type: Core for all courses in Applied Buddhist Studies Program ABS901 Introduction to Buddhism This subject is an introduction to the fundamentals ABS902 Mindfulness: Theory and Practice of Buddhist thought. Students will examine ideas ABS904 Buddhist Ethics around the origin and development of Buddhism, ABS950 Research Project (12 credit points) * key Buddhist doctrines, and the basic concepts of *Subject to approval may be substituted by two 6- Buddhist philosophy across various traditions. The credit point course work subjects spiritual meaning of life from the Buddhist perspective will be critically examined. The role of
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Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and practice in Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist approaching morality and ethics, as well as Studies. Prerequisite for ABS950 Research Project contemporary developments in global Buddhism, This subject is an introduction to critical thinking and will be introduced and critically appraised. the various modes of research used in Applied This subject contributes to the course aims through Buddhist Studies. The basic skills and processes its (a) in-depth introduction to key concepts and associated with developing research questions, practices of the Buddhist tradition across sectarian reviewing relevant literature and conducting and historical boundaries, from its origin to later research will be discussed. Qualitative and developments spanning 2,500 years; (b) reflective quantitative research methods will be reviewed. critical student essay and presentation showing evidence of application of religious studies and/or The subject will also cover key basic principles in social science research methods; and (c) critical, academic writing, including referencing and citation inquiring assimilation of Buddhist philosophy and methods. As part of the subject, students will be practice through open debate and discussion, encouraged to develop their own original ideas and innovative angles of interpretation, and experiential formulate research proposals that demonstrate their immersion in meditation. This subject provides the understanding of applied research. This subject essential foundation for further studies in Buddhism particularly focuses on the principles of research and a portal to other subjects such as Healing and critical evaluation, which are key skills required Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy, in the process of reviewing and expanding the Mindfulness: Theory and Application, and literature based on Buddhism and its applications. Philosophy of Mind in Buddhism. The subject also covers the basics in academic writing to help students present discussion and ABS902 Mindfulness: Theory and arguments effectively in written form. Practice ABS904 Buddhist Ethics Credit points: 6 Credit points: 6 Type: Core for Graduate Diploma of Applied Type: Core for the Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Buddhist Studies and Master of Arts (Applied Studies) and elective for Graduate Certificate in Buddhist Studies); elective for Graduate Certificate Applied Buddhist Studies and Graduate Diploma of in Applied Buddhist Studies. Applied Buddhist Studies. This subject examines the systems of meditative This subject provides an overview of Buddhist practice taught in Buddhist traditions, focusing on ethics in different traditions; it also examines issues mindfulness as the key component in the Buddhist arising from their application in the contemporary doctrinal framework. It explores the theoretical world. After outlining the framework of Buddhist foundations for meditative practice as well as the ethics, a number of contemporary issues are practical methods and techniques of meditation, reviewed and discussed using the lens of Buddhist and it also looks at the variety of applications of ethical traditions: issues examined include the mindfulness in new contexts and environments. The natural world (environment, animals, conservation), subject places emphasis both on theory and on abortion, suicide, euthanasia, war, gender and practice: apart from the study and critical sexuality, economics, social responsibility, health examination of primary and secondary sources on etc. Buddhist meditation, the students also explore several techniques and aspects of mindfulness in Increasing individual ethical behaviour is at the practice. They are expected to devote two hours per heart of Buddhist traditions: understanding the day to the practice of mindfulness and record and nature of ethical choices and behaviours is also reflect on their experiences. The classes are fundamental to a sound comprehension of accompanied by practical sessions of meditation as Buddhism. This subject presents an introduction to appropriate to the development of each topic. the major areas of ethical consideration important in Buddhist teachings and then critically investigates ABS903 Research Methods of the Buddhist response in relation to contemporary Religious Studies moral dilemmas, thereby highlighting possible Credit points: 6
