M.Div. (Master of Divinity) in Buddhist Ministry
The M.Div. in Buddhist Ministry is a professional degree open to anyone, usually with a wish to become a Five Mountain Zen Order Priest (Note: Monks are only accepted on a case by case basis). Students who are interested in sanction and ordination from Five Mountain Zen Order must also be accepted into Five Mountain Zen Order Ordination Path (see the section on Admissions for further information).
Buddha Dharma University focuses on continually forging opportunities to experience a contemporary, in-depth and non-sectarian study of Buddhism, whilst also promoting the knowledge and understanding of the various word traditions, schools and cultures of Buddhism. Programs are therefore taught and mentored by scholars and masters from a variety of traditions, thus taking advantage of America’s unique diversity of Buddhist practice and presentation. Buddha Dharma University provides the opportunity to experience a profound, meaningful and rewarding path to Buddhist scholarship and enlightenment.
Buddha Dharma University exists primarily to train priests and monks in fundamental Buddhist doctrine, traditional Zen liturgical practice and function, as well as educating priests in a broad spectrum of the essentials of pastoral care from both a priestly and administrative standpoint.
As such, we are a Buddhist seminary with special emphasis on Zen training.
This course of study aims to help Buddhist Ministers establish a clear direction for their ordained practice and outreach, whilst developing the knowledge and skill set to be successful in pursuing it. Successful completion of this course of study will prepare a Buddhist Minister for service in running his/her own local Buddhist center and/or outreach program.
Buddha Dharma University focuses on continually forging opportunities to experience a contemporary, in-depth and non-sectarian study of Buddhism, whilst also promoting the knowledge and understanding of the various word traditions, schools and cultures of Buddhism. Programs are therefore taught and mentored by scholars and masters from a variety of traditions, thus taking advantage of America’s unique diversity of Buddhist practice and presentation. Buddha Dharma University provides the opportunity to experience a profound, meaningful and rewarding path to Buddhist scholarship and enlightenment.
Buddha Dharma University exists primarily to train priests and monks in fundamental Buddhist doctrine, traditional Zen liturgical practice and function, as well as educating priests in a broad spectrum of the essentials of pastoral care from both a priestly and administrative standpoint.
As such, we are a Buddhist seminary with special emphasis on Zen training.
This course of study aims to help Buddhist Ministers establish a clear direction for their ordained practice and outreach, whilst developing the knowledge and skill set to be successful in pursuing it. Successful completion of this course of study will prepare a Buddhist Minister for service in running his/her own local Buddhist center and/or outreach program.
Time Commitment
The estimates in the commitment of time are based upon 3 Classes per Quarter Maximum. This is not a restriction; however, most of our students find that this level of commitment is able to be integrated into a busy personal schedule. For those who have more time available to commit we do allow up to a maximum of 6 Courses per Quarter; but this is a very taxing and difficult task.
Course Requirements
The Coursework required to obtain the Certificate of Buddhist Ministry is a balanced set of classes which find a balance between Buddhist Liturgy, Buddhist Studies, Sutra Studies, Buddhist Ethics, Historical Teachers and Korean Buddhist Studies. These courses will prepare the student to confidently move into their role as a Priest, or perhaps in special cases a Monk, and serve their local communities.
