The curriculum consists of four years of study leading to a certificate. The content of the course consists of a sequential year-by-year set of materials; however, students may enter the course in any year, and will receive a certificate after successfully completing four years of studies. The DTO-TBI believes that the best way to learn is to teach therefore, students are strongly encouraged to make presentations based on one of the assigned readings at least once a year, and with the support of mentors, teachers, and facilitators.
Buddhist literature-Buddha Dharma- is vast and varied. It includes the Suttas of the Theravada Pali Canon, the Mahayana and Vajrayana Sutras, and subsequent works by ancient, modern, and current Buddhist teachers of various traditions. Thay Tri Hoang carefully crafted this curriculum for students to have a broad exposure to the Buddha Dharma.
- The first year covers the life of the historical Buddha, his central teachings, and an introduction to the 3 main schools of Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
- The second year covers the Buddha’s teachings on meditation practices, based on the Anapanasati and Satipatthana Sutras, and other works.
- The third year covers Buddhist Doctrine found in sutras in all 3 canons.
- The fourth year covers Buddhist psychology and the Way of the Boddhisattva.