Learn · 学佛
Theravāda Buddhist Studies in Chinese
南传上座部佛教课程 — a six-year, non-examination Mandarin curriculum in Theravāda Buddhism, open to adults of any age.
The programme 我们的活动
Theravāda Buddhist Studies in Chinese 南传上座部佛教课程
Every Friday, 7pm – 9.30pm · 2nd and 3rd floor classrooms
A non-examination Mandarin Buddhism course. The six-year syllabus covers the Life of the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Suttas, the Dhammapada, Abhidhamma, Applied Buddhism, and insight meditation.
Our beginnings
The idea of Dhamma classes in Mandarin was inspired and initiated by Bhante Raja, and supported by the MVBT chairman, Mr Lim Ah Swan. It was a groundbreaking move, not only in the history of Mangala Vihara but for Theravāda temples in Singapore, where English had been the default medium.
The classes started on 8 January 2010. The response was overwhelming: 103 students enrolled, ranging from 20 to 75 years old. Each class is taught by two experienced teachers together.
Every student receives lecture notes prepared by the teachers, and chanting and meditation sessions run weekly alongside the course. Students are encouraged to practise and develop compassion, truthfulness and loving-kindness, so that Theravāda Buddhism may gradually flourish among Mandarin-speaking Singaporeans.
缘起
南传上座部佛教华文课程是由心法师发起，得到了 MVBT 林主席的大力支持，共同创办起来。这项课程在祝福寺里写下创新的一页，在新加坡的南传部佛教里也是史无前例的。
课程于2010年1月8日开始，响应非常热烈。报名的学生高达103名，从20岁到75岁都前来。为了加强学生的学习，每一班，都安排了2名经验丰富的老师共同受教。课程为6年，教学大纲包括“佛陀的生平，佛法，佛经，法句经，佛法研习，阿毗达摩和禅修理论与实习”。无需考试。
同学们会被分发课程讲义。每周也举行诵经和禅修班，帮助学生获得更全面的学习。
希望通过学生积极参与各种活动能鼓励和推动佛法的学习和实践。最终学生能培养慈悲仁爱，增进智慧。
希望南传上座部佛教能在新加坡逐渐蓬勃发展。
The six years 课程内容
The syllabus runs over six years and is not examined. Each class is taught by two experienced teachers together.
| Year | Subject |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | The Life of the Buddha 佛陀的生平 |
| Year 2 | The Dhamma 佛法 |
| Years 3 & 4 | Abhidhamma 阿毗达摩 |
| Year 5 | Meditation theory and practice 禅修理论与实习 |
| Ongoing | Nikāya research group, for those who continue after the syllabus |
Alongside these, the course covers the Suttas, the Dhammapada and applied Buddhism, and every student takes part in weekly chanting and meditation sessions.
Who can join, and what it costs
Open to adults of any age, and no previous study of Buddhism is assumed. The first cohort ranged from 20 to 75 years old. You need to be able to follow lessons in Mandarin.
The course is offered on a donation basis — it is taught by volunteer lay teachers, so that learning remains accessible to everyone.
New classes begin on the second Friday of January each year.
Joining a class
Class days and times above are the regular pattern. Please confirm the current term before coming — call the temple on +65 6744 4285, or visit the office on Sunday between 10am and 1pm.