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Dharma Training Class

The Dharma Training Class at the Pagoda is uniquely designed to produce individuals trained in Buddhism.

2006 Dharma Class Students The 2006 dharma class on opening day. Click here to view more images from Hai-An Pagoda.

The first year of the class concentrates on modern books that provide a broad overview of Buddhism, and the second year focuses on ancient Buddhist sutras from the Theravada, Mahayana and Tantrayana traditions. The class is not geared toward any particular school of Buddhism; it provides an overview of the main traditions of Buddhism-Theravada, Tibetan, Zen, Pure Land, and others.

Requirements for Each Year of the Program

• Tuition for either Program is a donation of $100 per year made at the beginning of the class year to support the program.
• Attendance at each scheduled class, or a written summary of the week’s text, submitted to Ven. Hoang.
• Retreat attendance at a designated location:
  • Three one-day retreats.
  • A three-day retreat.
  • In addition, students are encouraged to attend other retreats.
• Participation in the "Dharma Festival" that ends the three-day retreat. (Students answer questions posed by Ven, Hoang about the material covered during the year).

Additional Requirement for Year Two

• A ten-page paper on any subject that includes Buddhist issues.

As part of the class, there are also Days of Mindfulness held on a quarterly basis in order to emphasize the practical aspect of Buddhism.

The location of the Dharma Training Program classes will rotate between the Chuang Yen Monastery and the Hai An Pagoda on a schedule to be determined.

The Dharma Training Program is held on Saturday every two weeks from 9:00 AM to 12:00 at Hai An. There is no class in the Summer.

Students who complete the class receive a Certificate of Buddhist Studies (CBS). After graduation from the Buddhist Studies program, the candidate has 2 years of practice. After that he/she will be invited by the abbott to join the Dharma Teacher Training Program, which takes one year. The selection is based on commitment and one's progress in Buddhist practice.

Our Buddhist Tradition

Respect the teachings of all Buddhist traditions as our own and follow the philosophy of "84,000 Doors to Dharma." We do not regard any Buddhist school as being inherently superior or inferior. The Pali Suttas and the Sanskrit Sutras are all regarded as valid and authentic teachings. We learn from all traditions in an effort to both draw benefit from what each has to offer, and to recognize the ultimate unity of the Buddhist schools.

• Follow the Bodhisattva path, which is to work for the awakening of all beings, including one’s own.
  
• As a manifestation of Compassion, members are encouraged to become vegetarian.
  
• Live the Five Precepts and the Four Bodhisattva Vows.
  
• Support our learning with practice. Without practice, knowledge is hollow.
  
• Contribute time, energy, and material resources to bring Dharma to those who are in need.
  
• Show gratitude and loyalty to the many generations of teachers who have passed the Dharma on to us.
  
• Treat all people equally. A person’s sex, sexual orientation, race, social status, political views, and faith do not affect their Buddha Nature.
  
• Live a simple life, be a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni at heart.
  
• Avoid arguing about either politics or religion.
  
• Meet anger with patience and a calm mind.
  

The Venerable Thich Tri Hoang was ordained in Vietnam at age 24. He has studied Buddhism extensively under many Vietnamese Venerables including Thich Nhat Hanh. He has led Buddhist meditation retreats in Holland, France, and England for many years, and is currently the Abbot of Hai An Pagoda. Venerable Tri Hoang currently teaches Vietnamese language and culture at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. More information on Venerable Tri Hoang is available on this website.