Home/Online Programs/Dharma School I
20 Weeks
Step 2 of 3
Online

Introduction to Buddhism I

Study the Buddha's foundational teachings with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) and learn how to apply them in your daily life.

Registration is not currently available. Please check back later.

If your first language is Korean, please visit here
Introduction to Buddhism I

Over 20 weeks, you'll explore the Buddha's essential teachings and learn how they can transform the way you understand yourself and the world.

What you'll gain

  • Understand how the mind works
  • Gain new perspectives on life
  • Study the Buddha's core teachings
  • Acquire practical wisdom for daily challenges
  • Apply Buddhist principles to everyday life

Duration

20 Weeks

Schedule

Once Weekly

Language

English

Format

Online Live

How it works?

A balanced approach that blends self-study, community learning, and real-life practice.

Self-Paced Learning

Each week, you'll watch assigned Dharma talks and read the textbook at your own pace, preparing for your group session.

Weekly Group Meetings

Meet once a week on Google Meet to reflect, discuss, and share insights from the week's teachings and practice exercises.

Daily Practice Exercise

Apply the teachings in your daily life and share your experiences with your group, helping you turn insight into real change.

Topics You'll Explore

A comprehensive journey from foundational concepts to practical wisdom

1

Foundations

  • What is Buddhism?
  • What is Enlightenment?
2

Basic Buddhist Doctrine

  • The Four Noble Truths
  • The Law of Causality
  • The Middle Way
  • The Eightfold Path
  • The Law of Dependent Origination
  • The Five Aggregates, Twelve Sense Bases, and Eighteen Realms
  • The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
3

Values of Buddhism

  • The Threefold Refuge
  • The Six Principles of Harmony
  • No Everlasting Abiding Dharma
  • The Five Precepts
4

Living the Path

  • A Path to a Life of Happiness and Freedom
5

Seminar

  • What is sharing?
  • The Buddhist Perspective on the Environment and Barugongyang
  • Peace and Harmony
  • Vision of Jungto Society

What Our Students Say

Hear from those who have completed the course

Jungto Dharma School had a huge influence on me. Not only did the course help me to recognize the root of my suffering and ignorance, but also made me see how I was creating my own suffering when my life is already in a perfect condition to be happy.

T

Thomas

Being in this class helped me understand what concepts like the middle way, interdependence, karma, and enlightenment truly mean. Sunim explains complex terms in a simple, straightforward style for everyone to understand.

R

Ruha

This course taught me how much more effective it is to actually practice Buddhist principles consistently with a group of other curious and dedicated individuals compared to just reading on my own.

G

Gordon

Who Is This Course For?

This course is perfect for you if...

New to Buddhism and want a clear, structured introduction

Curious about the mind and why we experience stress, anxiety, or conflict

Looking for practical wisdom you can use in everyday life

Wanting a supportive community to learn and reflect with

20-Week Course Schedule

Dharma talks, interactive seminars, and special ceremonies

Week 1

Opening Ceremony

Ceremony
Week 2

What Is Buddhism? - Buddhism as a Practice

Lecture
Week 3

Seminar I - What Is Sharing?

Seminar
Week 4

What Is Buddhism? - Teachings on Enlightenment

Lecture
Week 5

The Goal of Buddhism: Nirvana and Liberation

Lecture
Week 6

Seminar II - The Buddhist Perspective on the Environment and Barugongyang (Formal Monastic Meal)

Seminar
Week 7

The Four Noble Truths and the Law of Causality

Lecture
Week 8

The Middle Way and the Eightfold Path

Lecture
Week 9

The Law of Dependent Origination

Lecture
Week 10

The Five Aggregates, Twelve Sense Bases, and Eighteen Realms

Lecture
Week 11

The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination

Lecture
Week 12

The Threefold Refuge and the Six Principles of Harmony

Lecture
Week 13

Seminar III - Peace and Harmony

Seminar
Week 14

No Everlasting Abiding Dharma and the Five Precepts

Lecture
Week 15

The Meaning of the Five Precepts in Modern Society

Lecture
Week 16

Seminar IV - Vision of Jungto Society

Seminar
Week 17

Chamhwe (Repentance) and the Real Meaning of Prayer

Lecture
Week 18

A Life of Happiness and Freedom

Lecture
Week 19

The Life of a Practitioner

Lecture
Week 20

Completion Ceremony

Ceremony
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim

Your Teacher

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim is a Korean Buddhist monk, Dharma teacher, author, and social activist. He founded Jungto Society in 1988 and has dedicated his life to applying Buddhist teachings to help solve modern social problems.

His Dharma talks are known for their clarity, practicality, and ability to address real-life problems. Through this course, you will learn directly from his decades of teaching experience.

Learn more about Sunim

What's Included

Everything you need for a comprehensive learning experience

20 video lectures from Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
Weekly live group meetings via Google Meet
Course textbook and study materials
Daily practice exercises
Certificate upon completion
Access to student community
Happiness Workshop→Intro to Buddhism I→Intro to Buddhism II

Ready to Begin?

Anyone aged 18 or older can register, regardless of religion or educational background. Those under 18 may register if they have completed high school.

Registration is not currently available. Please check back later.

Application Fee

$150 USD

Full refund available before course starts

Financial aid: financialaid@jungtosociety.org

Weekly Commitment

  • Group meetup: 70 min/week
  • Self-study: 60-90 min/week
  • Practice: 5 min/day

Group Meetup Times

Every week for 20 weeks

Sessions may be canceled if minimum enrollment isn't reached. If your session is full, you can join a waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions