DBS Informational Video

 "I have been very happy with the course so far and learning more about Buddhism and its roots in Indian culture and history.  With the online format it has been a pleasant surprise to meet students from all over the world and have us all share our perspectives.  The experience has enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of all things.   I look forward to deepening my understanding and practice in Buddhism through continued learning and participation."  - Ian Rogers 

 “The Diploma in Buddhist studies program is an excellent opportunity to learn about Buddhism from skilled educators whose depth of knowledge is remarkable in scope. Because of the teachers and students' varied cultural backgrounds, each discussion is a gateway to glimpse the global human experience. If you are interested in studying Buddhism, I would highly recommend this edifying course.”  

- Matt McAninch

  "I have finished the first class in the diploma course "Historical background of Buddhist culture," taught By Dr. Bhante Sumitta. The teacher was a great inspiration, and I sincerely admired his vast knowledge. The students are from different backgrounds and cultures from all over the world. I enjoy interacting and learning from students who live in Buddhist countries. The depth of knowledge and faith in the Dhamma continue to inspire me. The fact that they live according to the five precepts is impressive. I feel this is so much needed in the Western world, where essential human values have been lost. The class surely opened my eyes to the vastness and timelessness of Buddhist teachings, which are applicable to individual growth and socio-ethical as well. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone that is seeking a way out of the norm, the pervasive discontent and hamster wheel effect of mundane suffering." 

- Toni Staicu 

 “I’ve only taken one class so far but I really enjoyed it, with a much richer understanding of the socio-historical conditions that set the stage for the Buddha's teachings. Our teacher, Bhante Sumitta, is a recognized expert on these texts, and he made an excellent guide to beginning sutta studies. The DBS program is a unique opportunity for world-class education in Buddhist studies. It's particularly helpful for Western converts, I think, but I'd recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Buddhism in a setting that balances academic rigor with work-from-home convenience. I can't wait for the next class to start!” 

- Brien Seyle 

 "As a student of the DBS program, my learning experience thus far has been wonderful. The first course was taught by Bhante Sumitta, it was on the Historical Background of Buddhism. I found the course engaging, insightful, and very thought provoking. The contributions and open dialogue amongst my fellow classmates allowed me to see the subjects from different viewpoints. The Buddha's teachings and understanding of the world went against the societal standards of the time in many ways. He was able to let go of the biases that his society would have established in him. For prospective students, or for anyone who is interested in learning more about Buddhism, I highly recommend this course. It allows students to gain new perspectives, discuss topics and real world implications of Buddhism. I want to thank both DBS, Bhante Sumitta, and my fellow students for the wonderful class. I learned so much from all of you." 

- Kayra Goddard 

 "Historical Background of Buddhist Culture is my first course in the DBP program. This course greatly deepened and broadened my understanding of Buddhist culture. We have explored so many topics through the lens of Buddhist culture. Many of these topics might not seem to be related to Buddhism at first glance. However, our instructor, Bhante Sumitta, inspired us with his deep understanding of the sutras and other resources. It was such an enriching experience learning from him and I am so grateful for MABA who provided this opportunity for all of us!" 

- Jie Yan 

Venerable Sakya Minh-Quang is a scholar and practitioner with a distinguished background in Buddhist studies. He holds a B.A. in East Asian Languages and Cultures and Psychology from Michigan State University and an M.A. in East Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Illinois. His academic pursuits have been complemented by extensive study in Japan and a prolific record of research and publications. Beyond his academic achievements, Venerable Minh-Quang is also a Dharma teacher and counselor, demonstrating his commitment to both intellectual growth and community service. 

Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa Sak, known as 法曜 (Fa Yao) in Chinese, is a distinguished Buddhist monk and scholar. He serves as the Abbot and President of the Amata Vihāra and Zen Center, both part of the US Zen Institute in Maryland, and the Wisdom Temple in Massachusetts. His academic journey began with his monastic ordination in Sri Lanka in 1987, culminated in a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies and Western Philosophy  from the University of Bristol. Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa has held various academic and leadership roles, including at the Chuang Yen Monastery and the Temple of Enlightenment in New York. He is the Vice President of the Buddhist Association of the United States and a research fellow at Sun Yat-sen University in China. His work spans early Mahāyāna and Theravāda Buddhism, with a focus on meditation techniques. Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa is also a prolific author and a strong advocate for global religious unity.

Venerable Dr. Nivitigala Sumitta Thero, a revered Buddhist monk, has dedicated his life to combining traditional Theravada teachings with modern academic scholarship. Born in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, he entered the order as a novice monk in 1981 and received full ordination in 1991. He has taught at several universities in Sri Lanka and the United States. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is the founder and CEO of Dhamma USA, a California-based non-profit organization engaged in spiritual care and community activities. He currently shares his profound insights and knowledge as a distinguished faculty member at RMTA, embodying the harmonious integration of ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding.

Venerable Dr. Dhammapāla is a distinguished scholar of Buddhist studies. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hong Kong and several degrees from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. His areas of expertise include Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma, Theravāda Abhidhamma, and early Mahāyāna thought. He has been the editor-in-chief of the Buddhistdoor website since 2006 and has published numerous scholarly articles. He has also taught at the University of Hong Kong and other institutions. In addition to his academic work, Venerable Dr. Dhammapāla is deeply involved in community service, serving as Director and Abbot of the Centre of Mindfulness in Hong Kong and founding several monasteries and retreat centers. He actively teaches meditation and leads community programs.