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contributions from - or gaps in - traditional Buddhist apart from the study and critical examination of paradigms and perspectives. primary and secondary sources on Buddhist environmentalism, students will participate in field ABS920 Buddhism and Interreligious activities examining local environmental issues. Understanding The theoretical framework, which is accompanied Credit points: 6 by practical field sessions on local environmental issues included as appropriate in the time devoted Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist to each topic Studies . The subject focuses on a theory of religion, ABS922 Buddhism and Modern Society spirituality, and interfaith dialogue. Firstly, it presents secularization processes and outlines the Credit points: 6 foundations of religious studies, it then proceeds Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist with an examination of fundamental issues in the Studies history and development of the major world The various schools of Buddhism teach systems of religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, beliefs and practices based on the principles of and Buddhism from a comparative and interfaith change and inter-dependence. This subject perspective. In the theoretical component, the major surveys how major Buddhist Schools today respond methodological approaches will be presented and to contemporary issues and events around the examined, and in the practical part readings of key world by adapting and reinterpreting the ancient texts, related to the subject outlined, will be doctrines to the modern world. This process is discussed in the context of modern societal studied in both directions: how traditional Buddhist problems such as economic, political and gender communities adapt to modernity and how Buddhist issues, and approaches to conflict resolution and teachings are interpreted, reinvented or embraced. peace. The subject outlines the main features of The topics include Buddhist responses to contemporary feminist philosophy of religion, globalisation, science and technology, economics, drawing particularly from the works of Luce Irigaray. consumerism, workplace management, ethical Additionally, the subject aims to investigate the role leadership, bio-ethics, gender issues and and future of religion and interfaith dialogue in our environmental sustainability. This subject will globalized world. Students will also explore how provide an opportunity to discuss how Buddhists in Buddhist perspectives could inform and contribute East Asia, South Asia and the west can continue to to contemporary interfaith dialogue. grow the religion in the future.
ABS921 Buddhism, Environment and ABS923 Health as Buddhist Practice Sustainability Credit points: 6 Credit points: 6 Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist Studies Studies This subject will explore the meaning of health and This subject examines the relationship between illness and how different traditions - especially the Buddhist traditions, including contemporary Greek-origin European ‘science’ tradition, Indian- Buddhist practice, and global issues in origin Buddhist understandings, and traditional sustainability and environment. It explores both Chinese medical approaches - conceive of and act classic and new sources of Buddhist on mind-body health and ill health. The subject environmentalism, as well the position of content will include the philosophy, history and environmentalism from other spiritual paths. political economy of health practices as they have Spiritual traditions have a key role in engaging developed within different cultural and creative responses to environmental and environmental contexts. Students will be introduced associated social challenges. This subject will to a range of different medical approaches including analyse scales of Buddhist environmentalism from indigenous Australian, Ayurveda and traditional the global to the personal and situate them in both Chinese as well as examining the reality of local and global geographic contexts. The subject mainstream science-based medicine as it exists in places emphasis both on theory and on practice: Western societies.
