04 Dec 2004

Ashoka: the eDharma University
www.ashokaedu.net, USA
Supplied note: "Ashoka has recently begun offering courses in Buddhism on the Web. We offer courses created by Ashoka in conjunction with our most respected teachers from a broad (and growing) range of Buddhist traditions. 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. [...] Utilizing text, audio, video and online discussion, Ashoka offers guidance on the paths of listening and learning, discussion and reflection, and insight. [...] Informed by their experience in this open, nonsectarian teaching environment, students can make educated choices when seeking a teacher and sangha. [...] Our 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. - sc."
Site contents: * About us; * Courses [NOW 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: "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: 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." - ed.] * Bulletin Board; * Contact.
[The site appears to provide courses for free. Students need to register online. Voluntary donations (US$15 - $35 sliding scale) are welcome. - ed.]
URL http://www.ashokaedu.net/
Internet Archive http://web.archive.org/web/*/www.ashokaedu.net
Link reported by: Stuart Carduner (scarduner[use"@"]taconic.net)
* Resource type [news - documents - study - corporate info. - online guide]: Corporate Info./Study
* Publisher [academic - business - govt. - library/museum - NGO - other]: Other
* Scholarly usefulness [essential - v.useful - useful - interesting - marginal]: V. Useful
* External links to the resource [over 3,000 - under 3,000 - under 1,000 - under 300 - under 100 - under 30]: under 30