Lotus University
“America Buddhist College”
<Catalogue & Brochure 2006-2008>
"We are registered with the State of California. Registration means we have met certain minimum standards imposed by the state for registered schools on the basis of our written application to the state. Registration does not mean we have met all of the more extensive standards required by the state for schools that are approved to operate or licensed or that the state has verified the information we submitted with our registration form."
Lotus University-America Buddhist College
< A religious exemption, nonprofit institution >
School Code: N/A, Application #: 20333
Founder
Ven. Grand Master Do-Ahn Kim
<August 28, 2006 entering nirvana: the death of a Buddhist priest>
It is now 33 years since Korean Buddhist Temples have been built in LA. About 27 Korean Buddhist Temples have accomplished their missionary works in LA, where more than 700,000 Korean Immigrants are dwelling. The major three tasks of Korean Buddhism in LA have been to promulgate Buddhism, translate Sutras, and educate people. Compared to the history of Korean Buddhism in America, many problems still have been faced to achieve the goals, such as lack of systemic management from the Order, and lack of sources in personal and financial matters.
Given the fact of those difficulties, Kwan Um Sa Temple has tried to take a successful leadership in providing youth guidance through both literary and disciplinary education and initiating diverse religious activities of Korean residents.
As some of future projects, Kwan Um Sa Temple help a plan to expand Lotus-America Buddhist College & University organized by Korean American Buddhist Community Services, Inc. to the higher level of educational institution, which can meet the requirements for the accredited university in America.
Also Kwan Um Sa Temple & KABCS Inc. have committed the volunteer services for Korean as well as American community, playing an important role in disseminating Korean Buddhism in American society, which will lead for Korean Buddhism to be understood as socially engaged Buddhism to West.
Disseminating Buddhahood and Dharma far and wide through mass media by Kwan Um Sa Temple & KABCS Inc. will be continued and, we hope, even provide the best conditions, in which the fine cultural and traditional Korean Buddhism will be well introduced to the West.
We expect that the support from the Order will encourage us to flourish Korean Buddhism in America in near future, when the year, will come.
“We live embracing dreams in the future.”
Ahn Soo Kim / Jogye Order Buddhist Missionary
the President and Chief operating officer of Lotus University-America Buddhist College
* A brief history of Buddhist Community Service and Buddhist University
Nov. 14, 1975: Sunim Do-Ahn Kim was appointed Minister of Kwan Um Sa Temple under Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
Nov. 14, 1984: Approval of Non-profit public benefit corporation such as Korean American Buddhist Community Services, Inc. for the senior's welfare service or for the youth education and their religious activity and for the publication of cultural background of Buddhism, and establishment of corporation approved by California State Government.
Aug. 26, 1985: Approved exemption of tax for Korean American Buddhist Community Services, Inc. by IRS.
Apr. 15, 1997: Established Korean American Buddhist Culture Broadcasting Station(Cable TV, branch of btn) started broadcasting.
Sep. 21, 1997: LA DongSan Buddhist School made an agreement with DongSan Buddhist School in Seoul Korea for the exchange of bachelors. We commenced LA DongSan Buddhist College attached to Kwan Um Sa Temple.
Jan. 05, 1999: We changed the title of the college under the attachment of Korean American Buddhist Community Services, Inc. as "Lotus University" and application was the approved by LA City Government.
Aug. 13, 2002: "Lotus Pre-school" under the KABCS, Inc. was also approved by California State Government.
Aug. 13, 2002: Korean Buddhist Jogye Order approved "Lotus University" succeeded from LA DongSan Buddhist College for the organization of the education of lay people.
June 14, 2006: We presented regular system base on Jogye Order in Korea and approved exemption for "Lotus University-American Buddhist College" as a religious educational organization in California <by BPPVE>.
Present, 2006: We continuously produced 94 graduates for six times and disposed 75 Buddhist Missionaries all over the USA
1. Purpose:
Lotus University-America Buddhist College is one of the educational institutions established according to the missionary regulations of the constitution of the Korean Buddhist Chogye Order. It is a two-year program of Buddhist studies geared toward the training of international missionaries of Buddhism.
