Ashoka University

"Ashoka is an ecumenical consortium of teachers and Dharma organizations utilizing our distance learning vehicle to reach students around the world. Ashoka is not a web portal. Ashoka is an interactive learning environment designed around authentic Buddhist practices, making transformative Dharma education available to students worldwide. Their initial consortium includes the Dalai Lama, Mingyur Rinpoche, Joan Halifax Roshi, Traleg Rinpoche, Sharon Salzberg, Andrew Olendzki, Lama Pema Wangdak, Robert Thurman, Michael Wenger, Daishin Buksbazen, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Mu Soeng, Fleet Maull, Peacemaker Institute, Bernie Glassman and Jeffrey Hopkins.

"In addition to the teachings on interdependence and such wisdom teachings as the Four Noble Truths, the Paramitas and the Brahma-Viharas, Ashoka will offer training and teaching in such areas of applied engagement such as social justice, peacemaking, environmentalism, and caring for the sick and dying."

Courses available online:

"Liberating the Heart: The Brahma Viharas" - taught by Sharon Salzberg

"Taming the Mind: Cultivating Peaceful Abiding" - taught by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

"The Koan of Everyday Life: Dogen-Zenji's Genjo Koan" - taught by Dairyu Micheal Wenger

"The Metta Sutta: the art of translation" - taught by Andrew Olendzki

"Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind" - taught by Professor Robert Thurman.

Forthcoming courses: "Parting from the Four Attachments" - taught by Lama Pema Wangdak; "Rest Your Weary Mind: Letting Go of the Hindrances" - taught by Joseph Goldstein; "Zen Meditation" - taught by John Daishin Buksbazen; "Trust in Mind: The Hsin Shin Ming" - taught by Mu Seong; "Lojong: Training the Mind" - taught by Lama Pema Wangdak. PLANNED COURSES: Approx. 40 additional courses are currently planned. They will range from "The Four Noble Truths" to "Dharma Art" to "Being with Dying" to "American Koans."

Ashoka U