Nalanda College of Buddhist Studies, Toronto, Canada (2000)

Comments by government-appointed Evaluating Committee (Prof Leslie Kawamura & two others), on proposed 4-yr. BA PROGRAM at Nalanda College of Buddhist Studies (2006):

• “Unique institution, designed to meet the credential standards [of the Government of Ontario] and at the same time expand the post-secondary educational opportunities to go beyond traditional western religious education.”

• “Nalanda [is] unique in that both the faculty and the students reflect the multicultural dimension of this program and are committed to it.”

• “The Panel believes that the greatest strength of the proposed program is its virtual uniqueness among undergraduate programs in Buddhist studies…. [T]here is no other program exactly like it anywhere, given its cross-cultural, interdisciplinary, and multi-faceted linguistic approach to Buddhist Studies”

• “The balancing of theory and practice.”

• “Language training is real strength.”

• “A competent group of experienced professionals …”

Comments by students:

• Nalanda “has surpassed all my expectations. It’s a joy to study with instructors who love to teach Buddhism and live by what they teach."

• "[It was by chance that] I fell into this course. I found it on the internet called "Meditation Theory and Practice". The weirdest thing is that recently (and I believe it's from this course), there has been a spring in my step. Suddenly, I look forward to living and I find meaning in the smallest things. Driving home from the library today, with the smell of spring in the air, I was made to stop in the middle of a road. A Canadian goose, with her four little friends had to cross the street. Before I would never have stopped and enjoyed the moment, probably even taken a different street. But I sat there and smiled at them, watching them cross the street to safely make it to the other side. Through taking this course, my eyes have been opened to a much larger, much greater purpose: LIFE! The ups, the downs, the learning and laughing, the swearing and cursing... I watch myself, and though at times I get caught up in the little things, I am now so aware of myself. I have been growing, and learning, and listening to my heart and my mind. I see how I am constantly changing and I am enjoying every step of the journey. Thanking all the Professors from the Toronto School of Buddhist Studies!"

• "I was able to learn more about the Dhamma in an open, stimulating environment, as well as meet interesting and enjoyable classmates, and Professors…. The College offered me an opportunity to study Buddhism from an academic perspective rather than from a specific tradition. From a practitioner’s perspective, it is often difficult to discern the Buddha’s teachings apart from specific interpretations and cultural overlays…."

• "…To learn about the Buddha’s teachings in an environment that includes all schools of Buddhist practice is most enlightening. To be able to openly discuss various perspectives and how they relate to our everyday lives is a significant learning experience. …….Having worked at my Buddhist practice for over eight years, I find that the "pieces" are now beginning to fit together…"

• "… I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the College for its effort in providing an academic and harmonious environment ….Within a short period of two months, I have benefited significantly from an intellectual perspective. Furthermore, the program has led me to apply Buddha’s teachings in comprehending my existence with deeper insights and to live my life to the fullest extent."