Confluence Integrative Studies Institute (CISI)

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Confluence Integrative Studies Institute (CISI) offers the following major degreed programs. Please click on the respective links below (under development - feature not currently available) or scroll down, to read more about each program.

• Program in Dharma Studies
• Program in Dharma Chaplaincy
• Program in Interfaith Ministry
• Program in Spiritual Counseling

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Program in Dharma Studies

This is a comprehensive program for the study of the indigenous spiritual traditions of India in keeping with their own self-understanding and in dialogue with the internationally-accepted theoretical frameworks of the religious studies academy. The Program offers an M.A. in Dharma Studies with a concentration in Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, or Jain Studies; an M.A. in Yoga Studies; and a Certificate Program in Dharma Studies.

Masters Degree in Dharma Studies

This Program offers an exploration of Dharma Traditions that affirms the commonalities and distinctive features of these traditions with academic rigor and an experiential understanding. The student will be taught and mentored through a journey on one of these paths with an initial overview of Dharma Studies as a whole, and then in-depth knowledge of their selected area of concentration.

General Program Requirements

1. Coursework: Core Curriculum Courses, plus Courses for the Selected Concentration

   For Hindu or Buddhist Concentrations - 60 credit hours (20 three-unit, one-semester courses)

   For Sikh or Jain Concentrations - 48 credit hours (16 three-unit, one-semester courses)

2. Experiential Module at the conclusion of coursework (for Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist concentrations)
3. Contemplative Training (for Hindu and Buddhist concentrations)
4. Thesis on one of the following topics:

   Meditative Practice

   Dharmic Philosophy and Ethics for a Sustainable World

   Ritual Studies and Sacraments

   Socially-engaged Dharma Activitism

   Constructive Theology

Detailed Curriculum

Core Curriculum Parts I, II, and III:

Core Part I: Introduction to Dharma Studies Courses

1. Indigenous Traditions Under Western Lenses: Post-Colonial and Post-Secular Critiques
2. Introduction to Dharma Traditions

   Dharma Traditions: History and Overview

   Religion and Dharma: Commonalities and Divergences

   Categories and Principles of Dharma Traditions

   Ethics in Dharma Systems

3. Culture of Dharma

   Prayer and Worship in Dharma Traditions

   Ritual Studies in Dharma Traditions

   Gender and Theology of Sexuality

   Art, Architecture, and Iconography

Core Part II: Introduction to Theory and Approaches in the Study of Religion

1. Philosophy of Religion

   Theoretical Models

   Epistemology and Hermeneutics

   Religion and Dharma - Distinctions and Commonalities

   Critical Theory

2. Major Approaches

   Psychology of Religion

   Sociology of Religion

   Anthropology of Religion

   Theology

   Liberation Critiques

   - Feminist

   - Postcolonial

   - Ecological

   - Post-Secular

Core Part III: Religions of the World

1. The World's Religions

   East Asian Traditions

   - Confucianism

   - Taoism

   - Shinto

   Abrahamic Religions

   - Christianity

   - Judaism

   - Islam

   Indigenous Traditions and Shamanism

Master of Arts - Hindu Studies

Core Curriculum plus Courses on Vedic Dharma:

Introduction: History and Overview

1. Sacred Texts I:

   Shruti

   Bhagavad Gita

   Bhasya on the Prasthasna Traya

2. Sacred Texts II:

   Ithihasa (Ramayana and Mahabharata)

   Purana-s

3. The Darshana System

   Samkhya

   Yoga

   Nyaya

   Vaisheshika

   Mimamsa

   Vedanta

4. Introduction to Hindu Theology I

   Vendanta Denominations

   - Non-Dual Vedanta (Advaita)

   - World as the Body of God (Vishistadvaita)

   - The Dual Nature of God and World (Dvaita)

   - The Primacy of Devotional Love (Acintya-Bhedaabheda)

5. Introduction to Hindu Theology II

   God the Mother: Shakta Texts, Theologies, and Traditions

   Tantric Theologies

   - Kashmir Shaivism

   - Shakta Tantra

   - Sri Vidya

6. Rituals, Ceremonies, and Sacraments
7. Women in Vedic Dharma
8. Art and Iconography of Vedic Dharma: Meaning and Message
9. Ethics
10. Contemplative Studies: Meditation Methodologies and Philosophies
11. Major Modern Masters

    Ramakrishna

    Vivekananda

    Yogananda

    Aurobindo

    Ramana Maharshi

12. World Engagement and Service: Traditional Resources and Modern Movements
13. Vedic Dharma in the West: New Religious Movements (NRMs)
14. Women Spiritual Leaders

