The first of its kind, an in-depth two on-line Diploma programmes on Buddhist Studies and English through Buddhism to be offered from Sri Lanka will be available to all from the November 1, 2009. A joint effort by the Ministry of Higher Education and Damrivi Foundation, under the Distance Education Modernization Programme of the Ministry , a sample site for all to try out free of charge is now available at their website ' http.//damrivi.nodes.lk '. Moulded on lines easily on par with other international teaching sites the site has links to many resources - dictionaries, Tipitaka , web sites, etc.
The flyer advertising the two programmes is sufficiently controversial to arrest attention. It is a call, naturally for those who wish to learn Buddhism systematically and in depth, to Buddhist Social Workers and to Buddhist monks and nuns. Interestingly enough it is also a call for varied professionals/students to enhance their effectiveness. Apart from all, what arrests one’s attention is the fact that it is also a call for clergy of other religions.
"Is this a veiled attempt at conversion?" one might as well ask. "It is an open attempt" could be the thinking of another.
To find the answer one must get behind the trappings and traditions of the Buddhist culture to find the core of the Buddha's Teachings. What exactly did the Buddha teach? Primarily, at all times and to the very end the Buddha addressed the human mind. Having strengthened and refined his mind above all others, experiencing the freedom and bliss of a mind free of defilements he then proceeded to teach others the way to attain the same freedom, the same bliss. It is not necessary to be ordained as a monk or even call oneself a Buddhist in order to learn how the Buddha taught one to develop one's mind. The history of Buddhism gives plenty of examples of people in various stages of development leading full and complete lives of a lay man and woman.
Damrivi claims the two courses to be purely academic. It is indeed academicians who have designed and are in charge. Course Director for the two programmes is Prof. Asanga Tilakaratne ( Ph.D) Professor of Buddhist Studies University of Colombo and Chairman, Damrivi Foundation. The course coordinator is Yuki Sirimane ( Ph.D ) / Director Operations - Damrivi. Lecturers for the Buddhist Studies programme include Professor Oliver Abeynaike ( Ph.D ) ( formerly Postgraduate Institute Pali and Buddhist Studies , University of Kelaniya) ,
Both programmes that are now being offered can be accessed easily from home by all those who have ADSL connections.
For others the Sri Lankan Government has set up NODES Centres which would be free of charge upon registering with the course. Registrations will be closing on the first week of November 2009. |
E-mail