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A range of practices that are said to influence health It focuses on textual representations of Buddhist will be taught. Students will be asked to adopt and meditation (mindfulness in particular) which is critically examine the impact of one practice on their perceived to be at the heart of Buddhism. The own health. How does one’s own experience subject explores how different methods of compare to the reported expected outcomes and meditative practices are viewed and presented in evidence base for this practice? What does the some of the most influential texts on Buddhist practice tell us about the ideas that are the implicit meditation (such as the Satipaṭṭhāna-sutta) within underpinnings of such a practice? It is hoped that major Buddhist traditions. The selected texts on the mix of theoretical input and student experiences meditation are read in English translation, critically will allow us to explore health and illness in depth analysed, and their relevance for contemporary and in new ways. meditation practices discussed and reflected upon. Since the texts read in this course are on meditation, ABS930 Tradition and Change various meditative techniques are explored also in Credit points: 6 practice. Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist The subject informs students on different Studies methodological approaches to textual analysis, The subject is intended as a comprehensive survey provides foundations and background for deeper of Buddhism from its early beginnings to the present understanding of Buddhist meditation within its day. It aims to give students an insight into the historical and cultural framework and its relation to origins and the spread of Buddhism across Asia and contemporary meditation practices such as beyond. The course will familiarise students with the mindfulness, applied in a variety of new contexts. rich spectrum of Buddhist traditions and schools of philosophy and give an overview of their ABS932 Mindfulness and Conflict developments from the early beginning till the Transformation present day. Special attention will be given to the Credit points: 6 rich variety of Buddhist practices, particularly to Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist meditation. Studies The lectures will provide a comprehensive survey of The subject explores Buddhist peace work and tradition and change in Buddhist thought and conflict transformation strategies for social well- practices throughout the history, while specific being and peaceful co-existence. It presents “good topics (such as politics, gender issues, society and practices” of Buddhist inclusive communities, environment in Buddhist context) will be characteristics and benefits of a moral culture (such investigated through film viewing, seminars, group as keeping peace with nature, non-violence, discussions and projects. Exploration of various Buddhist peace principles and ethics, etc.). Since facets of Buddhism will provide an opportunity for the preparation for peace on the social level has to deeper appreciation and understanding of start with individual transformation, the greater part Buddhism as a living tradition, which is expanding of the course will be dedicated to intra-psyche fast beyond Asia and becoming a transnational change based on mindfulness theory and practice. religion of the 21st century. The students will explore several techniques and aspects of conflict transformation combined with ABS931 Selected Readings of Buddhist mindfulness in practice. They are expected to Meditation Literature devote two hours per day to the practice of Credit points: 6 mindfulness in the conflict transformation process Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist and record and reflect on their experiences. The Studies subject assumes a basic knowledge of Buddhism or The subject aims to cultivate students’ analytical elements of mindfulness achieved through the ability and understanding of Buddhist textual preliminary readings. traditions from which the teachings and practices of modern Buddhism have developed. ABS933 Buddhist Art as Visual Communication Credit points: 6
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Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist ABS941 Indian Buddhism Studies Credit points: 6 The aim of this subject is to teach the knowledge Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist and interpretative skills necessary to fully engage Studies with Buddhist material culture. The subject will be structured thematically across 4 days, with the fifth The foundations of all later schools of Buddhism day for presentations during an excursion to the Art were laid in India, this course focuses specifically on Gallery of NSW. It will start with a brief assessment doctrinal and historical events that were formative of Buddhist visual culture, before presenting the of the entire tradition before its eventual decline and evolution of the image of the historical Buddha disappearance from India. This course recounts Sakyamuni, including aniconic and synoptic the history of Indian Buddhism and covers the representations. Other sessions will include an teachings and precepts of the different analysis of the characteristics and distinguishing perspectives held in that period. After initial thematic qualities of diverse buddhas and bodhisattvas (with approaches, the course then focuses on specific special attention to Avalokitesvara); symbols that sites as heuristic windows to explore key issues convey the values and beliefs of Buddhism; the relevant to Indian Buddhism, e.g. the role of generation of merit through commissions; the Aśoka, the varieties of textual evidence, the visualisation of a deity; and the power of inscribed accounts of Chinese pilgrims etc. dharani and ‘seed’ syllables. ABS942 Buddhist Theories of Mind In this intensive course there will be sessions