The course in Fundamental Buddhist Philosophy at Sarah is offered to a class of monks and lay people at intervals of two or three years. The course lasts for seven years, though only the preliminary texts are taught at CHTS, Sarah. After two or three years (depending on the accommodation available to the students), the entire class moves to the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in McLeod Ganj to complete the Prajnaparamita course, and should they continue, more advanced studies in Buddhist Philosophy.
The Fundamental Buddhist Philosophy course include the following subjects:
- Collected Topics (Tibetan: sDusGrva, pronounced “dü-dra”)
- Science of Mind or Consciousness (Tibetan: bLo Rig,pronounced “Lo-rig”)
- Science of Formal Logic (Tibetan: rTags Rigs, pronounced “Tak-rig”)
- Tenets of Philosophical Systems (Tibetan: Grub nTha, pronounced “drub-tha”)
The traditional practice of debate is the principal technique for studying and analyzing the different topics that are covered in these subjects. This method is indispensable for logically eliminating the misconceptions about reality and for repudiating false reasoning of philosophical schools. Debate profoundly helps the student to understand the real importance of these texts and prepares the student with the critical intellectual investigative skills needed for the advanced studies that follow. Because of its importance, past Tibetan Buddhist scholars and teachers have extolled the practice of debate and logic for constructive purposes.
The main text focus in this course is the Sautrantika philosophy. While studying these preliminary subjects the students follow their teacher, who leads them through the procedure of debate and logic. As the students continue in this way they pick up the rhythm of debate and set off to constructing their own problems for debate.
Admission Requirements
Tibetan and Himalayan region applicants:
- Class X or equivalent certification
- Applicants without class X certificate must take an entrance examination
- All the applicants must contact IBD DIRECTOR for admission
International applicants must contact CHTS, Sarah for admission
- Competency in Tibetan language is pre-requisite (speaking, listening, reading, writing and comprehension)
- Preference will be given to monastics and applicants who have completed Tibetan language program for the international students at CHTS, Sarah
- All the applicants must have valid Indian Student Visa to join the program, admission will be cancelled if student could not avail student visa.
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The total fee for one month is Rs. 7000 with effect from July 2018, inclusive of double room with common bath, three time meal in the common dining hall and tuition fee. The room and food are fairly simple and basic. Students can apply for single room or single room with bathroom by paying some extra money depending on the availability of rooms. Following chart gives you fair idea about the rooming and pricing.
Indian, Nepali and Bhutanese students interested to join this course will get 25% fee waiver. However, admission confirmation is strictly based on availability of rooms/seat.