法鼓山僧伽大學

[编辑] 法鼓山僧伽大學

　有感於僧教育的重要，聖嚴長老在1998年指示，應籌辦制度、規模更為完善的佛學院，來培養弘法利生之僧才。該年10月2日，相關執事人員即擬訂「法鼓山佛學院規畫書」，並於翌年3月2日於農禪寺召開第一次佛學院籌備會議，由聖嚴長老親自主持，會中對於佛學院的教育目標、校務運作等有全面的討論。

　經過兩年多的籌備，僧伽大學佛學院於2001年秋天開辦，是法鼓山繼創辦培養高等佛學研究人才的「中華佛學研究所」之後，又一教育理念的實現，期盼能以辦研究所的精神及品質，培育德學兼備、解行並重，具有高尚宗教情操，且能帶動社會淨化的僧才。

　法鼓山以建立「世界佛教教育園區」為願景，具體推廣由大普化、大學院、大關懷組成的「三大教育」。僧伽大學，為隸屬於「大學院教育」中的僧才養成機構，由具有二十多年叢林制度基礎的法鼓山僧團主辦，並且結合了中華佛學研究所的教學資源，是法鼓山三大教育的重要基石。其教育方針，是以漢傳佛教的理論及實踐為根本，旨在培養兼具現代知識及佛學素養，並且深具宗教情操的優秀僧才。

[编辑] 辦學宗旨與教學目標

僧伽大學的設立，是為了培育足以代表漢傳佛教的精神與內涵，並在國際宗教、學術界佔有一席地位的僧才，開創出佛教的新紀元。

[编辑] 佛學系

辦學宗旨
以戒、定、慧三學為基礎，以聞、思、修三慧為階梯，以發揚法鼓山的理念為原則，來培養悲天憫人、利益眾生的菩薩僧才為宗旨。
教育目標
一、以實踐漢傳佛教具有包容性與消融性的理論及實踐方法，培養德學兼備、解行並重，並具有高度宗教情操的現代僧才，來擔當淨化人心、淨化社會的大任務，為主要目標。
二、為使漢傳佛教能與現代世界接軌，分享佛法的慈悲及智慧，故以加強國際語文之訓練，開拓世界視角之心胸， 接觸多元文化領域，為次要目標。

[编辑] 僧才養成班

辦學宗旨
以出世而不厭世，入世而不戀世為原則；以體驗梵行生活，來開啟法身慧命；以培養住持三寶、弘法利生的僧中龍象為宗旨。
教育目標
以清淨精進的生活，來體驗出家修行的安樂自在，以利生事業來成就菩提心，以熄滅三毒來成就出離心，以養成人成即佛成的菩薩人格，來建設人間淨土為目標。

[编辑] 禪學系

辦學宗旨
以藉教悟宗為入門，以從禪出教為基礎，以定慧不二為原則，以出離心及菩提心為根本，以忍辱精進為盔甲，以發揚法鼓宗風之禪法為責志，以培養悲智具足之禪師為宗旨。
教育目標
一、以弘揚漢傳禪佛教之理論及方法，來培養實修實證之禪師人才，以承擔莊嚴國土及成熟眾生的大任務，為終極目標。
二、以簡樸的禪修生活及幽靜的環境，培養具有法鼓家風之禪師人才，來推廣普及法鼓宗風之禪法，為主要目標。

[编辑] 課程規劃

僧伽大學的課程設計，兼具慧業、福業、德業的修習，朝著落實佛法生活化、佛學專業化的目標努力，並以國際化的視野，培養解行並重的現代宗教師。

[编辑] 修業課程架構

• 慧業：
  • 解門：戒學、定學、慧學
  • 行門：佛法的修持與生活實踐
• 福業
  • 作務：落實法鼓山「心」五四運動、涵養健全之僧格、體驗生活禪法、培養團隊之精神。
  • 弘化：落實法鼓山「心」五四運動、鍛鍊領眾之能力及實踐弘護之使命、社區關懷及服務。
• 德業：身、心及僧格之陶冶鍛鍊

[编辑] 教學設施

明亮寬敞的教室、靜謐莊嚴的佛堂，以及館藏豐富的現代佛教圖書資訊館等教學設施，提供學僧們最好的學習資源與場所。
坐落於金山鄉之法鼓山僧伽大學，擁有兼具傳統及現代建築特色之校園、學僧宿舍，及藏書豐富、期刊齊全的佛教圖書資訊館；並有法鼓山禪修中心、網群社區、電子佛典、數位佛學圖書館暨博物館、國際學術會議廳等，教學設施與學習環境新穎完善。
此外，僧伽大學並與中華佛學研究所、法鼓山僧團、法鼓大學及法鼓山禪修、文教體系緊密連結，可參與本山定期舉辦國際學術會議，及廣泛的交流活動。

[编辑] 修學環境

本校位於金山鄉的法鼓山世界佛教教育園區之中，倚著大屯山系，遠眺太平洋，環境清幽自然，山清水秀、人文薈萃，實為孕育法門龍象的搖籃。
校區群山環抱、雙溪奔流，清幽寧靜，近海而不見海，離市而不孤立，自然風光，賞心悅目。
擁有巍峨的佛殿、現代化的大禪堂及大講堂，另有大中小教室、活動中心等空間建築。
校舍典雅素樸，功能齊全，管理完善，特別著重景觀及境教的一致性。

