Note: we are still accepting registrations for the course, in case you would like to invite friends and family to join. Our strict cut-off is Thu 17 Oct 2024 i.e. we will still welcome newcomers who can only join us from Lesson Two on 11 Oct 2024 or Lesson Three on 18 Oct 2024 onwards, but we will not admit students after that.
Are you new to Buddhism and interested in learning about it? Or are you looking to deepen and understand your understanding and practice?
Date: 4 Oct 2024 – 4 Apr 2025 (Every Fri)
Time: 7.30 – 9PM
Venue: The Buddhist Library (BL)
Fees: $100 (BL Members), $200 only (Non-members)
Click for registration form: Word Version | PDF version
About this program
The course is a six-month study programme designed to provide a holistic learning experience as well as allow students to experience spiritual life. To achieve this, the course will cover a range of topics such as daily chanting, Dhamma in English, Buddhist history and the application of Buddhism in our day-to-day lives. Students will be encouraged to apply Buddhist teachings in their lives, and consequently, these teachings can become a source of spiritual self-reliance.
Course objective
Our goal is for students to have confidence in their knowledge of the Dhamma–that is, the Buddha’s teachings–and their practice of Buddhism.
The Library is also looking to offer further courses for graduates of this programme e.g. an “Advanced Certificate” course in 2025.
Who should attend?
- The course was designed for students with no previous exposure to Buddhism.
- However, persons who already know about Buddhism are also welcome to join.
Course Modules
It is planned for the Course to comprise four parts:
- Part 1: Daily Chanting – from 4 Oct to 25 Oct 2024
This module focuses on the chanting of basic Pali texts. Chanting is important to the Buddhist community as we believe it brings about safety, peace and well-being. As part of this segment, we will study the texts we chant. - Part 2: Dhamma in English – from 1 Nov to 27 Dec 2024
This is the primary study module that covers terms and the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. - Part 3: Buddhist History and Buddhist Rituals – from 3 Jan to 24 Jan 2025
We will study key events in the life of the Buddha and the history of the Buddhist Dispensation. We will look at the significance of selected Buddhist Rituals, and look to understand their philosophical and functional value. - Part 4: Buddhist Practice – from 14 Feb to 7 Mar 2025
This module introduces different ways in which we can practice Buddhism: meditation, listening to the Dhamma, and social work/charity/voluntary service. Students will then be guided to undergo “hands-on practice” on their own, and then invited to share their experiences at the very end of the course. - “Hands-on Practice” and Conclusion – from 8 Mar to 4 Apr 2025
Our plan is for student to choose what type of “hands-on practice” they wish to undertake for three weeks, whether it be meditation, engaging in Dhamma talks, or voluntary service. Students will be given guidance before this “hands-on practice” takes place.
Click here if you wish to see the planned syllabus for the course.
About the Teachers
This course was designed by Buddhist Library resident monk, Venerable Paññāloka, and he will be teaching a substantial portion of the course. BL lay teachers Sister Foo Siew Fong and Brother Nikko Tan will be teaching Parts 3 and 4 of the course respectively.
Venerable Viharagala Paññāloka (“Bhante Paññā”) arrived in Singapore from Sri Lanka in Jan 2024. Coming from a previous stint in Sri Lanka working as an academic educator, he is now teaching modules in the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies offered by the Buddhist Library Graduate School. He is also currently leading the Library’s long-standing Tuesday Guided Meditation programme and providing Dhamma education for parents of our Mindfulness for Young Children programme.
Venerable has first class degrees in Buddhist Studies and Buddhist Leadership, and also holds a Diploma in Buddhist Counselling Psychology.
See his past contributions and work here.
Sister Foo Siew Fong PBM is a lawyer by profession and a partner with Harry Elias Partnership. She was the President of Singapore Association of Women Lawyers (2001 – 2009). Sis Siew Fong is well-regarded for having led many Dhamma courses in Singapore.
She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies and Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies from the University of Kelaniya.
Brother Nikko Tan started conducting Buddhist-based meditation classes in 2015 and is still a Dhamma and meditation student. He is a third generation martial arts teacher. Now, he focuses on defence against emotional attacks by sharing the Dhamma and Meditation.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business (AIB’s MBA), a Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies and a Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies from the University of Kelaniya, a Diploma in Buddhist Psychotherapy and Counselling from Dot Connections Growth Centre.
Nikko also holds several professional certifications, including Certified Trainer from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Certified Behaviour Change Specialist from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Certified Nutrition Coach from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), certification from the Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Singapore (APACS) and a Certificate in Traditional Chinese Medicine Assistant from the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Further Details
- There will be simple assessments administered throughout the course e.g. a monthly Multiple Choice Quiz.
- 75% attendance is compulsory in order to receive the Certificate.
Course Fee & Details on Membership
- We will try to recoup the costs involved in running this course and will therefore charge a course fee.
- This is $100 for Buddhist Library Members and $200 for non-members.
- Membership allows you to borrow books from our Library and also enjoy perks such as discounts on courses. Membership prices range from $20 to $60 per year, with a one-time admin fee of $10. A membership form is enclosed within the Certificate Course registration form, and you can also read full details regarding Membership here.
Notes for Current Students
- There is no class on Fri 8 Nov.
The Buddhist Library reserve the rights to change or cancel any part of the programme due to unforeseen circumstances. No cancellations will be accepted.