The “Lotus University-America Buddhist College” is owned, controlled, operated, and maintained by the “Kwan Um Sa temple” in Korean Buddhist Chogye Order denomination, and “Korean American Buddhist Community Services Inc.” organization comprised of multi-denominational members of the same well-recognized religion.
And their addresses are placed, and Located in one building (kwan um sa temple) at 264 S. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles, Ca 90004 and 4265, 4267, 4279 3rd St., Los Angeles, Ca 90020.
Headquarters of ‘Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism’ had listed and approved “Lotus University-America Buddhist College” all courses and tenets, as an institution of buddhistic professional education with the followers, and its one and only in actuality at U.S.A.
2. Admission, Graduation, and Study Schedules
Those who have successfully completed the two-year study of Buddhist subjects will be eligible to take examinations to become qualified as Buddhist missionaries.
Students who are not interested in obtaining credit units will be designated as non-credit students. Students will receive acknowledgement of his / her study at the completion of the course.
Students who have left the school or withdrawn from classes can retake the subject after having been readmitted.
Students will be admitted by term. All classes will be conducted in Buddhist terminology, while classes for international students will be conducted in English.
The courses offered by “Lotus University-America Buddhist College” are:
a. Subjects in the curriculum are sufficient to qualify students as Buddhist missionaries.
b. Those who have obtained missionary status are qualified for the extension program for ordination as a Dharma Teacher & Mission Professor.
c. Practicum;
1). Aid to Buddhist administration
2). Practicum on Buddhist ceremonies and rituals
3). Assistance and creative skill to Buddhist culture and media
4). Leadership development for youth activities in Buddhism
Diplomas offered by “Lotus University-America Buddhist College” are:
a. Grade Certificate;
/ By completion level of each course programs
b. Buddhist Missionary (general, international);
/ By examination & ordination of Korean Buddhist Chogye Order Board
< Above missionary certificate is renewal as 3 years >
c. Dharma Teacher (instructor, master) & Mission Professor
/ One rank by research on each and every Sutra of Buddhism, & Mission
Mission Plan and Thesis is inevitably to translation as writing in English
The diplomas offered by the Lotus University are only in the beliefs and practices of the Chogye Order denomination and the Korean American Buddhist Community Services, Inc.
The meritorious recognition upon which the Lotus University confers honorary degree is limited to the principles of the Chogye Order denomination and the Korean American Buddhist Community Services, Inc.
The “Lotus University-America Buddhist College” has a good grip on the situation above each Degree or Diploma. Currently those issued are:
1). Certificate of the graduate (writing in Korean) & the Photo graduated
2). Certificate of the graduate & academic records (writing in English)
The Lotus University-America Buddhist College award and recognize the graduation requirement, “associate of Buddhism studies” to has 2-years, 6-terms as regulation standard course to has been doing. And the graduates have to be awarded and recognized missionary requirement, “bachelor of Buddhism studies” as those who have passed for examination & ordination of Korean Buddhist Chogye Order Board.
For the residue, the process of putting a degree or diploma is headed, “dharma-instructor, dharma-master, mission-professor” is not yet to doing, but beginning of the courses on September 1st, 2007.
The Lotus University does not award degrees such as in any area of physical science.
The Lotus University does not use and not award such degree titles “AA” or “AS”, “BA” or “BS”, “MA” or “MS”, “Doctor of Philosophy” or “Ph.D”, and understands that it may not do so unless it either is approved to operate by the Bureau, or meets the requirements for a partial exemption.
The Lotus University does not market or grant degrees or diplomas that are represented as being linked to the temple, religious denomination, or religious organization that owns it, but which, in reality, are degrees or diplomas in secular areas of study.
3. Curriculum
The curriculum of the university consists of subjects prescribed by the Chogye Order Denomination. In addition, subjects will be added to suit to the local community.
The curriculum is developed to meet the needs of two types of classes: in-class and correspondence classes. Subjects in the curriculum are sufficient to qualify students as Buddhist missionaries.
Those students who have obtained missionary status are qualified for the extension program for ordination as a Dharma Teacher.
