Buddhism and the Disciples of the Buddha

About this course

Entry requirements

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the principal disciples of Gautama Buddha and explain their respective qualities and contributions.
2. Explain the role of the Buddha's disciples in the development and preservation of the early Buddhist community and teachings.
3. Understand and explain the Ten Paramitas and their significance in Buddhist practice.
4. Apply qualities represented by the Paramitas to situations encountered in everyday life.
5. Explain basic Buddhist understandings of kamma and the relationship between actions, intentions and consequences.
6. Demonstrate an introductory understanding of mindfulness and dependent origination.
7. Interpret the principal elements represented in the Buddhist Wheel of Life.
8. Relate Buddhist teachings, practices and traditions to personal and community life.

Indicative syllabus

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

1. Week 1: The Great Disciples — Introduction, Sariputta and MoggallanaTopics include: * Introduction to the Ten Principal Disciples * The role of disciples in the Buddha's ministry * Sariputta (Shariputra) and his association with wisdom * Moggallana (Mahāmoggallāna) and his place among the Buddha's chief disciples * The relationship between Sariputta and Moggallana * Their contributions to the Buddhist community * Moggallana and the later Buddhist traditions associated with Ullambana
2. Week 2: Subhuti and PunnaTopics include: * Subhuti and his association with teachings on emptiness * Subhuti in later Mahayana Buddhist literature * Punna Mantaniputta / Purna Maitrayani-putra * Punna as a teacher and preacher of the Dhamma * Communication and the effective teaching of Buddhism * Applying the qualities of the disciples to contemporary Dhamma education
3. Week 3: Katyayana and AnuruddhaTopics include: * Mahakaccana / Katyayana and his ability to explain the Buddha's teachings * The role of interpretation and explanation in transmitting the Dhamma * Anuruddha and the practice of mindfulness * Anuruddha's relationship with the Buddha * The disciples' roles during important events in the early Buddhist community * Their participation in the preservation of Buddhist teachings
4. Week 4: Upali and RahulaTopics include: * Upali and his association with the Vinaya * Upali's background and ordination * Equality and social distinctions in the early Buddhist community * The preservation of monastic discipline * Rahula as the Buddha's son and disciple * Rahula's training and Buddhist education * The importance of being willing to learn and receive guidance
5. Week 5: Ananda and MahakassapaTopics include: * Ananda as attendant to the Buddha * Ananda's memory and preservation of the Buddha's teachings * The role of oral transmission in early Buddhism * Mahakassapa and ascetic practice * Mahakassapa's leadership following the Buddha's passing * The First Buddhist Council * The importance of preserving the Dhamma for future generations This lesson may also incorporate an introduction to Buddhist chanting and hymns as part of Dhamma Living Skills. The Ten Paramitas
6. Week 6: Generosity, Morality, Renunciation and WisdomStudents are introduced to the concept of the Paramitas or Perfections and their importance to Buddhist spiritual development. Topics include: Dana — Generosity * Giving * Sharing * Selflessness * Generosity in daily life Sila — Morality * Ethical conduct * Buddhist precepts * Developing wholesome behaviour Nekkhamma — Renunciation * Non-attachment * Letting go of unhealthy attachment * Understanding the relationship between attachment and suffering Panna — Wisdom * Developing understanding and insight * Applying wisdom to one's decisions * Distinguishing wisdom from mere knowledge
7. Week 7: Energy and PatienceViriya — Energy and Effort Topics include: * Spiritual effort * Diligence * Perseverance * Developing wholesome habits * Maintaining Buddhist practice * Using effort for the benefit of oneself and others Khanti — Patience Topics include: * Patience and forbearance * Enduring difficulties constructively * Responding to other people without hatred * Acceptance of uncertainty * Developing composure in difficult situations * Patience as an aspect of Buddhist practice
8. Week 8: Truthfulness and DeterminationSacca — Truthfulness Topics include: * The importance of truthfulness * Truthful speech * Conventional and ultimate understandings of truth * Honesty in Buddhist practice * Truthfulness as a quality developed through conduct Adhitthana — Determination Topics include: * Resolution and determination * Commitment to Buddhist practice * Maintaining one's intentions * Discipline and consistency * Examples of determination within Buddhist practice and monastic life
9. Week 9: Loving-Kindness and EquanimityMetta — Loving-Kindness Topics include: * Developing goodwill towards oneself and others * Responding to hatred without hatred * Metta as a Buddhist mental quality and practice * Distinguishing loving-kindness from attachment * Applying kindness in everyday relationships Upekkha — Equanimity Topics include: * Even-mindedness * Non-attachment * Responding impartially to changing circumstances * Avoiding excessive reactions based on likes and dislikes * Equanimity as a foundation for wiser responses Further Buddhist Teachings
10. Week 10: Kamma — The Law of Cause and EffectTopics include: * Introduction to kamma * Intention and action * Actions of body, speech and mind * Wholesome and unwholesome actions * Actions and consequences * Common misconceptions surrounding kamma * Why kamma should not be understood merely as reward and punishment * Applying Buddhist ethical reasoning to complex situations Students may participate in case-study discussions requiring them to consider intentions, actions, consequences and ethical responsibility.
11. Week 11: Mindfulness and Dhamma in Daily LifeTopics include: * Introduction to mindfulness * Awareness of thoughts, behaviour and actions * Avoiding simplistic judgements about people * Applying mindfulness before reacting * Mindfulness and ethical decision-making * Relating Buddhist teachings to real-life situations * Developing Dhamma Living Skills Practical components may include: * Guided mindfulness or meditation * Buddhist chanting * Reflection exercises * Discussions on applying Buddhist values in school, university, work, family and community life
12. Week 12: Dependent Origination and the Wheel of LifeTopics include: * Introduction to dependent origination * Understanding conditionality * The principle that phenomena arise dependent upon conditions * The Three Poisons: ignorance, attachment and aversion * Kamma and the cycle of existence * The Six Realms * The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination * Impermanence * Dukkha * Liberation from the cycle of existence * Understanding the symbolism of the Buddhist Wheel of Life The concluding lesson provides an opportunity for students to connect the teachings studied throughout KR002, including the Great Disciples, Paramitas, kamma and mindfulness.

Assessment & attendance

At least 17 of 30 attendance marks. Approximate session equivalents are guidance, not a substitute for the marks policy.

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