Online Class: Buddhism 101 — The Principles of Awakened Living

Embark on a journey to understand and apply Buddhist teachings in your daily life, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges. This immersive course provides a roadmap to navigate life's obstacles, enhancing personal growth and spiritual fulfillment through compassion, clarity, and mindful living.
$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 11
    Lessons
  • 34
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 2,914
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Imagine a life where clarity replaces confusion, inner peace triumphs over chaos, and purpose guides every step you take. This isn't just a dream-it's a reality that thousands have found through the profound teachings of Buddhism. Now, you can embark on the same journey with this immersive and life-changing course.

In a world brimming with noise and distractions, the wisdom of Buddhism offers a timeless sanctuary. Its teachings are not confined to ancient texts or rituals-they are practical, actionable, and deeply relevant to the challenges of modern life. Buddhism is more than a philosophy; it's a guide to living a meaningful, mindful, and fulfilling existence. And this course is your gateway to unlocking its transformative power.

From the moment you enroll, you'll be captivated by the rich narrative of Buddhism's origins and evolution. You'll walk alongside the Buddha, tracing his journey from a sheltered prince to a seeker of ultimate truth. You'll uncover the Four Noble Truths, a blueprint for understanding and overcoming life's challenges, and the Eightfold Path, a practical roadmap to wisdom, ethical living, and mental clarity.

But this course isn't just about understanding Buddhism-it's about applying its principles to your life. You'll explore concepts like karma and rebirth, demystifying these ideas to reveal how they shape your actions and aspirations. You'll delve into the essence of enlightenment and Nirvana, discovering how these seemingly lofty ideals can bring profound joy and peace into your everyday existence.

What sets this course apart is its balance of tradition and modernity. While rooted in centuries-old wisdom, it also illuminates Buddhism's influence in today's world-shaping art, science, politics, and even your favorite mindfulness app. Whether you're seeking personal growth, spiritual exploration, or simply a deeper understanding of the human experience, this course meets you where you are and guides you toward where you want to be.

By the time you complete this journey, you won't just know about Buddhism-you'll feel its impact in your life. You'll walk away with tools to manage stress, cultivate compassion, and embrace the present moment with grace and gratitude.

This isn't just another online course; it's an invitation to transform your perspective, enrich your life, and join a global community of seekers on the path to wisdom. The question isn't whether you should enroll-the question is, why would you wait? Your journey begins here.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,030 votes)

  • Lesson 1. Buddha: From Prince to Sage

    From a life of royal privilege, Siddhartha ventured into spiritual austerity, ultimately realizing the Middle Way—a balanced path that would lead him to enlighten the world as Buddha. His legendary journey reflects the potential for human awakening and serves as a guide for overcoming life's trials.

  • Lesson 2. The Four Noble Truths Explained

    The cornerstone of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths, delves into suffering's existence, causes, and cessation, highlighting the necessity of releasing misguided desires and false individuality. Pursuing the Eightfold Path reveals the middle way, guiding practitioners away from life's extremes toward Nirvana.

  • Lesson 3. The Middle Way: Navigating the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment

    The Eightfold Noble Path, carved by Buddha, fosters liberation from suffering by balancing self-discipline with mental clarity. Its principles seamlessly interweave ethical actions with personal enlightenment, promising a life imbued with wisdom and serenity.

  • Lesson 4. A Guide to Moral Living: The Buddhist Five Precepts and Their Relevance

    The Five Precepts in Buddhism serve as a moral guide, aiming to foster personal growth and societal harmony by advocating for actions grounded in compassion and wisdom. They emphasize intentionality behind conduct and encourage living a life unattached to negative influences, thereby enhancing peace within oneself and with others.

  • Lesson 5. Karmic Interactions: From Intention to Transformation

    The interplay between Karma and free will underscores the dynamic balance between past influences and future intentions, asserting control over one's life's narrative. By embracing this balance, individuals can rewrite their stories through intentional actions while inspiring change within broader societal frameworks.

  • Lesson 6. Dharma's Path: Enlightenment Through Life's Cycles

    Life's perpetual cycles manifest in nature and ourselves, paralleling the continuous cycle of cellular regeneration in our bodies and the ebb and flow of our emotions. Buddhism embraces these cycles, suggesting rebirth influenced by past karma, teaching that our experiences may be echoes of former lives.

  • Lesson 7. Buddhism: From Enlightenment Under the Bodhi Tree to Global Influence

    Buddhism's spread through Asia saw significant developments, including the emergence of Zen Buddhism in Japan, known for its focus on meditation and intuition. Meanwhile, Korea contributed to early printing technology, making it a pivotal region for the dissemination of Buddhist texts.