Graduate and extension courses for ordination and its curriculum will be published separately.
a. Correspondence Courses
The school will provide students with course materials such as audio and videotapes by mail. All course contents of the term and the university will furnish other materials suitable for the community.
b. In-Class Courses
Appointed lecturers, and guest professors from the Chogye Order Denomination will conduct regular in-class courses. Noted scholars from Korea and the U.S. will conduct classes.
c. Practicum
] Aid to Buddhist administration
Students will be requested to participate in ministerial administrative activities for practice at appointed Buddhist temples or other Buddhist administrative offices.
] Practicum on Buddhist ceremonies and rituals
Students will be requested to participate in temple ceremonial activities and have opportunities to practice Buddhist rites and rituals that include chanting, prayer services, and recitation of sutras and ringing of temple bells.
] Assistance for Buddhist media
Students will be requested to take part in various modes of Buddhist media. This is part of the University’s missionary efforts to spread Buddhist teachings through mass media including Buddhist TV, radio, dailies, periodicals and journals.
] Leadership development for Youth
Students will be asked to support Buddhist youth groups. Commitment to teaching youth and leadership development will contribute greatly to the future growth of Buddhism in this community.
4. Examinations
Students will be evaluated through mid term and final examinations. Submission of reports on each of the following subjects is required of all students who wish to graduate.
] Subject scope of reports
a. Zen-Buddhism, meditation, practice
b. Buddhist dissemination plan
c. Early Buddhism on Karma
d. Mahayana Buddhism
- The rise of Mahayana Buddhism and its characteristics -
e. History of Buddhism in India
- Rise of Sangha organization of Mahayana Buddhism in India-
- Decline of Buddhism in India-
f. Vijnaptimastra thought
- On Cassur Vijnana to Alaya Vijnana -
g. Topics on Prajna Paramita literature
- The Heart Sutra -
h. Studies of the Lotus Sutra
i. Avatamsaka Sutra study
j. Pure-Land Buddhism
* Note:
1. Students may choose the scope of their reports.
2. Reports should be submitted after the completion of each subject.
] Mid term examination
Date of mid term examinations will be announced as the course progresses for both in-class and correspondence classes. Evaluation of the practicum component will be made in a similar manner.
] Final examination
Final examinations will evaluate students’ understanding of the subjects taken. Dates of the final exam will be announced during each term. Ministerial activities will be evaluated summarily at the end of the term.
5. Grading System
a). A letter grade system will be used for examinations, reports and other evaluations of student activities. Letter grades and their corresponding points are as follows:
A = 90 points and above
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
E = needs retaking of test
F = failure
Students will be given an opportunity to recover their grades by retaking tests only once. The highest grade of B will be granted to the retaken test. If student misses the opportunity to take test over, F (failure) will be given to the student.
b). Depending on subject, notebook keeping and participation in ministerial activities will be used for grading.
c). In order to evaluate the practicum of students in correspondence courses, an evaluation report by an abbot or reverent of the temple the student is attending will be asked to submit activity report to the school. The student will be graded based on the report.
d). In principle, lecturers will grade test papers and reports of his / her students. However, when situation calls for, the faculty committee will commission the duty to someone qualified for the job.
e). The faculty committee will develop a detailed standard of student evaluation and grading.
6. Study Subjects and Credit Units
Required Subjects
Introduction of Buddhism: 2 units
Buddhist Art: 2 units
Buddhist Missionary Studies: 2 units
Ministerial Counseling: 2 units
Buddhism and Social Welfare: 2units
Comparative Religion: 2 units
History of Buddhism in India: 2 units
History of Buddhism in China: 2 units
History of Buddhism in Korea: 2 units
Early Buddhism (I): 2 units
Early Buddhism (II): 2 units
Mahayana Buddhism (I): 2 units
Mahayana Buddhism (II): 2 units
Prajna Paramita thought: 2 units
Topics on Pureland Buddhism: 2 units
Vajrayana Buddhism: 2 units
Vijnana Thought (I): 2 units
Vijnana Thought (II): 2 units
Topics on Zen Meditation (I): 2 units
Topics on Zen Meditation (II): 2 units
Avatamsaka (I): 2units
Avatamsaka (II): 2 units
Saddharma Thought (I): 2units
Saddharma Thought (II): 2 units
Electives
Students will take two of the following elective courses, one credit unit per term. A total of eight credit units or more are required for graduation.
