Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya, India

  India

Bodh Gaya

Term: Fall 
Dates: Fall (September - December)

Description: Since 1979, students have lived in a Burmese Vihar (monastery) while earning 16 semester credits. Students engage rigorously in a comparative approach to both the theory and practice of Buddhist Studies, culminating in a month-long independent research project. Participants on this program reach their own understanding of the essence that is common to all varieties of Buddhism while learning to appreciate the many cultural and historical environments in which it has flourished.

The program consists of four components:
1. Core courses (students choose from Buddhist Philosophy, Contemporary Buddhist Culture, and History of South Asian Buddhism)
2. Language (students need not have any prior language experience and choose from either Beginning Hindi or Beginning Tibetan)
3. Meditation Traditions
4. Independent Study: Selected Topics (often involving travel in India and neighboring countries)

For two and a half millennia, Bodh Gaya has been a magnet for pilgrims from all Buddhist cultures. It was here under the Bodhi tree that the prince-ascetic Gotama became the fully enlightened Buddha. Constructed temples reflect the architectural styles of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, Bhutan, and Tibet.

Highlights: Participate in the daily life of a Buddhist monastery; become immersed in Buddhist culture, tradition and philosophy; and complete a four-week independent research project - often involving travel - designed around your specific interests.

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

Experience Required: yes

Applicants must have a minimum of sophomore status and be in good standing with their home institution. They should be mature, sensitive, self-disciplines, and able to adapt to new situations. Non-credit applicants need not be currently enrolled at a college, but they should be able to demonstrate intellectual competence and a serious commitment to learning. Applicants from all areas of study with an interest in Buddhist Studies are welcome to apply. Application deadline: March 15

Participants Travel to India in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 30-35

Scholarships are Available. - AEA offers a limited number of scholarships for the Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya, India program. An AEA guide to scholarship and grant opportunities is located on our website. Financial aid information is available on our website or by contacting AEA.

Year Founded: AEA was established in 1956.