SMCE3005 F25 Introduction to Buddhism

• Delivery: Online
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Day of the week: Thursdays
• Dates: September 11 – October 16
• Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Cost: $150
• Level of Interfaith Dialogue (for learners taking the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue): Dialogue of Theological Exchange

Course Overview

Explore the fundamental teachings and practices of Buddhism and apply your learning to explore practices of interfaith dialogue in this introductory course. Learn about the life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and key traditions such as Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna. Through engaging discussions and readings, discover Buddhism’s historical development, ethical principles, and relevance in today’s world. Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking a deeper understanding, this course offers a comprehensive foundation.

**SMCE3005 is an elective course within the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue. Learners who wish to complete this program can learn more on our website. Enrolment in this course is open to all learners.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
• Describe the life of the Buddha and key historical developments in Buddhism.
• Explain core Buddhist concepts, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• Analyze the differences between Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions.
• Apply basic Buddhist meditation and mindfulness techniques to daily life.
• Understand applications of the principles and practices of interfaith dialogue in a Buddhist context

About the Instructor

Rory Tasker, MA has been a Buddhist monk since 2004. During his initial training, he mostly studied Tibetan Buddhism but also spent two years learning about meditation practice with Thai forest monks. In 2011, he completed the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program in India and began translating Buddhist teachings from Tibetan to English for audiences in Europe, Asia, and North America. 

He has continued as an interpreter since that time and currently translates for Geshe Sonam at the Lama Yeshe Ling Buddhist Centre in Burlington, Ontario. Rory holds an MA in Buddhist Studies from McMaster University and is a PhD (ABD) candidate at the University of Toronto, OISE. In his research, he examines the methods and pedagogies of Tibetan Buddhist teachers in North America. This research has been presented at several conferences, including the American Academy of Religion (AAR) annual meeting and the Collaborative for Spirituality in Education. He has been the Buddhist chaplaincy representative at McMaster University’s Spiritual Care and Learning Centre since 2021, and has a passion for spiritual care and religious dialogue. 

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