Praxis
Starting from 2020, first-year students will have the opportunity to choose from so-called “fixed special courses” (fix speckoll-ok). These are intended to replace the previously required “Professional Practice” and the freely selectable “Praxis” subjects.
Students may enroll in up to 3 credits per semester from the following fixed special courses:
Praxis 1 (Community Service) – 1 credit:
30 hours of community service within the framework of the Dharma Gate Buddhist Church or College during the semester, certified by an employee of the Church or College.
The student does not receive financial compensation for the service.
Praxis 2 (Community Service) – 2 credits:
60 hours of community service within the Dharma Gate Buddhist Church or College during the semester, certified by an employee of the Church or College.
No financial compensation is provided.
Praxis 3 (Self-Development) – 1 credit:
30 hours of practice authorized by the Dharma Gate Buddhist Church or College (e.g., 15 sessions of 2-hour movement practices, art or martial arts activities, self-awareness exercises, etc.), led and certified by an internal or external instructor approved by the Church or College.
The instructor does not receive financial compensation for conducting the sessions.
Praxis 4 (Self-Development) – 2 credits:
60 hours of practice authorized by the Dharma Gate Buddhist Church or College (e.g., 15 sessions of 4-hour movement practices, art or martial arts activities, self-awareness exercises, etc.), led and certified by an internal or external instructor approved by the Church or College.
The instructor does not receive financial compensation.
From the 2020 entry year onward, external (non-Church/College) community service (professional practice) will no longer be recognized, as the course will no longer be compulsory.
Students from earlier years will still follow the previous system and rules.
Downloadable Documents:
Praxis Certification
Professional Practice
For students who began their studies between 2017 and 2019, Professional Practice remains a compulsory course each semester, according to the curriculum.
The College does not designate specific locations for completing the mandatory professional practice.
Students are responsible for finding their own placement, and must consult with the course instructor and/or lecturer before starting the practice, to agree on the details and formally record the conditions for completion (involving the Vice-Rector for Education if necessary).
Students thus have considerable freedom in choosing their practice placement.
The goal is to enable every student to select an activity or field that matches their personal interests, provides a sense of challenge, and supports their development.
Additionally, the College does not wish to restrict the options, since the values of Buddhist life conduct—such as kindness (mettā), equanimity (upekkhā), patience and acceptance (khanti), compassion (karuṇā), and renunciation (nekkhamma)—can and should be embodied in all life situations and workplaces.
Objective: The aim of the professional practice is for students to reinforce and embody the basic Buddhist principles they have learned during their training in real work environments and everyday situations related to work.
Requirements:
Students must:
Perform their assigned tasks conscientiously and in accordance with the individual agreement made with the hosting organization,
Then prepare at least a one-page (A4 size) report about their practice, to be submitted during the exam period of the given semester.
Downloadable Documents:
Professional Practice Certification (Old System)
