1. Brief Description
The Sangha Paramita Training Program is a Seminary program for Buddhist monks and nuns. This Program emphasizes the application of traditional moral, spiritual, and intellectual principles to the formation of character and to one’s daily life and work in the modern world. Learning through actual practice in this way requires a serious commitment.

2. Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the Program is to provide a solid foundation in advanced Buddhist studies and practice for those whose goal is an occupation in Buddhist institutions or community settings. This course of study came in response to the growing number of Buddhist institutions in America and in other countries-- temples, monasteries, convents, schools, colleges and universities, and health centers--that require clergymen and clergywomen administrators and advisors who are knowledgeable and proficient in Buddhist doctrine and practice.

3. Outcomes of the Program
Graduation from the Sangha Paramita Training Program leads to the award of the Buddhist Sangha Training Diploma and represents a four-year course of study combining instruction, residence in a Buddhist monastery or convent, and training in religious practices and monastic discipline. Graduates of the Sangha Paramita Training Program will be qualified to receive ordination, to pursue the life of a Buddhist monk or nun, and to fill administrative and advisory positions in the Buddhist clergy.

4. Length of Course and Requirements for the Sangha Diploma
Applicants to the Sangha Paramita Training Program must be Buddhist novice monks or nuns who aspire to full training and ordination. Monks or nuns who are already fully ordained and who wish to receive further training necessary to augment their vocation, may also apply to enter the Program. Applicants must be individuals of good character with a sincere desire to gain knowledge necessary to benefit the world and be models among the Buddhist clergy.

The Sangha Paramita Training Program leads to the Buddhist Sangha Training Diploma and entails a four-year course of study, comprising 200 weeks of academic instruction (1,800 clock hours) and religious practicum (5,500 clock hours) averaging 40 hours per week, for a total of 8,000 hours, combining residence in a Buddhist Seminary, covering six areas as follows:

Ceremony & Ritual (C&R)
Trainees learn how to lead the ceremonies, and to perform the basic, daily morning, noon, and evening liturgies, as well as special ceremonies held throughout the year. C&R classes include:

Required texts:

• City of Ten Thousand Buddhas Daily Recitation Hand book (bilingual), Buddhist Text Translation Society (BTTS).
  
• The (Avatamsaka) Flower Adornment Sutra, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
  
• The Brahma Net Sutra, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.

Practice (P)
Repentance, recitation, mantras, chan meditation, group practice, and supervised independent practice. Classes include:

Required texts:

• Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
  
• The (Avatamsaka) Flower Adornment Sutra, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
  
• Sutra of the Buddha Speaks the Names of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Chinese with English transliteration, BTTS.
  
• Instructional Talks by Venerable Master Hua, Volumes 1-8, bilingual (Chinese/English), BTTS.
  
• Chan & Pure Land Talks, Venerable Master Hua. English. BTTS.
  
• Listen to Yourself, Think Everything Over, Volumes 1-2, Venerable Master Hua. English. BTTS.

Doctrine (D)
This area includes study of the Sutras and Shastras, two of the three major divisions of the Buddhist scriptures, and of selected Buddhist texts and commentaries. Classes include:

Required Readings:

• Dharma Flower Sutra, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
  
• Flower Adornment Sutra, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
  
• Shurangama Sutra, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
  
• Sutra in Forty-two Sections, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
  
• Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva,
  Chinese with Translation, BTTS.

Vinaya (V)
Vinaya is the third major division of the Buddhist scriptures, which details the moral discipline that forms the basis for all the areas of training. The Vinaya also discusses the proper aspects of deportment when walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. Study of the details of the various categories of Precepts and how to uphold them is discussed in the Vinaya. Vinaya classes for the Sangha include:

Required texts:

• Records of High Sanghans, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
• The Brahma Net Sutra, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
• The Four Divisions Vinaya, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.
• Shramanera Rules & Deportment, Chinese with English Translation, BTTS.

Electives (E)
Through consultation with faculty advisors, students may select a specialized area of study. For trainees with adequate skills, this may include training in one or more of the four committees involved in the translation of Buddhist texts: 1) translation; 2) review; 3) editing; and, 4) certification.

Trainees may also elect to train in basic language skills or various levels of scriptural and modern languages, including training in delivering explanations of the principles of Buddhism and learning to use the traditional methods of lecturing on the scriptures.

Alternatively, electives may be taken as additional clock hours beyond the required number in any of the other areas of training (C&R, Practice, Doctrine, Vinaya, or Apprenticeship), or where appropriate, in conjunction with classes offered by Dharma Realm Buddhist University.

Apprenticeship (A)
This area provides students the opportunity to apprentice in diverse aspects of monastic administration and community service. This may include classroom teaching-assistant training; learning to make curriculum aids and teaching materials; training in the management of worship halls, dormitories, libraries, and religious centers, such as temples, translation institutes, educational facilities, and retreat locations; greeting, providing for, and handling matters for guests; directing reception centers, and administering delegations and special events; counseling elementary and high school students; and offering programs that provide companionship, physical care, and moral support for the elderly. Students are assigned counselors, and each student conducts his or her training under the supervision of at least one certified instructor. Students may choose to conduct their apprenticeship on campus, or at a DRBA-authorized religious center.