A. Semester schedule

1. First semester (1st week of March to last week of June)
2. Second semester (1st week of October to last week of January)
3. Third semester (1st week of March to last week of June)
4. Fourth Semester (1st week of October to last week of January)
Note:
- Starting and ending date of each semester will be posted
- An essay (minimum of 2 pages) and an exam will be required at the end of the first three semesters (further individual information will be posted).
- All 18 topics will be divided into 4 semesters (depending on the size of each topic) and will require an essay every semester
- After ending of the studies, an analysis will be required within the fourth semester.

B. Curriculum of IBS

1. History and geological background of pre-Shakyamuni era
2. Brahmanism and Sramana practitioners
3. History of Shakyamuni Buddha
4. Cultivation and enlightenment
5. Characteristics of Bhagavat teachings
6. Structure of the whole / four elements and five skandhas
7. Tri-Laksana (Three Dharma characteristics)
8. The law of Pratitya-Samutpada and Dvadasa-Pratitya-Samutpada (twelve links)
9. Theory of Middle path (Madhyama-Pratipad)
10. Theory of Karma and Vipaka (action and deed)
11. Four noble truths and eight-fold right path
12. History of two major schools (Theravada and Mahayana)
13. Teachings of two major schools (Theravada and Mahayana)
14. Theravada’s Sutta / texts (all five Nikayas)
15. Theravada’s Vinaya / rules and precepts (all six major Vinayas)
16. Theravada’s Abhidharma (includes Sarvastivadin school) *this will be an option
17. Mahayana’s Sutra / texts (seven major sutras)
18. Mahayana’s Vinaya (short terms)
19. Mahayana’s Abhidharma (two major sastras) *this will be an option
20. Meditation (Samatha / Vipassana / Chan)

Note: All 18 topics will be divided into 4 semesters (depend on the size of each topic) and required an essay every semester

C. Fee and obligation

Each student must pay $400.00 USD by the starting day of each semester.  Tuition is non-refundable. All students must complete a form of “Application for Registration” to the Vice-Dean of IBS before the new semester has started.
Contact addresses:

E-mail: office@wbu-austria.com   / Vice-Dean of IBS
             jongmae@wbu-austria.com  / Dean of IBS

Address: Europe: IBS Löfflergasse 15/3, A-1130 Wien-Austria

U.S.A: Bo Kwang Temple, 1768 North Glenview Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807  U.S.A

IBS students who received a Samanera ordination (Jr. Monk) under the Korean Buddhist Taego Order must complete all courses within two years after the ordination.