Secular Buddhist Studies Program at IDP
The Secular Buddhist Studies Program at the Interdependence Project offers a strong and accessible foundation in Buddhist meditation, psychology, philosophy, and ethics from a secular perspective, inclusive of multiple traditions and bodies of teaching. Composed of a diverse series of weekly courses and four weekend meditation retreats, the Secular Buddhist Studies Program is designed for those interested in applying Buddhist teachings to 21st century lives, including a particular interest in the growing conversation between Buddhist and Western psychological traditions. It is designed to give you great tools and practices for sanity and wellbeing, for working with the mind and emotions in a down-to-earth and practical manner.
We offer our curriculum free from the commitments or rituals of any particular Buddhist lineage, yet we view completion of our Secular Buddhist Studies program as a gateway to deeper study and practice in one of the traditions with which we have affiliations (Shambhala, Zen, Insight/Theravada, and Tibetan). Our senior teachers and lineage mentors are all certified in traditional lineages of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
The Secular Buddhist Studies program can be completed in as little as a year of focused participation, or you can go at your own pace.
Requirements for completing the IDP Secular Buddhist Studies program:
It is recommended, but not required, to begin with one of our foundational courses ("Foundations of Buddhism" or "Techniques of Meditation"). Courses are between four (4) and ten (10) weeks in length. Each course will have both and in-person and a study at home option. To receive credit, students will have to complete a short assignment.
Program Requirements:
- Completion of 10 weeks of Foundational Courses ("Foundations of Buddhism" or "Techniques of Meditation")
- Attendance at an additional 30 weekly Buddhist Studies class sessions and course assignment
- Completion of 4 Full Weekend Meditation/Study Retreats (see below)
- One Day-long Arts Retreat
Weekend Retreats:
- Metta and Tonglen: Love and Compassion
- Four Types of Mindfulness
- Understanding Karma
- Experiencing Emptiness
Each weekend retreat will be offered at IDP NYC, led by IDP- and visiting teachers. Retreats include a Friday Night Session (7-9pm), an all day Saturday session (10am-6pm with lunch break) and a Sunday Morning Session (10am-1:30pm, leaving you free to enjoy Sunday afternoon). They do not have to be taken in any order, although it is not recommended to begin with the Emptiness Retreat.
For study-at-home students, retreats taken outside of IDP can be put towards credit in IDP's Secular Buddhist Studies Program. Approval for substitute credit should be cleared with IDP Senior Teacher Ethan Nichtern.
NOTE: Completion of the Secular Buddhist Studies Program is one—but not the only—prerequisite for the Facilitator/Teacher Training Program. If you know you are interested in applying or hearing more about our 2012 Facilitator training, please visit this page or email us directly.
Program Fees:
There is a one-time administrative fee of $150 ($100 for students) to join the program.
Already completed classes at IDP but not registered for the Secular Buddhist Studies program? Until January 2012, you may “transfer” credits from previously completed courses. And if you’ve already taken classes for which you’ve paid a "for credit" course fee, we’ll deduct it from the program registration fee. For transferring courses into the Secular Buddhist Studies program, email buddhiststudies@theidproject.org.
Can't afford it? It is our full intention to accommodate the financial needs of anyone who has a genuine commitment to practice and study. Reduced Payment Options and Work-Study are always available. Please contact buddhiststudies@theidproject.org to make alternative arrangements. The program fee may also be paid in two installments.
See you in class!