devoted to the visual communication of Buddhist Credit points: 6 teachings, e.g., the Wheel of the Six Realms of Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist Existence, the Pure Lands, and the mandala. Select Studies teachers, such as the First Patriarch of Zen, This subject aims to introduce to students the Bodhidharma, and noted monks, lamas, and philosophy of mind and consciousness and laymen, will be considered as well. approaches to psychology in early Buddhism and Indian Mahayana Buddhism. The focus of the ABS940 Naturalisation of Buddhism in subject will be on the Yogacara school of Mahayana China and Beyond Buddhism. However, as it is important for students Credit points: 6 to be familiar with pre-Yogacarin Buddhist thought, Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist the subject will begin with an introduction to the Studies conception of mind in early Buddhism. Then, both the thoughts of the Prajnaparamita Sutras and that This subject is divided into two parts. The first part of the Madhyamaka School will be taught. Following provides a historical survey of the impact of the that, the subject turns to the Yogacara School and different Buddhist traditions on Chinese culture and focuses on various topics related to the notions of vice versa. China is selected because of the mind and consciousness, the psychology of successful sinicisation process that includes the freedom, rational psychology, and salient Yogacara transformation of various Buddhist traditions and and Madhyamaka features of Buddhist Tantric their interactions with indigenous philosophy, psychology. culture and religious practices from the turn of the Common Era to the present. The second part of the ABS943 Meditation Practices in subject continues the exploration of how this Chinese Buddhism naturalised form of Buddhism maintains its Credit points: 6 relevance to communities worldwide. In this final section, the successful acculturation process (as Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist seen in Buddhism becoming one of the three pillars Studies of traditional Chinese religions) is also examined in This course will offer students an intellectually the light of how Humanistic Buddhism can play a engaged study of the tradition and meditation role in global Buddhist communities in the 21st practices of Chinese Chan (later Japanese Zen) century. Buddhism, strongly based in the experience of the practice itself. The course will proceed by
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continually interweaving direct meditation relates to Buddhist studies of the same subject. By experience with historically informed critical studying research papers, cases, personal reflection upon Chan and its underlying tenets and accounts, and through inquiry into their own philosophy, in a way that will both build on and personal experiences, the students will be enrich studies in Buddhist meditative thought and encouraged to compare, validate and critically practices encountered in other NTI course offerings. examine the methods and insights of both cultures. The unit will provide an overview of the historical The subject will end with the examination of and cultural circumstances that shaped the intersections between mindfulness meditation and Mahayana tradition of Chan (‘Zen’) Buddhism in scientific studies of consciousness. Students will be China, from 6th century CE through the Tang and encouraged to compare and reflect on the validity of Song dynasties, with attention to its engagement knowledge obtained by each of the paths. Special with pre-existing Daoist philosophy, while offering attention will be drawn to the parallels between students direct experience of the two primary mindfulness and phenomenological reduction. streams of Chan meditation practice - ‘Silent Illumination’, and ‘Koan Introspection’ - that ABS950 Research Project emerged in the classical period, and were carried Credit points: 12 into Japan as Soto and Rinzai streams of practice. Prerequisites: ABSPG102 Research Methods of Some significant aspects of the different cultural Religious Studies and satisfactory completion of 48 expressions of Chan (Zen) that have formed as Zen credit points moved into a Western context will also be explored. Type: Core for Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies) * ABS944 Mindfulness and Cognitive *Subject to approval may be substituted by two 6- Science credit course work subjects Credit points: 6 This subject provides experience and training in a Type: Elective for all courses in Applied Buddhist significant research project. Students will work on Studies their specific research project in conjunction with The subject "Mindfulness and Cognitive science" their supervisor, engaging in the stages of the examines the foundations as well as some of the research process related to critical review of the most recent developments in the field of cognitive literature, designing their project, considering science – a rapidly growing area of research, ethical dimensions of their study, and collecting integrating insights from a broad spectrum of data. The emphasis of this unit is on the application disciplines concerned with the study of human mind. of research knowledge gained in other units to the The aim of the subject is to put this relatively young practical conduct of the individual project, research project vis-à-vis the two and a half culminating in a written thesis and a presentation at millennia old Buddhist exploration in the same area. a professional seminar. Students will work under the guidance of their research supervisor and be guided The subject begins with an interdisciplinary through the stages of the research process. overview of the so-called paradigms of cognitive science, each of them representing one of the views on the nature of mind. The following paradigms are examined: Information-processing paradigm Cognitivist paradigm