Venerable Dr. Soorakkulame Pemaratana is the head monk of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center and the Cleveland Buddhist Vihara. Born and educated in Sri Lanka, he moved to the United States in 2008. Venerable Pemaratana received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2017. He was a Robert Ho Family Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania from 2020 to 2022. He currently teaches at Carnegie Mellon University as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of History. He serves the Sri Lankan American Buddhist community in the greater Pittsburgh area and an ever-growing group of Americans interested in learning more about Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation. Venerable Pemaratana also travels to countries in Southeast Asia to conduct public talks and mediation retreats.

Venerable Dr. Bhante Kusala (PhD USJP, MDiv' 17, Harvard, MA Kelaniya, MPhil Peradeniya, MA exchange student Trento, Italy, BA in Pāli and Buddhist Studies from Peradeniya) is a Buddhist monk of the Sri Lankan Theravada tradition. He is a co-founder and resident monk of Cambridge Peace House. He has worked as a chaplain at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is the author of several books, including "Happy Meditation: a guide for practicing sublime states of the mind.

Venerable Dr. Kongyan is originally from Malaysia. She first learned about Buddhism in 2002 after reading The Way to Buddhahood by Venerable Master Yinshun. Her interest in Buddhism quickly blossomed and she took refuge and precepts in December 2003. She holds an M.S. degree in Forest Molecular Genetics from Michigan Technical University and a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Science from Washington State University in 2012. After graduation, she was ordained as a novice at MABA and received her full bhikshuni ordination in Taiwan in 2014. She received her M.A. in Buddhist Studies from the International Buddhist College in Thailand in 2021. She is currently the registrar and one of the teachers at RMTA while pursuing her M.A. in Religion at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Dato Ang Choo Hong is a distinguished lay Buddhist leader with a successful career in engineering and a deep commitment to Buddhist social activities. He holds degrees from prestigious universities, including an M.S. from the University of Malaya and a B.S. from the University of Technology Malaysia. Dato Ang has served in leadership roles in various Buddhist organizations, including chairing the Yayasan Belia Buddhist Malaysia and presiding over the Buddhist Research Society Malaysia. His professional experience includes positions in the public sector, including CEO of a government-linked company and Director of the Public Works Department. A prolific author, Dato Ang has contributed significantly to Buddhist literature through his Chinese, English, and bilingual publications. His dedication to Buddhist communities has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious World Outstanding Buddhist Leader Award and several royal honors.

Katty Choi earneda M.A. degree in Buddhist Studies from Hong Kong University in 2044 and has extensive experience teaching the Chinese language and Buddhism. Known for her translation skills, shehas contributed to significant Buddhist events, including the First World Buddhist Forum. As a Vipassana meditation practitioner, she has a personal connection to the core teachings of Buddhism. Her academic pursuits have focused on exploring the intersections between Mahāyāna and Theravāda Buddhism, the concept of the Three Bodies of the Buddha, and the Buddhist approach to happiness. She also researched Buddhist meditation techniques, the social and religious significance of the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and Master Xu Yun's views on the roles of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Katty is currently a lay Buddhist teacher at MABA and RMTA.

Beth Jacobs, Ph.D., is a writer, a clinical psychologist in private practice, and a transmitted lay teacher in the Soto Zen Buddhist lineage.  She is the author of Long Shadows of Practice, A Buddhist Journal, The Original Buddhist Psychology, Paper Sky, and Writing for Emotional Balance. Her teaching focuses on experiential realities of original Buddhist doctrine and practice. Her clinical work focuses on helping people give voice and context to these experiences.

Donald F. Sloane has a rich background in mindfulness training, blending both Eastern and Western perspectives. His journey began in 1969 with meditation and yoga, which he has practiced consistently ever since. Over the years, he has integrated these practices into his professional work, particularly in the field of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). From 2008 to 2015, Don traveled extensively across the United States, training therapists in CBT and mindfulness techniques. He was invited by PESI to deliver over 150 full-day presentations, reaching more than 7,500 professionals. His dedication to mindfulness is evident in his continuous learning and teaching, aiming to help both therapists and clients benefit from these practices. Don is currently a lay Buddhist teacher at MABA and RMTA.

Santikaro Upasaka studied with Ajahn Buddhadasa during the last nine years of his life, became his primary translator, and continues to share his “naturalist” approach to Buddha-Dhamma. Santikaro was ordained a Theravada bhikkhu in 1985 and spent most of his monastic life in Suan Mokkh (southern Thailand). He returned to the U.S. in 2000 and left monastic life in 2004 to found Kevala Retreat (then Liberation Park). His understanding of life has been enhanced by the Enneagram, feminism, cancer recovery, and trauma healing. He continues to teach nationally and internationally, translating the work of his teacher. He teaches Buddhism and meditation with an emphasis on the early Pali sources. He has been leading meditation retreats for over thirty-five years, with a special preference for mindfulness with breathing.