[编辑] 畢業的出路多元

本校培養僧才從三方面思考：
即培養行政人才、教育人才與學術人才。學僧畢業後，有再進入研究所、獎勵出國深造、專門從事研究或教學的機會，成為大學院教育中的教育與學術人才。或於法鼓山禪修及文教體系中，從事文化或行政服務，展開弘法利生事業。

[编辑] 未來展望

法鼓山僧伽大學在走過草創時期之後，期待能重現玄奘大師遊歷印度時的那爛陀大學，曾經放過的光彩，以弘揚漢傳佛教的優點和特色，廣納百川，融合諸流，成為世界佛教的修學中心。
因應教育部「開放宗教研修機構納入教育體系並授與正式學位」之相關法規，未來僧大將朝向綜合性大學發展，將設漢傳、藏傳、南傳以及世界佛教整合性的學院，以縱觀傳統與現代佛教。

[编辑] Dharma Drum Sangha University

Realizing the importance of monastic education, Master Sheng Yen instructed in 1998 that in order to cultivate monastic talent capable of propagating the Dharma and benefiting sentient beings, a more systematic and comprehensive Buddhist seminary should be formed. The responsible officers then presented the plan for Dharma Drum Buddhist Seminary on October 2 of the same year, and held the first Buddhist Seminary preparatory meeting at Nung Chan Monastery on March 2 of the following year, with Master Sheng Yen presiding. Wide-ranging issues such as the goals, administration, and operation of the seminary were discussed at the meeting.

In the autumn of 2001, after more than two years of preparation, the Buddhist Seminary of Dharma Drum Sangha University was opened, a realization of DDM's educational ideals much like the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies (CHIBS) founded by Dharma Drum Mountain to cultivate high-level researchers in Buddhist studies. The seminary aims to develop monastic talent with a capacity for virtue and study, equal emphasis on understanding and practice of the Dharma, and a strong sense of religious devotion to undertake the task of purifying society.

The World Center for Buddhist Education is a concrete realization of Dharma Drum Mountain's vision, promoting the Three Types of Education-Education through Public Outreach, Education through Academics, and Education through Caring Service. Dharma Drum Sangha University, one facet of Education through Academics, is devoted to cultivating monastic talent. Run by the DDM Sangha, which has over 20 years of experience in monastic systems, and drawing on the academic resources of the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies (CHIBS), the university is a cornerstone of DDM's educational endeavors. Academic policy is rooted in Chinese Buddhist theory and practice, designed to cultivate in students both contemporary knowledge and Buddhist teachings so that they can become outstanding monastics of profound religious devotion.

[编辑] Founding Philosophy & Educational Goals

Dharma Drum Sangha University was founded to cultivate monastic talent that will represent the spirit and substance of Chinese Buddhism, and occupy an important place in international religious and academic circles, thus creating a new era for Buddhism.

[编辑] Buddhist Seminary

Mission Our mission is to foster monastic talents who are compassionate bodhisattvas aspiring to benefit all sentient beings. This will be achieved by taking the precepts, concentration, and wisdom as a foundation; the three kinds of wisdom—learning, thinking, and practicing—as a ladder of progress; and the propagation of the DDM vision as a guiding principle.

Educational Goals (1) Our primary goal is to develop contemporary monastic talent with a capacity for both virtue and study, an equal emphasis on understanding and practice of the Dharma, and a strong sense of religious devotion, so that they can undertake the task of purifying people's minds and society as a whole. This will be achieved by using the theory and practice of Chinese Buddhism, characterized by an all-encompassing spirit of tolerance, harmony, and unity. (2) Our secondary goal is to connect Chinese Buddhism with the contemporary world to share the compassion and wisdom of the Buddhadharma. This will be achieved by strengthening foreign language training, developing a global perspective, and interacting with diverse cultures.

[编辑] Monastic Formation Program

Mission Our mission is to foster outstanding or sagely monastics capable of perpetuating the Three Jewels and propagating the Dharma to benefit sentient beings. This will be achieved by taking as principles the ability to transcend the mundane world without world-weariness and to be engaged in the world without attachment to it, and by allowing students to realize the Dharma body and wisdom-life by experiencing a pure lifestyle.

Educational Goals Our goal is to develop the bodhisattva character and thus build a pure land on earth, realizing that perfecting our character attains Buddhahood. This will be achieved by leading a life of purity and diligence to experience the peace, joy, and ease of monastic life and spiritual practice, undertaking the task of benefiting sentient beings to foster Budhi-mind, and eradicating the three poisons to achieve renunciation.

[编辑] Chan Seminary

Mission Our mission is to cultivate Chan masters with compassion and wisdom. This will be achieved by taking the attainment of Chan realization through Buddhist doctrines as a point of entry; the giving of teachings based on Chan realization as a foundation; the non-duality of concentration and wisdom as principle; renunciation and the bodhi-mind as fundamental; patience and diligence as protec-ting armors; and the propagation of DDM Chan methods as a responsibility and aspiration.