  • Lesson 8. Stupas, Pagodas, and Temples: Unfolding the Spiritual Architecture of Buddhism

    From the carved sanctuaries of Ajanta to the symbolic elegance of pagodas, Buddhist structures encapsulate a remarkable blend of art, spiritual tenacity, and cultural intersections. Each architectural form, rich with symbolism and history, offers insights into the human quest for enlightenment and the shared heritage of diverse Asian traditions.

  • Lesson 9. Buddhism's Core: A Journey Through Its Major Branches

    Despite distinct practices, Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism share a unified purpose of transforming suffering into awakening, catering to diverse cultures and temperaments. Modern practitioners often blend teachings from all three branches, reflecting Buddhism's adaptable nature.

  • Lesson 10. Reaching Nirvana

    Attaining Nirvana involves cultivating 10 essential qualities like wisdom and loving-kindness, reflecting the bodhisattva's journey across lifetimes. Enlightenment and interconnectedness underpin this transformative process, with practitioners aiding others while progressing on their paths.

  • Lesson 11. Buddhism's Timeless Modernity

    In Japan, Buddhism expanded beyond a religious role to become integral to social institutions, illustrating its adaptability and profound societal contributions. Such integration reflects Buddhism's transformative capacity to blend with indigenous practices, driving its global proliferation while maintaining essential teachings.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the historical and mythical context of Siddhartha Gautama, highlighting his early life and search for enlightenment.
  • Identify the core teachings of Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and how they contribute to overcoming suffering.
  • Identify and describe the causes of suffering according to the Second Noble Truth.
  • Recognize the Four Noble Truths and explain their significance in Buddhism.
  • Demonstrate practical applications of the Eightfold Noble Path principles in modern life to foster ethical living, mindfulness, and community harmony.
  • Define the Eightfold Noble Path as a philosophical framework aimed at achieving enlightenment by practicing specific ethical, mental, and wisdom principles.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the Five Precepts can be integrated into everyday life, fostering ethical behavior and mindfulness in personal and professional settings.
  • Define the Five Precepts of Buddhist practice and explain their significance in promoting personal growth and societal harmony.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the concept of neutral Karma by describing examples of actions that neither accrue merit nor demerit
  • Recognize the influence of past and present actions on future life outcomes using the principle of Karma integrated with personal agency and free will
  • Define the key components of Karma by identifying and categorizing actions as skillful or unskillful based on intention and moral quality
  • Describe the six Buddhist realms of rebirth and analyze how human actions and karma influence transitions between these realms.
  • Identify and explain the cyclical nature of physical and emotional renewal, drawing parallels between cellular regeneration and emotional transformation.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Buddhism 101: The Principles of Awakened Living
Course Number: 8900294
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (1,030 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: April 2024
CEU Value: 0.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Add to Cart
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Add to Cart
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Start Now
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Start Now
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "Thank you for a great course on Buddhism. It met my requirements as I sought to learn something of this religion in order to evaluate if I wished to pursue it further. I found the lessons easy to follow and the additional resources very helpful. I do not think there is a need for anything additional aspects of the subject that need inclusion as Buddhism is such a large subject. I believe the current course structure serves as an awesome introduction to the subject. I enjoyed the course and am now beginning to pursue other avenues of engagement with Buddhism." -- Lynnette M.
  • "The instructor was very knowledgeable, positive, and prompt in response to my submissions. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to develop an understanding of Buddhism." -- Shawna B.
  • "I think it was helpful that the instructor was available to answer my questions on a timely basis and was was open to me to share my ideas of Buddhism with him even though those ideas wasn't part of the written course. Also, I thought it was great that the instructor did videos on his own to explain the course material and 'bring it all home' which was helpful to really comprehend the material on a deeper level. He also seemed passionate about Buddhism in his videos which made the videos more interesting." -- Cindy C.
  • "The instructor is very friendly and kind and he replies almost immediately." -- Jaquie B.
  • "The instructor answered quickly and detailed." -- Karin V.
  • "All the readings were appropriate as were the assignments. Thanks so much for the timeliness of your feedback." -- Kathleen S.
  • "Very nicely done. Much of the information I read came together more clearly for me through the required essays. Thank you! I was looking for an overall understanding of Buddhism. This class did provide that, and more. The most helpful areas were the actual teachings of the Buddha." -- BARBARA P.
  • "The instructor was very in-depth when grading assignments. She added the information that would have made my assignment more well rounded and it taught me to read and review before completing. Thank you." -- Pam N.

Related Courses