Master of Arts - Buddhist Studies

Core Curriculum plus Courses on Buddhist Dharma:

1. How it All Began: The Life of the Buddha and the Shramanavada Traditions
2. The Theravada Path I: The Teachings of the Elders

   History and Origins

   Major Doctrines

   - Cause and Effect

   - The Four Noble Truths

   - The Three Characteristics

   -- Anicca (impermanence); Dukkha (suffering); Anatta (non-self)

   - The Three Noble Observances

   -- Morality (sila); Stillness of the mind (samadhi); Wisdom (panna)

   - The Eightfold Path

   - Levels of Attainment

   -- Stream-Enterers; Once-Returners; Non-Returners; and Arahants

3. The Theravada Path II:

   Scriptures: The Pali Canon

   - Vinaya

   - Sutta

   - Abhidhamma

   Meditation:

   - Samatha Meditation

   - Vipassana Meditation

4. Buddhist Community: The Sangha

   Ordination

   Monastic Observances

   Practices for Householders

5. Mahayana Paths I: The Great Vehicle

   History and Origins

   The Legacy of Early Indian Mahayana Buddhism

   Major Doctrines

   - The Way of the Bodhisattva

   - Skillful Means

   - Inner Buddha Nature

   - Enlightenment: The Nonduality of Samsara and Nirvana

   - Mahayana Universalism

6. Mahayana Scriptures

   Early Mahayana Texts on the Transformation of Consciousness: Samadhi Sutras

   The Perfection of Wisdom Texts

   Lotus Sutra

   Pure Land Sutra-s

   The Enlightened Householder: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

   the Tibetan Canon: A Brief Overview

7. Mahayana Paths II: Major East Asian Denominations

   Chan

   Zen

   Shingon

   Shin

8. The World of Zen: Art, Culture, Doctrine, and Practice
9. Buddhist Art and Ritual
10. Tantric Buddhism: The Vajrayana Traditions
11. Vajrayana Ritual Art and Iconography
12. Buddhist Contemplative Studies: Meanings and Methods of Meditation
13. Buddha Dharma in the West
14. Buddhist Social and Environmental Activism

Master of Arts - Sikh Studies

Core Curriculum plus Courses on Sikh Dharm

1. The Founding of Sikh Dharm: The Life of Guru Nanak
2. Doctrine and Teachings
3. History of the Sikh People
4. The Ten Gurus and Religious Authority
5. Initiation and the Khalsa
6. The Prime Scripture: Sri Guru Granth Sahib
7. Sacred Compositions

   Dasam Granth

   Other Texts:

   - Bhai Gurdas Varan

   - Janamsakhis

8. Practice: Prayer, Worship, Ceremonies, Festivals
9. Contemporary Diaspora Issues
10. Women and Gender in Sikh Dharm

Master of Arts - Jain Studies

Core Curriculum plus Courses on Jain Dharma

1. Introduction to Jain Dharma
2. Life and Teachings of Mahavir
3. The Jain Doctrines of Pluralism: Religious and Philosophical Diversity

   The Idea of the Complexity of Existence (Anekantavada)

   The Doctrine of Multiple Perspectives (Nayavada)

   Articulating Difference Nonviolently (Syadvada)

4. Tirthankaras
5. Doctrines and Principles: Deeper Meaning for Application to Life

   Non-harming (Ahimsa)

   Truthfulness (Satya)

   Non-stealing (Asteya)

   Control of the Senses (Brahmacharya)

   Non-materialism (Aparigraha)

6. Jain Meditation

   The Twelve Contemplative Reflections (Bhavanas)

   Preconditioning the Mind and Senses

   In the Stream of the Present Moment: Samayika

7. Jain Ascetism
8. Jain Prayer, Worship, and Rituals
9. Major Jain Denominations

   Digambar

   Shvetambar - Murtipujak

   Shvetambar - Sthanakvasi

   Shvetambar - Terapanth

10. Women in Jain Dharma

Masters Degree in Yoga Studies

Yoga has become globally synonymous with physical fitness. While postures and breath control have always been important to certain branches of yoga, it has also been understood for millennia as a path to psycho-spiritual fitness and as the philosophical and practical framework for the evolution of consciousness. This Program allows the student to enter the world of yogic spirituality, philosophy, meditation, and metaphysics.

