Online Course | March 1 – December 31
Discover Buddhism’s origins, its diverse traditions, and its evolving role in shaping compassion, human rights, and social justice in today’s world.
This self-paced online course is presented by the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, and Tzu Chi University, and is designed for learners of all ages and backgrounds, no prior knowledge required.
What You’ll Learn
Through five in-depth modules, participants will gain a foundational understanding of Buddhist philosophy, history, and contemporary relevance:
- Origin and Core Concepts of Buddhism
- The Early Development of Buddhism: Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna
- Later Developments of Buddhism and Buddhist Modernism
- Buddhism in Contemporary Society
- Buddhism as a Changemaker in the World
Course Format & Commitment
- Fully online and self-paced
- Estimated 2–5 hours per week
- Modules released at two-month intervals
- Each module includes readings, videos, quizzes, reflections, and assignments
- Certificate of Completion awarded to students who complete the course by December 31
- Continued access to course materials after the course concludes
Ready to Begin?
Join us for a meaningful learning journey that bridges ancient wisdom with modern-day impact. Enrollment closes on March 31, so reserve your spot soon!