Won Buddhist Studies

Won Buddhist Studies

The thirty-six credit program in Won Buddhist Studies leads to Master of Won Buddhist Studies (MWBS) degree.  The Won Buddhist Studies program provides a high-quality professional education to men and women prepairing to be ordained as Won Buddhist ministers (kyomu) or to become Won Buddhist lay leaders.  The program trains the student to integrate spiritual awakening, critical thinking and active service into his or her ministry.

Students who have completed undergraduate work in Won Buddhism are eligible to apply. Students with an undergraduate degree who wish to enroll in the WBS Master’s Program but have not majored in Won Buddhism must complete the PWBS program as a prerequisite. Under special conditions, there may be exceptions. Students whose undergraduate degree is not in Won Buddhism may apply for concurrent enrollment in the WBS Master’s Program and the Preparatory Won Buddhist Studies program. The WBS Preparatory program (PWBS) is a one-year course of study for a total of 18 credits covering the basic teachings and practices of Won Buddhism. The PWBS program also prepares students for Won Buddhism’s required pre-ministerial examinations. Students who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Won Buddhism, without the intention to become ministers or lay leaders, are also invited to enroll in either the WBS or the PWBS program.

The WBS program is designed primarily as a two-year program, including summers.  For students enrolled on a full-time basis (7.5 or more credit hours), the degree program must be completed within 3.5 years, and for students enrolled on a part0time basis (less than 7.5 credit hours0, the degree program must be completed within seven years.  Students who are unable to complete within the allotted time frame will be evaluated to determine if they should continue in the program.

The PWBS program is designed as a full-time one-year program, consisting of 9 credit hours each semester, Fall and Spring.  Part-time enrollment is also available.  For students enrolled on a part-time basis, the course must be completed within four years.

There is a comprehensive graduate study examination, generally scheduled after one year, that covers the content of Won Buddhism, the Canon of Won Buddhism or the Discourses of Master Sot'aesan.  The examination must be passed in order to graduate.

The student is required to keep a balance amoung the following three categories: Won Buddhism, Practice and Theory/Application.

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Student Knowledge-Based Objectives

Graduates will have demonstrated knowledge of:

 

  • The Canon and Discourses of Sot'aesan's thought as well as their implications for contemporary society

  • The history and development of Won Buddhism in the context of the historical development of Buddhism

  • The history and traditions of religions in America

  • Ritual, the art of sermon, the function of services and the role of clergy in the Won Buddhist community

  • The integration of theory and practice and its application

  • Buddhist and Won Buddhist meditation, energy circulation and its effect on the psychophysical well-being of the individual

  • Translation theory and pattern focusing on the translation of Korean into English

  • Contemporary American culture and spirituality

     

Student Skill-Based Objectives

Graduates will have demonstrated skills in:

 

  • Critical thinking and analysis in reading and interpreting religious and other materials

  • Research and writing skills in accordance with excellent academic practice

  • Reflection upon the disparity between the present reality and the contextual meaning of the Canon

  • Cooperating with other Buddhists

  • Practicing inter-religious dialogue and ecumenism

  • Ministerial work and leadership as a spiritual mentor or counselor

  • Designing a training model based on the teachings of Won Buddhism and delivering it to an individual or group

  • Providing ongoing consultation regarding Buddhist and Won Buddhist meditation

  • Decision-making in the translation process

  • Applying Won Buddhist teachings to American culture and spirituality

 




If you are interested in the Won Buddhist Studies Program, or the Preparatory Program, please contact us for more complete information. You can also browse the navigation at left for information on degree requirements and course descriptions.

If you are interested in understanding Won Buddhism and its teachings, you can use the links below to find more information.