Certificate of Buddhist Studies

The Countless Past Lives of Gautama Buddha

KR001 · 12 teaching weeks · English course information

Intake not yet announced. The syllabus below is indicative.

About this course

This course explores the Jataka Tales, stories concerning the Buddha's previous lives and the gradual development of virtues associated with the Bodhisatta path. Particular attention is given to the Ten Paramis or Perfections and to the ethical lessons communicated through the Jataka tradition. Students are encouraged not only to learn the stories but also to examine how their teachings can be understood and applied in contemporary life.

Entry requirements

Students must be registered with the Ti-Ratana Institute of Buddhist Studies. Where KR001 is undertaken as part of the Certificate of Buddhist Studies, students should normally have completed MT001 or YT1000.

Learning outcomes

Recount selected Jataka Tales and explain their principal teachings.
Understand and explain the Ten Paramis and their significance to the Bodhisatta path.
Identify ethical and moral themes within the Jataka Tales.
Reflect on how lessons from the Jataka Tales and Paramis may be applied in personal and community life.

Indicative syllabus

No intake dates or deadlines have been set from this weekly outline.

Week 1: Introduction to the Jataka Tales* What the Jataka Tales are * Their place within Buddhist traditions * Rebirth and kamma in the Jataka stories
Week 2: The Ten Paramis* Introduction to the Ten Perfections * Dana — Generosity * Sila — Morality
Week 3: Renunciation and Wisdom* Nekkhamma — Renunciation * Panna — Wisdom * Examples from selected Jataka Tales
Week 4: Effort and Patience* Viriya — Effort * Khanti — Patience * Their relevance to spiritual development
Week 5: Completing the Ten Paramis* Sacca — Truthfulness * Adhitthana — Determination * Metta — Loving-kindness * Upekkha — Equanimity
Week 6: Comparative Study* Paramis and ethical virtues in other cultural or religious traditions * Comparative discussion of selected stories and folklore * Buddhist festival or community activity preparation where applicable
Week 7: Key Jataka Tales I* Selected stories illustrating the Paramis * Interpretation and discussion
Week 8: Key Jataka Tales II* Further selected stories * Ethical and practical themes A mid-semester break may be scheduled between Weeks 8 and 9.
Week 9: The Bodhisatta Path* The development of a Bodhisatta * Relationship between the Jataka Tales and the Paramis
Week 10: Moral and Ethical Lessons* Ethical themes in the Jataka tradition * Relevance to contemporary situations
Week 11: Jataka Tales in Art and Literature* Buddhist art * Literature * Cultural transmission across Asia
Week 12: Reflection and Integration* Review of the Jataka Tales * Review of the Ten Paramis * Applying the teachings to modern challenges

Assessment & attendance

At least 6 of 12 scheduled classes.

Component	Weight
Quizzes	20%
Activities	20%
Attendance	30%
Final assessment	30%

Read the source assessment arrangements

Assessment Within-semester assessment: 70% Final assessment: 30% Attendance — 30% Students must attend at least 6 of the 12 scheduled classes to satisfy the minimum attendance requirement. Quizzes — 20% Indicative topic areas: * Jataka Tales — 5% * Ten Paramis — 5% * The Bodhisatta Path — 5% * Moral and Ethical Lessons from the Jataka Tales — 5% Quizzes are normally completed online or on-site using a digital device with internet access and are open-book unless otherwise announced. Activities — 20% * Creative retelling or illustration of a Jataka Tale — 10% * Group discussion and presentation on applying a Parami to contemporary life — 10% Activities may be completed through physical or hybrid learning. Final Assessment — 30% All major topics covered in the course may be assessed. The final assessment is normally conducted digitally on-site and is open-book unless otherwise announced.

Final assessment and certification arrangements follow the rules confirmed for your intake.