Online Class: Buddhism 101 — The Principles of Awakened Living

Embark on a journey to understand and apply Buddhist teachings in your daily life, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges. This immersive course provides a roadmap to navigate life's obstacles, enhancing personal growth and spiritual fulfillment through compassion, clarity, and mindful living.

Self-Paced, Online Class

Library Subscription

11

Lessons
34

Exams &
Assignments
8

Hours
average time
0.8

CEUs

Course Description

Imagine a life where clarity replaces confusion, inner peace triumphs over chaos, and purpose guides every step you take. This isn't just a dream-it's a reality that thousands have found through the profound teachings of Buddhism. Now, you can embark on the same journey with this immersive and life-changing course.

In a world brimming with noise and distractions, the wisdom of Buddhism offers a timeless sanctuary. Its teachings are not confined to ancient texts or rituals-they are practical, actionable, and deeply relevant to the challenges of modern life. Buddhism is more than a philosophy; it's a guide to living a meaningful, mindful, and fulfilling existence. And this course is your gateway to unlocking its transformative power.

From the moment you enroll, you'll be captivated by the rich narrative of Buddhism's origins and evolution. You'll walk alongside the Buddha, tracing his journey from a sheltered prince to a seeker of ultimate truth. You'll uncover the Four Noble Truths, a blueprint for understanding and overcoming life's challenges, and the Eightfold Path, a practical roadmap to wisdom, ethical living, and mental clarity.

But this course isn't just about understanding Buddhism-it's about applying its principles to your life. You'll explore concepts like karma and rebirth, demystifying these ideas to reveal how they shape your actions and aspirations. You'll delve into the essence of enlightenment and Nirvana, discovering how these seemingly lofty ideals can bring profound joy and peace into your everyday existence.

What sets this course apart is its balance of tradition and modernity. While rooted in centuries-old wisdom, it also illuminates Buddhism's influence in today's world-shaping art, science, politics, and even your favorite mindfulness app. Whether you're seeking personal growth, spiritual exploration, or simply a deeper understanding of the human experience, this course meets you where you are and guides you toward where you want to be.

By the time you complete this journey, you won't just know about Buddhism-you'll feel its impact in your life. You'll walk away with tools to manage stress, cultivate compassion, and embrace the present moment with grace and gratitude.

This isn't just another online course; it's an invitation to transform your perspective, enrich your life, and join a global community of seekers on the path to wisdom. The question isn't whether you should enroll-the question is, why would you wait? Your journey begins here.

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Areas of Study

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(1,036 votes)

Lesson 1. Buddha: From Prince to Sage

From a life of royal privilege, Siddhartha ventured into spiritual austerity, ultimately realizing the Middle Way—a balanced path that would lead him to enlighten the world as Buddha. His legendary journey reflects the potential for human awakening and serves as a guide for overcoming life's trials. Additional lesson topics: Buddha; The Buddha 60 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video A
Lesson 1 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-HomeWork-15472.pdf
Lesson discussions: Buddhism Course; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 1: Who Was the Buddha?
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. The Four Noble Truths Explained

The cornerstone of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths, delves into suffering's existence, causes, and cessation, highlighting the necessity of releasing misguided desires and false individuality. Pursuing the Eightfold Path reveals the middle way, guiding practitioners away from life's extremes toward Nirvana. Additional lesson topics: Essentials of Buddhism 52 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video A
Lesson 2 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-HomeWork-15475.pdf
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2: The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. The Middle Way: Navigating the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment

The Eightfold Noble Path, carved by Buddha, fosters liberation from suffering by balancing self-discipline with mental clarity. Its principles seamlessly interweave ethical actions with personal enlightenment, promising a life imbued with wisdom and serenity. Additional lesson topics: The Eightfold Path 50 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video A
Lesson 3 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-Downloadable-15479.pdf
Complete Assignment: Eightfold Path
Assessment: Lesson 3: The Eightfold Path
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. A Guide to Moral Living: The Buddhist Five Precepts and Their Relevance

The Five Precepts in Buddhism serve as a moral guide, aiming to foster personal growth and societal harmony by advocating for actions grounded in compassion and wisdom. They emphasize intentionality behind conduct and encourage living a life unattached to negative influences, thereby enhancing peace within oneself and with others. Additional lesson topics: Questions and Answers; The Five Precepts 45 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video A
Lesson 4 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Activity-15481.pdf
Lesson discussions: Five Precepts
Complete Assignment: The Five Precepts
Assessment: Lesson 4: The Five Precepts
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Karmic Interactions: From Intention to Transformation

The interplay between Karma and free will underscores the dynamic balance between past influences and future intentions, asserting control over one's life's narrative. By embracing this balance, individuals can rewrite their stories through intentional actions while inspiring change within broader societal frameworks. Additional lesson topics: Karma; The Theory of Karma 35 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video A
Lesson 5 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-HomeWork-15485.pdf
Lesson discussions: Karma
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5: Karma

Lesson 6. Dharma's Path: Enlightenment Through Life's Cycles

Life's perpetual cycles manifest in nature and ourselves, paralleling the continuous cycle of cellular regeneration in our bodies and the ebb and flow of our emotions. Buddhism embraces these cycles, suggesting rebirth influenced by past karma, teaching that our experiences may be echoes of former lives. Additional lesson topics: Rebirth 24 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video A
Lesson 6 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-Downloadable-15489.pdf
Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 6: The Cycle of Birth
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Buddhism: From Enlightenment Under the Bodhi Tree to Global Influence