General Program Requirements

1. Coursework:

   Dharma Curriculum Courses - 18 credit hours (6 three-unit, one-semester courses)

   Courses for Yoga Studies - 30 credit hours (10 three-unit, one-semester courses)

2. Experiential Module during or at the conclusion of coursework
3. Meditation Training
4. Thesis on an aspect of Yoga such as the following:

   Meditative Practice

   Yoga Principles and Ethics for a Sustainable World

   Yoga Philosophy and Consciousness Studies

5. Sanskrit Module

Detailed Curriculum

Core Dharma Studies Curriculum plus Yoga Studies Courses

1. Yoga: A History and Overview
2. The Bhagavad Gita: The Three Yogia Paths
3. Bhakti Yoga
4. Jnana Yoga
5. Raja Yoga: the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
6. Tantra Yoga
7. Major Yogis of the Modern Era and their International Legacy
8. Yoga and the West
9. Meditation Practices of the Yoga Traditions
10. Yoga and the Body: Experiential Component

Certificate in Dharma Studies

This Certificate Program is useful for a general overview and introduction to the indigenous spiritual culture and wisdom traditions of India, particularly for those in professions which have a great deal of interaction with the growing diaspora communities of South Asians and East Asians, many of who are adherents of these traditions and the cultures generated by them. The courses are designed and taught by qualified, trained faculty and maybe applied towards credit at other institutions. In addition, the Certificate can be applied towards credit for all other programs at Confluence School of Integrative Studies.

General Program Requirements

1. Coursework:

   Coursework in Dharma Studies - 16 credit hours (8 two-unit, one-semester courses)

2. Meditation Module with Personal Mentoring

Detailed Curriculum

1. Introduction to Dharma Studies
2. Hindu Dharma: History, Overview, Readings in Sacred Texts
3. The Yoga Traditions
4. Buddhist Dharma: History, Overview, Readings in Sacred Texts
5. Jain Dharma: Overview, Principles, Precepts
6. Sikh Dharma: History, Doctrines, Practices
7. The Spiritual Integration of Life: Tantra in Hindu and Buddhist Thought
8. Meditation in Dharma Traditions: Principles and Methods

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PROGRAM IN DHARMA CHAPLAINCY

The Masters of Divinity degree in Dharma Chaplaincy is a two-year program if completed full-time, commencing in January and September each year. The program may also be fulfilled on a part-time basis, according to the student's schedule, within a maximum duration of four years. The Dharma Chaplaincy Program offers Masters of Divinity degrees in Vedic Chaplaincy, or Buddhist Chaplaincy. This Program prepares the student for professional work in the broad field of social services and pastoral care, allowing students to seek employment in Chaplaincy positions in hospitals, community centers, prisons, hospices, armed forces, and educational institutions. Additional career paths include working with the Dharma heritage communities as counselors, caregivers, and associate chaplains at temples, as well as work in social activism, community development, non-profit sectors, and as meditation teachers, life-counselors, and facilitators.

The schedule has been developed with the needs of busy, working professionals in mind. It offers highly enriching and in-depth training, with guidance and mentoring to nurture the development of a professional practice in this area, which will see increasing demand as a result of demographics in coming years.

With specific training in your choice of Vedic or Buddhist traditions, the Chaplaincy Program stresses knowledge of the particular tradition, pastoral care, sacred practice, and spiritual counseling, differentiates itself from other chaplaincy programs through the following attributes and offerings:

• Self-paced study, through methods of teaching that are specially-formulated for distance learning;
• Tools to offer care and counsel from the integrative psychology perspectives, emphasizing pastoral and spiritual counseling;
• Emphasis on Yogic or Buddhist psychology; and
• Authentic training in meditational methods of transformation.

Masters in Divinity in Dharma Chaplaincy - Vedic or Buddhist Concentration

General Program Requirements

1. Coursework: 48 credit hours (16 three-unit one-semester distance-learning courses, each to be completed during the semester in which the student begins the course. The full program may be engaged at your own pace with a minimum of two courses per semester, and a total completion time of four years).
2. Residency: A short residency in sacraments and ritual studies must be completed after the fulfillment of coursework requirements.
3. Meditation Training
4. Thesis on one of the following topics:
   • Meditative Practice
   • Dharmic Philosophy and Ethics for a Sustainable World
   • Ritual Studies and Sacraments
   • Socially-Engaged Dharma Activism
5. Language Module

Detailed Curriculum

Optional Pre-Requisite Module:

Introduction to the World's Faith Traditions

Core Curriculum

1. Introduction to Dharma Traditions
2. Dharma and Social/Environmental Engagement
3. Integrative and Transpersonal Psychology
4. Grief and Illness Counseling
5. Addiction Counseling: Spiritual Approaches
6. Community Building: Establishing Spiritual Community (Sangha or Satsang)

After finishing the Core Curriculum, the student continues the curriculum with the area of concentration of his/her choice -- Vedic Chaplaincy or Buddhist Chaplaincy.

