Philosophy
Nalanda Studies
Nalanda Studies is conceived as a multi-semester program, anchored in Buddhism and other classical Indian philosophies, classical language studies, meditation teachings and retreats, with supplementary courses in contemplative arts, culture and healing. Following the Nalanda tradition, the program involves learning through listening, reading, contemplating, meditating and experiencing. The curriculum is designed so that students may join for any length of time. Though Deer Park’s program is still developing, we are proud that our first four years have not only brought about excellent teaching and study but also laid the groundwork for the rigorous new Nalanda Studies Program.
Buddhist philosophy studies in the Nalanda tradition focus on sutras (scriptures recording the teachings of the Buddha) and shastras (treatises by great Indian masters). Accordingly, Deer Park has offered a range of courses on these seminal texts, varying in length from a few days to several months. Highly qualified masters guide students in the systematic study of texts, debating and reflecting upon their deepest meaning.
Under the pilot Nalanda Studies program, we are now also offering courses in other classical Indian thought systems, such as Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, and it is our intention to expand this area of the curriculum in the future.