Buddhism's spread through Asia saw significant developments, including the emergence of Zen Buddhism in Japan, known for its focus on meditation and intuition. Meanwhile, Korea contributed to early printing technology, making it a pivotal region for the dissemination of Buddhist texts. Additional lesson topics: Buddhism History; The History of Buddhism 43 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video A
Lesson 7 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-Downloadable-15491.pdf
Complete Assignment: Global Influence Timeline
Assessment: Lesson 7: The History of Buddhism
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Stupas, Pagodas, and Temples: Unfolding the Spiritual Architecture of Buddhism

From the carved sanctuaries of Ajanta to the symbolic elegance of pagodas, Buddhist structures encapsulate a remarkable blend of art, spiritual tenacity, and cultural intersections. Each architectural form, rich with symbolism and history, offers insights into the human quest for enlightenment and the shared heritage of diverse Asian traditions. Additional lesson topics: Buddhist Art and Architecture; Tibetan Buddhist Art 32 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video A
Lesson 8 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-Activity-15494.pdf
Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 8: Buddhist Art and Architecture
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Buddhism's Core: A Journey Through Its Major Branches

Despite distinct practices, Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism share a unified purpose of transforming suffering into awakening, catering to diverse cultures and temperaments. Modern practitioners often blend teachings from all three branches, reflecting Buddhism's adaptable nature. Additional lesson topics: Organization of Buddhism; Three Branches of Buddhism 44 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video A
Lesson 9 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-Downloadable-15497.pdf
Complete Assignment: Major Branches of Buddhism
Assessment: Lesson 9: Roots and Branches
Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Reaching Nirvana

Attaining Nirvana involves cultivating 10 essential qualities like wisdom and loving-kindness, reflecting the bodhisattva's journey across lifetimes. Enlightenment and interconnectedness underpin this transformative process, with practitioners aiding others while progressing on their paths. Additional lesson topics: Nirvana; What is Nirvana? 39 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video A
Lesson 10 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WordSearch-15500.pdf
Complete Assignment: Gaining Nirvana
Assessment: Lesson 10: Nirvana
Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Buddhism's Timeless Modernity

In Japan, Buddhism expanded beyond a religious role to become integral to social institutions, illustrating its adaptability and profound societal contributions. Such integration reflects Buddhism's transformative capacity to blend with indigenous practices, driving its global proliferation while maintaining essential teachings. Additional lesson topics: Buddhism Culture; The Dalai Lama 90 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video A
Lesson 11 Video B : Class Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-Activity-15503.pdf
Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 11: Modern Buddhism
Assessment: The Final Exam
Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

514

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the historical and mythical context of Siddhartha Gautama, highlighting his early life and search for enlightenment.
Identify the core teachings of Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and how they contribute to overcoming suffering.
Identify and describe the causes of suffering according to the Second Noble Truth.
Recognize the Four Noble Truths and explain their significance in Buddhism.
Demonstrate practical applications of the Eightfold Noble Path principles in modern life to foster ethical living, mindfulness, and community harmony.
Define the Eightfold Noble Path as a philosophical framework aimed at achieving enlightenment by practicing specific ethical, mental, and wisdom principles.
Demonstrate an understanding of how the Five Precepts can be integrated into everyday life, fostering ethical behavior and mindfulness in personal and professional settings.
Define the Five Precepts of Buddhist practice and explain their significance in promoting personal growth and societal harmony.
Demonstrate understanding of the concept of neutral Karma by describing examples of actions that neither accrue merit nor demerit
Recognize the influence of past and present actions on future life outcomes using the principle of Karma integrated with personal agency and free will
Define the key components of Karma by identifying and categorizing actions as skillful or unskillful based on intention and moral quality
Describe the six Buddhist realms of rebirth and analyze how human actions and karma influence transitions between these realms.
Identify and explain the cyclical nature of physical and emotional renewal, drawing parallels between cellular regeneration and emotional transformation.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

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Course Title: Buddhism 101: The Principles of Awakened Living

Course Number: 8900294

Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (1,036 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Category:

UniversalClass.com > History > Religious Studies

Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.

Last Updated: April 2024

CEU Value: 0.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Christopher McKenna

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

"Thank you for a great course on Buddhism. It met my requirements as I sought to learn something of this religion in order to evaluate if I wished to pursue it further. I found the lessons easy to follow and the additional resources very helpful. I do not think there is a need for anything additional aspects of the subject that need inclusion as Buddhism is such a large subject. I believe the current course structure serves as an awesome introduction to the subject. I enjoyed the course and am now beginning to pursue other avenues of engagement with Buddhism." -- Lynnette M.
"The instructor was very knowledgeable, positive, and prompt in response to my submissions. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to develop an understanding of Buddhism." -- Shawna B.
"I think it was helpful that the instructor was available to answer my questions on a timely basis and was was open to me to share my ideas of Buddhism with him even though those ideas wasn't part of the written course. Also, I thought it was great that the instructor did videos on his own to explain the course material and 'bring it all home' which was helpful to really comprehend the material on a deeper level. He also seemed passionate about Buddhism in his videos which made the videos more interesting." -- Cindy C.
"The instructor is very friendly and kind and he replies almost immediately." -- Jaquie B.
"The instructor answered quickly and detailed." -- Karin V.
"All the readings were appropriate as were the assignments. Thanks so much for the timeliness of your feedback." -- Kathleen S.
"Very nicely done. Much of the information I read came together more clearly for me through the required essays. Thank you! I was looking for an overall understanding of Buddhism. This class did provide that, and more. The most helpful areas were the actual teachings of the Buddha." -- BARBARA P.
"The instructor was very in-depth when grading assignments. She added the information that would have made my assignment more well rounded and it taught me to read and review before completing. Thank you." -- Pam N.