Ministerial Administration: 4 units
Buddhist Journalism: 4 units
Religious Ceremonial Activities: 4 units
Indoctrination of Youth: 4 units
Additional Subjects
There are some changes made to suit to the community. The following are the subjects, which will be included as additional required subjects:
Practices of Various Modes of Meditation
Topics on Sanskrit Canonical Texts
Topics on Pali Canonical Texts
Topics on Tibetan Canonical Texts
Topics on Chinese Canonical Texts
Buddhist Thought in Korea
(Biographical Studies of Historical Korean Buddhist Monks)
Development of Buddhism in the Southeast Asia
Development of Buddhism in the East Asia
Dissemination of Buddhism in American Society
Buddhist Missionary Activities in America
Additional Electives
Ministerial Administration: Collection and study of ministerial administration as practiced by various religious organizations in America
Religious Ceremonial Activities: Chanting, prayer services, recitation of sutras, etc.
Buddhist Journalism: Collection and development of materials to be used by mass media such as Buddhist TV, radio, daily, and other periodicals.
Indoctrination of Youth: Introduction of Buddhism to American youth from multi-ethnic background.
Others: Buddhist terms in Korean, Buddhist martial arts, Buddhist medicinal arts.
7. Missionary Personnel
The following are the qualifications and duties as prescribed in the missionary regulations of Chogye Order Denomination Law.
a. Missionary personnel are required to complete regular training courses at the educational institution accredited by the denomination to be qualified for status.
b. Missionary personnel in action are required to submit monthly activity report to his/her assigned temple missionary department.
c. Missionary personnel are qualified for the following positions:
1). Administrator of headquarter temple or its branch temple
2). Major staff positions of the religious organizations of the denomination
3). Other positions as designated under the denominational regulations.
d. International missionary personnel is required to perform the following duties and rights as indicated herewith:
1). Duties
(a) To make missionary efforts.
(b) To abide by rules and regulations of the temple.
(c) To submit reports periodically on missionary activities.
2). Rights
(a) To disseminate Buddhism to non-believers.
(b) To receive Buddhist training at Buddhist educational institution.
(c) To receive financial support from the International Missionary Fund.
(d) To operate Buddhist missionary center abroad.
8. Organization of the University and Departments
a. Steering Committee: It will oversee entire operation of the school and act as school’s legislative agency.
b. Office of Dean
c. Faculty Committee
d. Department of Academic Affairs: It will oversee entire academic affairs of the school.
e. Under the department are the following offices:
(1) Planning
(2) Public Relations
(3) Administration
(4) Academic Affairs
(5) Student Affairs
(6) International Affairs
f. Subordinate Organizations
(1) Student Association
(2) Research Fraternity
(a) Ministerial Administration
(b) Ceremonial Activity
(c) Buddhist Journalism
(d) Indoctrination of Youth
(e) Chorus and, Buddhist Enchanting
9. Activities of Student Association
a). The student Association is organized to inculcate mutual understanding and support among students. The association will take initiative in Buddhist cultural activities. Furthermore, the association will devote its efforts to the growth of the school and promote Buddhist missionary activities for the community.
b). The association will also focus its efforts on the development of instructional methods for the general public of America; support the school’s efforts to train international missionary personnel.
c). Elections of Staff Members; President of the student association will be elected at a general meeting of the association and approved by the dean. Two vice presidents and two administrators will be recommended by the president and approved by the dean.
When any staff member is found unqualified for the position, the dean may dismiss the staff. Its post will be filled through new appointment procedure.
10. Tuition and Fees
a. Admission fee: $20.00
b. Registration: $200.00
c. Tuition: at Class: $300.00 / each term
d. Correspondence Course: Audio tapes $50.00 / each term
e. Student meeting fee: $30.00 / each term
f. Text books (Dharma text): $20.00
g. Fee for Practicum: As needed
h. Other fees will be levied as needed.
The Lotus University, for all students, without penalty or obligation, shall refund 100 percent of the amount paid for institutional charges, less a reasonable deposit or application fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100), if notice of cancellation is made prior to or on the first day of instruction.
