Dhamma Study Certificate Program
for Elementary Level
Course Title: Dhamma
Dhamma Study Project (Nakdhamma) for General Public
is organized by The Chiang Mai Sangha Council, Thailand
1. Instructor
Phra Narongchai Thanajayo, Ph.D.
2. Class Room & Meeting Time
Building…………………….Room………………………………. Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai
Via Zoom Program: Meeting ID:………………………………Passcode:…………………..……..
Meeting time: Sunday 15.00-16.30
3. Learning Objective
- For the development of faith toward the Triple Gems.
- For the understanding of Buddhism and various Dhamma principles.
- For the strengthen of the right view and ways to live good life according to Buddhism.
- For the understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a good Buddhist.
- For the cultivation of the Dhamma learning habit and practice the Dhamma on a daily basis.
4. Course Description
Study various Dhamma subjects selected from Tipitaka organizing in grouped manner: group 2 (Duka), Group 3 (Tika), Group 4 (Catukka), Group 5 (Pancaka), Group 6 (Chakka), Group 7 (Sattaka), Group 8 (Atthaka), Group 9 (Navaka), Group 10 (Dasaka). These selected dhamma subjects are highly valued for those who seek for wisdom to live a sustainable happy life suitable for both monks and laypeople namely- The Four Noble Truths, Wholesome and Unwholesome Deeds, Ten Bases of Meritorious Action, Seven Virtues of a good man etc.
5. Hours of Studying (45 Hrs in Total, 15 lectures)
| Theory | Self-Study | Practice | Additional Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.30 Hrs | 22.30 Hrs | – | – |
6. Learning Structure
In class and via zoom program
Sunday 15.00 – 16.30
7. Learning Method
- Student should participate in all provided lectures.
- Self-study is recommended through other relevant resources.
8. Assessment and Grading
- Course completion is evaluated based on the result of the final examination.
- Students must attend at lease 80 percent of the total class hours.
- Grading system is described below:
| Result | Score | Grade Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Horner | 90-100 | H |
| Satisfied | 60-89 | S |
| Unsatisfied | <59 | U |
9. Learning Outcome
- Knowing and understanding thoroughly of the Dhamma principles and theories and able to apply them into one’s own lifestyle.
- Knowing and understanding of the processes and ways to practice of Dhamma and able to apply them in contemporary society.
- Able to propagate the teachings of the Buddha and increase sustainable Buddhist followers.
Learning Content
| Week | Subject / Description | Hour | Hand out | VDO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – Introduction to Dhamma Subject/Learning Scheme /Evaluation Session1: Duka-Group 2 1.1 Virtues of Great Assistance 1.2 Virtues that Protect the World 1.3 Gracing Virtues 1.4 The Rare Persons | 1.30 hrs | Lecture01 | VDO1 |
| 2 | Session 2: Tika-Group 3/1 2.1 The Triple Gems 2.2 The Admonitions of the Buddha 2.3 The Evil & Good Conducts | 1.30 hrs | Lecture02 | VDO2 |
| 3 | Session 3: Tika-Group 3/2 3.1 Merit Concept 3.2 Demrit Concept 3.3 Three Bases of Meritorious Action (Punnakiriyavatthu) | 1.30 hrs | Lecture03 | VDO3 |
| 4 | Session 4: Tika-Group 3/3 4.1 The Unfailing Practice 4.2 The Three Marks of Existence | 1.30 hrs | Lecture04 | VDO4 |
| 5 | Session 5: Catuka-Group 4/1 5.1 Virtues Conducive to Growth (Vuddhi) 5.2 Virtues Wheeling one to Prosperity (Cakka) 5.3 Four Prejudices | 1.30 hrs | Lecture05 | VDO5 |
| 6 | Session 6: Catuka-Group 4/2 6.1 Heedfulness (appamada)LL 6.2 Right Effort (Padhana) 6.3 Virtues which should be established in the mind (Adhitthanadhamma) | 1.30 hrs | Lecture06 | VDO6 |
| 7 | Session 7: Catuka-Group 4/3 7.1 Four Parts of accomplishment (Iddhipada) 7.2 Four Noble Sentiments (Brahmavihara) 7.3 Four Protective Meditations(Arakkhakammatthana)d | 1.30 hrs | Lecture07 | VDO7 |
| 8 | Session 8: Catuka-Group 4/4 8.1 Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satippatthanana) 8.2 Four Meditations of elements (Dhatukammatthana) 8.3 The Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca) | 1.30 hrs | Lecture08 | VDO8 |
| 9 | Session 9: Pancaka-Group 5/1 9.1 Five Immediacy Deeds 9.2 Five ideas to be regularly reviewed (Abhinhapaccavekkhana) 9.3 Benefits of Listening to Dhamma 9.4 Five Hindrances 9.5 Five Qualities of new monks | 1.30 hrs | Lecture09 | VDO9 |
| 10 | Session 10: Pancaka-Group 5/2 10.1 Five Dhammas which make self-conficence 10.2 The Five Powers (Panca Bala) 10.2 The Five Aggregates (Panca Khandha) | 1.30 hrs | Lecture10 | VDO10 |
| 11 | Session 11: Chakka-Group 6 11.1 The Six Reverences 11.2 Virtues for Fraternal Living (Saramiyadhamma) 11.3 Internal and external sense fields 11.4 The Six Vinnana | 1.30 hrs | Lecture11 | VDO11 |
| 12 | Session 12: Sattaka-Group 7 12.1 Seven Aparihaniyadhamma 12.2 Seven Virtues of good man (Sappurisadhamma) 12.3 Seven factors of enlightenment (Bojjhanga) | 1.30 hrs | Lecture12 | VDO12 |
| 13 | Session 13: Atthaka-Group 8 13.1 Eight Worldly Conditions (Lokadhamma) 13.2 The Noble Eightfold PatL | 1.30 hrs | Lecture13 | VDO13 |
| 14 | Session 14: Dasaka-Group 10 14.1 Nine Stains (Mala) 14.2 Ten Wholesome Actions (kusalakamma) 14.3 Ten Unwholesome Actions (akusakamma) 14.4 Ten Objects of Regular Reflection (Anussati)L | 1.30 hrs | Lecture14 | VDO14 |
| 15 | Session 15: Gihipatipati Catukka 15.1 Ditthadhammikatthapayojana 15.2 Samparayikatthapayojana 15.3 Gharavasa-Dhamma | 1.30 hrs | Lecture15 | VDO15 |
| Final Examination: | ||||
10. References
- Dhamma Studies for Elementary level handbook, Mahamakutrajvidyalaya
- Navakovada