JODO SHINSHU CORRESPONDENCE COURSE (ON LINE)

Almost 800 years have passed since Shinran revealed the teaching of Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhism) in Japan, following the path of Sakyamuni and other masters in India, China and Japan. The teaching, with deep reflection on human existence and the realization of dynamic Dharma, has fascinated many people around the world. Thus, the practice of Jodo Shinshu does not remain solely in Japan, but has expanded to Hawaii, North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Australia and Africa. More people are learning about Jodo Shinshu through ministers’ activities, publications and the internet. As one response to their growing interest, we have established a correspondence course which provides, especially for those who do not have access to temples nearby, with basic knowledge of Jodo Shinshu.

In addition, this correspondence course also aims to provide those individuals, who have already joined Jodo Shinshu temples as members, with opportunities to deepen their understanding. This is achieved through internet communication with instructors about specific topics related to Jodo Shinshu and Buddhism in general. The correspondence course takes on a new challenge and plays an important role in transmitting the teaching to all people who seek further knowledge of Jodo Shinshu. We are pleased to offer you the Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course and welcome your enthusiastic participation in this new journey of online education.

The course, exemplifies a new challenge in the mission to transmit Jodo Shinshu teachings to the world. Since it is a computer-based correspondence course, it does not matter where students live in the world. As long as they have internet access, they can study Jodo Shinshu. The Course consists of four subjects: General Buddhism, Shinshu I (Shinran Shonin’s life and the teaching of Jodo Shinshu), Shinshu II (the Three Pure Land Sutras and the Seven Masters), and History of Jodo Shinshu. In two years, students will complete these four subjects and gain (a) basic understanding of Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu through correspondence with instructors. In addition to course activities through the internet, we are planning to hold a workshop so that students and instructors may meet and communicate in person as well as virtually.

This is a 2-year computer-based correspondence course, allowing students to gain basic knowledge of Jodo Shinshu and Buddhism in general. Students will download text materials, submit assignments (approximately once a month) and receive feedback from instructors. Students will deepen their understanding through correspondence with instructors as well as benefit from reference materials such as video lectures, Dharma Talks and sutra chanting. Students can also enjoy free discussion with other participants through the course chat room. In addition, we will offer a workshop every summer so that students may have the opportunity to communicate in person as well as through the internet.

Course Topics
Shinshu I
・Shinran Shonin’s life 　・Jodo Shinshu teaching
Shinshu II
・The Three Pure Land Sutras 　・The Seven Masters
History of Jodo Shinshu
・The development of Jodo Shinshu after Shinran Shonin passed away ・The history of the overseas organizations
General Buddhism
・Origin of Buddhism 　・Teaching of Sakyamuni Buddha　 　・Development of Buddhism 　・Transmission to the East

Course tuition
$360.00 per year ($720.00 total) Tuition is nonrefundable and is subject to change

Payment Methods
・Personal check ・Credit card (Visa, Master Card) ・Paypal