If the first lesson in a home study or correspondence course is sent to the student by mail, the Lotus University shall send it by first-class mail, postage prepaid, documented by a certificate of mailing, and the student shall have the right to cancel until midnight of the eight business day after the first lesson was mailed. The Lotus University shall advise each student that any notification of withdrawal or cancellation and any request for a refund are required to be made in writing.
The Lotus University shall provide a written statement containing its refund policy, together with examples of the application of the policy, to each student prior to signing the enrollment contract, and shall make its policy known to currently enrolled students.
The Lotus University shall pay or credit refunds due on a reasonable or timely basis, not to exceed 30 days following the date upon which the student’s withdrawal has been determined.
The Lotus University shall publish a current schedule of all student charges, a statement of the purpose for those charges, and a statement of the cancellation and refund policies with examples of the application of the policies, and shall provide the schedule to all current and prospective students prior to enrollment.
The schedule shall clearly indicate and differentiate all mandatory and optional student charges.
The Lotus University shall include a clear statement written in English describing the procedures that a student is required to follow to cancel the contract or agreement and obtain a refund.
If the Lotus University solicited the student or negotiated the agreement in a language other than English, the notice to the student shall be in that same language.
The schedule shall specify the total costs of attendance which shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, tuition, fees, assessments for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, equipment costs, housing, transportation, books, necessary supplies, materials, shop and studio fees, and any other fees and expenses that the student will incur upon enrollment.
The schedule shall clearly identify all charges and deposits that are nonrefundable.
11. Intensive English Language Program
LOTUS UNIVERSITY-FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMY
The Academy for Intensive English Language of International Students
<by “Lotus University-America Buddhist College”>
20 hours instruction per week / Trimester 15weeks / 1Year 45weeks <Total cost $2,000>
The purpose of this English language instruction will enhance a student’s abilities to perform (Buddhist theories, cultures, arts, etc.) as a Buddhist missionary.
1) The certificate course provided by this institution is primarily aimed at producing Buddhist missionaries (or Dharma instructors within Buddhist terminology) in the United States. After having the students pass both written examinations and interviews performed by the Jogye(Chogye) Order of Korean Buddhism, they must speak English to accomplish their missionary works throughout the world.
2) According to a plenty of opportunities to convene and exchange religious philosophy with other Buddhist leaders from multiethnic backgrounds in the United States, students’ continual study for active Buddhist missionary works (that are higher degree courses in graduate programs on Buddhism) are strongly recommended. Hence, their mastery on both English and Buddhism terminology in English are fundamental and indispensable factors for success in missionary works with multiethnic Buddhist leaders in the United States.
3) In order to make the students to get acquainted with Buddhism in English and become future Buddhist missionaries in the United States, the intensive English language program is essential to recruit and educate many international students from all over the world. <In addition, there are more than 2,000 Dharma instructors (Buddhist Missionaries) of Jogye(Chogye) Order of Korean Buddhism in Korea.>
12. Board of Trustees
Ven. Do Ahn Kim / the Founder
<August 28, 2006 entering nirvana: the death of a Buddhist priest>
Ahn S. Kim / the Chair of the board, and Chief operating officer
4279 W. 3rd St., L.A., CA 90020
Chung Kyu Lee / the Member of the board
1010 Arlington Ave., L.A., CA 90019
Chul Woo Lee / the Member of the board
216 Camarillo Dr., Camarillo, CA 93010
Ki Hong Choi / the Member of the board
8269 Redhill Countryclub Dr., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Min Sik Park / the Member of the board
526 S. St. Andrews Pl. #12, L.A., CA 90020
Jae Wook Pak / the Member of the board
1409 Aldea Dr., Montebello, CA 90640
Academic Senate and Advisory Committee