Educational Goals (1) Our ultimate goal is to develop potential Chan masters possessing true practice and true realization to undertake the formidable task of ennobling the world and bringing sentient beings to spiritual maturity. This will be achieved by propagating the theories and practices of Chinese Chan Buddhism. (2) Another major goal is to develop potential Chan masters in the DDM mold who will propagate DDM-style Chan Buddhism. Allowing students to lead the simple life of a Chan practitioner in a placid environment conducive to Chan practice will achieve this.

[编辑] Course for Monastery-Based Lay Practitioners

Mission Our mission is to foster bodhisattva practitioners that cultivate merit, wisdom, and innumerable good deeds. Taking as a foundation the observation of the five precepts and eight precepts, and taking as a basic principle the choice of living in the monastery to stay close to the Three Jewels and help with its maintenance and operation will achieve this.

Educational Goals Our goal is to foster bodhisattva practitioners with the attitude of benefiting both oneself and others. This will be achieved by purifying the phy-sical, verbal, and mental actions by keeping the precepts, establishing right views by hearing the Dharma teachings, and developing the reality body and wisdom life through Chan practice. This will also be achieved by allowing lay followers to emulate the monastics' renunciation of desires, participate in the daily operations of the monastery as a lay practitioner, and devote their bodies and minds to the Three Jewels.

[编辑] Curriculum Plan

The Sangha University's curriculum is designed to include the cultivation of wisdom, blessings, and virtues. Through an education that stresses mindful practice in daily life and specialization in Buddhist studies, it seeks to prepare students to be modern religious teachers with insight, experience, and global vision.

[编辑] Course Structure

• Wisdom
  • Understanding:Studies of precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom.
  • Practice:Buddhist spiritual cultivation and practices in daily life.
• Blessings
  • Service:Put into practice the mottos of DDM's Fivefold Spiritual Renaissance Campaign; develop a sound monastic ersonality; experience Chan in daily life; foster a community spirit.
  • Dharma Propagation:Put into practice the mottos of DDM's Fivefold Spiritual Renaissance Campaign; foster leadership capabilities, carry out the vocation of propagating and protecting the Dharma, and care for and serve the community.
• Virtue
  • Molding the monastic personality and cultivating the body and mind.
    

[编辑] Educational Facilities

Bright and spacious classrooms, peaceful and stately Buddha halls, and extensive modern educational facilities including the Buddhist Library and Information Center provide monastic students with the best study resources and environment. Dharma Drum Sangha University, located in Jinshan Township, has a campus and student dormitories featuring a distinctive blend of traditional and modern architecture with a Buddhist Library and Information Center housing an extensive collection of books and periodicals, as well as the DDM Meditation Center, web community, digitalized Chinese Tripitaka (CBETA), digitalized Buddhist library and museum, and an International Conference Hall. These facilities combine to make the university a place with new, comprehensive educational facilities and a unique environment. In addition, Dharma Drum Sangha University is intimately connected to Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies, DDM Sangha, Dharma Drum University, and our related meditation, cultural and educational organizations, and can participate in the international academic conferences that DDM holds regularly, as well as extensive exchange activities.

[编辑] Environment for Practice & Study

The university is located in Jinshan Township's DDM World Center for Buddhist Education, On the fringes of the Datun Mountain Range, with ocean views in the distance. The environment is tranquil and natural, with lovely scenery and abundant culture, truly a cradle to nurture outstanding, sagely Buddhist masters. The quiet, secluded campus is set amidst mountains and rolling hills, and traversed by two rushing brooks. Rural, but not isolated, and in close proximity to the sea, the campus offers scenic views that will please the eye and soothe the heart. The campus features a majestic Grand Buddha Hall, large, contemporary meditation and lecture halls, as well as classrooms of various sizes and an activity center. Campus architecture is elegant and unadorned, with all requisite functions and exemplary management, emphasizing the harmonious blending of landscape and buildings.

[编辑] Diverse Paths for Graduates

The university considers three elements in cultivating monastic talent: administrative talent, educational talent, and academic talent. After graduation, students have opportunities to enter graduate school, further their studies abroad on scholarship, and engage in research, becoming educators and academics at the university campus. Or they can engage in cultural or administrative service at DDM's meditation, cultural, and educational organizations, starting a career of propagating the Dharma and benefiting sentient beings.

[编辑] Future Prospects

After completing the initial stages of Dharma Drum Mountain Sangha University's development, we hope to popularize the advantages and special character of Chinese Buddhism while encompassing all schools and uniting all streams to become a global center of Buddhist study and practice, recreating the glories of Nalanda Temple from the era of Master Xuanzang's journey to India. The Education Ministry will now accredit qualifying eligible religious studies institutes as part of the state education system and confer formal degrees. Accordingly, the Sangha University will be planned to develop into a comprehensive university containing a college of Chinese, Tibetan, Theravada, and world Buddhism that will cover both traditional and contemporary Buddhism.