Buddhist Studies in Kyoto

  Japan

• All Other Areas: 
Kyoto

Term: Fall 
Dates: September-December

Description: Earn 16 semester credits while studying and independently researching the development and doctrine of Japanese Buddhism. The goal of the Buddhist Studies in Kyoto, Japan program is to introduce students to the history, doctrine, and diverse cultural expressions of Buddhism in Japan. Students have the opportunity to study Buddhist theory and participate in Buddhist meditative practices, including chanting, and to learn the Japanese language at beginning or intermediate stages, though there is no prerequisite. The program culminates with an exploration of students' own academic interests through a directed, independent research project.

Participants spend the majority of their time in Japan living in Buddhist monasteries and temples. In this setting, students gain firsthand experience of the Japanese Buddhist traditions of Zen, Shingon, and True Pure Land (Shin) through meditation, ritual practice, and academic study.

The program offers five courses. Students may take four to receive a total of 16 semester credits:
- Development and Doctrine of Buddhism in Japan
- Japanese Buddhist Culture
- Japanese Language
- Practice and Theory of Buddhism in Japan (required)
- Field Research: Selected Topics (required)

The application deadline is March 15. Contact AEA for more details.

Students are encouraged to explore the subject of Japanese Buddhism from various points of view, including comparative studies. Though an undergraduate course, noncredit applicants need not currently be enrolled at a college, but they should be able to demonstrate intellectual competence and a serious commitment to learning.

Highlights: Study Zen, Shingon, and Pure Land Buddhist traditions in temples such as Hokyoji for Soto Zen and Tenryuji for Rinzai Zen; Mt. Koya for esoteric Shingon Buddhism; and Koshoji and Higashi Hongwanji for True Pure Land (Shin) Buddhism in Kyoto.

Cost in US$: Please contact AEA for current costs.

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Japan in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 20-32

Scholarships are Available. - Information on scholarships is available on AEA's website or by request.

Year Founded: AEA was established in 1956.