Chair and Dean of Academic Affairs:
Rev. Ahn Soo Kim Jogye Order Buddhist Missionary (Dharma Teacher)
Secretary:
Ms. Woo Young Kim Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer
Members Representing Buddhist Studies & Dharma research:
Ven. In Hwan Chae Ph.D. Dongguk University, and Zen Master / a chair-professor
Ven. Hyun I. Kim Abbot of Bup Wang Sa Temple
Ven. IL Ah Dr. Early Buddhism / the University of the West
Mr. Jae Wook Pak Jogye Order Buddhist Missionary (Dharma Teacher)
Dr. Hea Kwang Park Buddhist medical treatment care & alternative medicine (Dharma Teacher)
Coordinators of Intensive English Language Program, Academy:
Dr. In Kwan Hwang A political scientist / comparative religion
Mr. Chae Soo Han A film(movie) critic / translator in English by Korean
Coordinator of Studios to audio-visual program, little theater:
Mr. Do Young Lee Audio-visual classroom & chorus, director
Coordinator of the Atelier and exhibition hall, Mandala gallery:
Mr. Gyu Deok Kong Buddhist art & painting, director
Coordinator of the Computer class and Internet network system:
Mr. Jimmy Moon Computer system, director
Administration
President & Dean: Ahn Soo Kim
Assistant to President & Dean: Woo Young Kim (in speaking English) ---------------*© Phone 213-220-7488 /
Director of the Library: Jae Wook Pak
Cashier, Registrar, Admissions Financial Officer: Wookyoung Kim
13. Faculty
Regular Part-, & Full-Time Faculty
Ven. In Hwan Chae Ph.D. Dongguk University, and Zen Master / a chair-professor
Ven. Hyun I.Kim Abbot of Bup Wang Sa Temple
Ven. IL Ah Dr. Early Buddhism / the University of the West
Rev. Ahn Soo Kim Jogye Order Buddhist Missionary (Dharma Teacher)
Dr. In Kwan Hwang A political scientist / comparative religion
Mr. Chae Soo Han A film(movie) critic / translator in English from Korean
Dr. Hea Kwang Park Buddhist medical treatment care & alternative medicine (Dharma Teacher)
Mr. Jae Wook Pak Jogye Order Buddhist Missionary (Dharma Teacher)
Mr. Do Young Lee Audio-visual classroom & chorus, director
Mr. Gyu Deok Kong Buddhist art & painting, director
Mr. Jimmy Moon Computer system, director
Special Part & Visiting Faculty
Ven. Moo Jeen Jang Rev. Jung Sub Han
Rev. Jae Young Kim Mr. Moo Sun Seo
14. Chronology of the University
a). On December 3l, l996, a meeting took place at the office of the “Buddhist Times” to explore the possibility of opening an educational institution similar to that in Seoul, where missionary personnel are trained.
Attendants at this meeting were Rev. Won-Hue, head of missionary office; Rev. Hyo-Jong, head of planning office in Chogye Order Headquarters in Seoul; Rev. Do-Ahn, abbot of L.A. Kwan-Um-Sa Temple; and Mr. Kim, Ahn-Soo, Dharma Teacher.
b). On May 23, l997, by the instruction from Abbot Do-Ahn, Mr. Ahn Soo Kim visited Seoul Dong-San Buddhist University and met with Dean Rev. Moo-Jin-Jang. An agreement has been reached between the two to open a branch school at L.A. Kwan-Um-Sa Temple.
c). On September 5, l997, Abbot Do-Ahn visited Seoul and met with Board of Trustees of Seoul Dong-San Buddhist University. They agreed to open the school in L.A. on September 2l, l997.
d). On September 2l, l997, the opening ceremony of L.A.-Dong-San Buddhist University, branch institution of Seoul Dong-San University, took place during the regular Sunday prayer service at L.A. Kwan-Um-Sa Temple.
There attended the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Seoul Dong-San University at the ceremony, Abbot Do-Ahn was offered the seat of first dean of the school. A detailed explanation on admission of the first class in l998 and other guidance concerning school activities were presented at this time.
e). On April 6th, 1999, Lotus University-‘L.A. Dong San Buddhist College’ received the permit to educate Buddhist Missionary Students in America under the missionary regulation of the Constitution of Chogye Order Denomination in Seoul, Korea.
f). On August 13th, 2002, Headquarters of ‘Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism’ had listed and approved all courses and tenets of the Lotus University-America Buddhist College as renewal, as an institution of buddhistic professional education with the followers, and its one and only in actuality at U.S.A.
g). On June 14th, 2006, the Lotus University-America Buddhist College is registered with the State of California, and received the letter issued by BPPVE, the California to confirm of the New Religious Exemption application that submitted.
The application was received on May 09, 2006. The application was assigned number 20333, which must be referenced on all communication concerning the application process.
