Foundations of Buddhist Practice

Foundations of Buddhist Practice Overview

Transforming Wisdom into Daily Practice

Great Wisdom integrates the “Five Great Treatises” curriculum, where students are immersed in the depths of Buddhist philosophy, with a foundation for Buddhist practice. While scholastic achievement in Buddhist philosophy is in itself celebrated, learning to put these words into practice is essential for all Buddhist practitioners. During class, students engage in dynamic discussions with faculty and peers to observe challenges faced in daily life, our reactions, and how Buddhist philosophies could be applied. Students experience firsthand how Buddhist philosophy empowers us to overcome all obstacles. 

The two major components of Foundations of Buddhist Practice are:

The Great Treatise

Over their course of study at Great Wisdom, students extensively study, explore, and meditate on The Great Treatise on the Stages to Enlightenment (“The Great Treatise”). The Great Treatise is one of the most renowned works of Buddhist practice and philosophy. It is a user-friendly guide that provides an overarching framework for all Buddhist teachings. Buddhist scholars and practitioners rely on its authoritative presentation as a gateway to having a full understanding of the Buddha’s teachings and their applications.

Required Courses
Course Title
FBP1101. The Great Treatise I FBP1106. The Great Treatise VI
FBP1102. The Great Treatise II FBP1107. The Great Treatise VII
FBP1103. The Great Treatise III FBP1108. The Great Treatise VIII
FBP1104. The Great Treatise IV FBP1109. The Great Treatise IX
FBP1105. The Great Treatise V FBP1110. The Great Treatise X

Precepts

Another fundamental practice in Buddhism is upholding precepts, which are principles of moral thought and action guiding our behaviors to help rather than harm. They train our minds to choose compassionate and empathetic actions. Students at Great Wisdom study texts on various categories of precepts and gain an extensive understanding of their purpose and origins.

Required Courses
Course Title
FBP1201. The Ten Precepts for Novice Nuns I FBP1207. Bodhisattva Precepts I
FBP1202. The Ten Precepts for Novice Nuns II FBP1208. Bodhisattva Precepts II
FBP1203. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist I FBP1209. Bodhisattva Precepts III
FBP1204. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist II FBP1210. Bodhisattva Precepts IV
FBP1205. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist III FBP1211. Nanshan Precepts: Beilan I
FBP1206. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist IV
Required Courses
Course Title
FBP1201. The Ten Precepts for Novice Nuns I FBP1202. The Ten Precepts for Novice Nuns II
FBP1203. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist I FBP1204. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist II
FBP1205. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist III FBP1206. The Precepts for Novice Buddhist IV
FBP1207. Bodhisattva Precepts I FBP1208. Bodhisattva Precepts II
FBP1209. Bodhisattva Precepts III FBP1210. Bodhisattva Precepts IVI
FBP1211. Nanshan Precepts: Beilan I
Foundations of Buddhist Practice Elective Courses
Course Title
FBP2101. Dawn of Wisdom I
FBP2102. Dawn of Wisdom II
FBP2103. Dawn of Wisdom III
FBP2104. Dawn of Wisdom IV
FBP2105. Dawn of Wisdom V
FBP2106. Dawn of Wisdom VI
FBP2107. Dawn of Wisdom VII
FBP2108. Dawn of Wisdom VIII
FBP2109. Dawn of Wisdom IX
FBP2110. Dawn of Wisdom X
FBP2201. Buddhist Teachings I
FBP2202. Buddhist Teachings II
FBP2203. Buddhist Teachings III
FBP2204. Buddhist Teachings IV
FBP2205. Buddhist Teachings V
FBP2206. Buddhist Teachings VI
FBP2207. Buddhist Teachings VII
FBP2208. Buddhist Teachings VIII
FBP2209. Buddhist Teachings IX
FBP2210. Buddhist Teachings X
FBP2301. Buddhist Sutra Recitation I
FBP2302. Buddhist Sutra Recitation II
FBP2303. Buddhist Sutra Recitation III
FBP2304. Buddhist Sutra Recitation IV
FBP2305. Buddhist Sutra Recitation V
FBP2306. Buddhist Sutra Recitation VI
FBP2307. Buddhist Sutra Recitation VII
FBP2308. Buddhist Sutra Recitation VIII
FBP2309. Buddhist Sutra Recitation IX
FBP2310. Buddhist Sutra Recitation X
FBP2401. Stages of the Path: The Preparatory Stage I
FBP2402. Stages of the Path: The Preparatory Stage II
FBP2101. Dawn of Wisdom I
FBP2102. Dawn of Wisdom II
FBP2103. Dawn of Wisdom III
FBP2104. Dawn of Wisdom IV
FBP2105. Dawn of Wisdom V
FBP2106. Dawn of Wisdom VI
FBP2107. Dawn of Wisdom VII
FBP2108. Dawn of Wisdom VIII
FBP2109. Dawn of Wisdom IX
FBP2110. Dawn of Wisdom X
FBP2403. Stages of the Path: The Preparatory Stage III
FBP2404. Stages of the Path: The Preparatory Stage IV
FBP2405. Translated Buddhist Texts