Masters Degree in Divinity - Vedic Chaplaincy

Core Curriculum plus Vedic Chaplaincy Courses:

1. Origins and Historical Development of Hindu Dharma
2. Hindu Theology I: Spiritual Philosophy and Theology
3. Hindu Theology II: Non-Dual Vedanta
4. Yoga Traditions: Roots, Principles, Practice
5. Major Sacred Texts and Commentary: Shruti and Bhasya
6. The Bhagavad Gita
7. Meditative Rituals and Sacred Ceremonies
8. Modern Spiritual Masters
9. Yoga Psychology
10. Hindu Dharma in the West: Influence and Impact

Masters Degree in Divinity - Buddhist Chaplaincy

Core Curriculum plus Buddhist Chaplaincy Courses:

1. Buddhist Dharma: Introduction and Overview
2. Theravada Buddhism I: History and Doctrines
3. Theravada Buddhism II: The Pali Canon and Abidhamma
4. Mahayana Buddhism I: History and Doctrines
5. Mahayana Buddhism II: Sacred Texts
6. Mahayana Buddhism III: Zen and Shin
7. Introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism: Indian and Tibetan Traditions
8. Buddhist Meditation: Meanings and Methods
9. Buddhist Psychology
10. Buddhist Practice: Prayer, Rituals, Ceremony

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PROGRAM IN INTERFAITH MINISTRY

Exercises, written assignments, study materials, and guided readings are provided for each course. The program is intended to be implemented directly and immediately in the lives and workplace of students and working professionals. All course materials will stress a pluralistic view of helping and ministering to others in an era of diversity.

The Interfaith Ministry Program can be completed in five full-time semesters with teaching methods specially geared to distance-learning. Part-time students can fulfill the requirements in keeping with their schedule with a minimum of two courses per semester. The two degrees offered are an M.Min. Interfaith Ministry - Dharma Concentration and an M.Min. Interfaith Ministry.

This Program trains and mentors the student for a career in Interfaith Ministry with the skills to build one's own congregation. Specifically, it provides:

• Knowledge of the world's sacred traditions;
• Proficiency in rituals and ceremonies;
• Ability to compose one's own Minister's manual;
• A guided study of the world's important scriptures;
• Guidance in creating a congregation of one's own community and offering spiritual counseling, ceremonies, rituals, rites of passage, and community service;
• Comprehensive teaching of several traditional meditation methods;
• Consistent mentoring and/or spiritual direction by phone and online.

Broadly, topic areas covered by the Program include:

• Prayer and Meditation
• Cultures and Doctrines of the World's Sacred Traditions
• Counseling - Distinction between Psychological and Spiritual Counseling
• Sacred Mythology and Cosmology
• Creating Ritual, Ceremony, and Sacraments
• Applying Spiritual Practices in Life and Ministry
• Spiritual Principles and Practices of Interfaith Ministry.

Masters in Ministry - Interfaith Ministry

Masters in Ministry - Interfaith Ministry, Dharma Concentration

General Program Requirements

1. Coursework:

   M.Min. Interfaith Ministry - Dharma Concentration (18 three-unit, one-semester courses)

   M.Min. Interfaith Ministry (22 three-unit, one-semester courses)

2. Contemplative Studies Modulefor M.Min. Dharma Concentration:

   Vedic Spritual Retreat Center OR

   Buddhist Meditation Retreat

3. Creation of Personal Sacrament, Ritual, and Liturgy Manual

Detailed Curriculum

Core Curriculum: Spiritual Counseling and Integrative Wellness

1. Integrative and Transpersonal Psychology
2. Grief and Trauma Counseling: Spiritual Approaches
3. Spiritual Life Counseling: Plural Perspectives
4. Faith and Social or Environmental Engagement
5. Congregation-Building: Establishing Spiritual Community
6. Mythology in the World's Religions
7. Contemplative Studies
8. Healing and Health: Integrative and Alternative Methods

Masters Degree in Interfaith Ministry - Dharma Concentration

Core Curriculum plus Dharma Courses:

1. Introduction to Dharma: Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh Traditions
2. Buddhist Dharma: The Theravada and Mahayana Paths
3. Buddhist Meditation: Meanings and Methods
4. Yoga Traditions: Roots, Principles, and Practice
5. Hindu Theology: Vedanta Paths
6. Sikh Dharm
7. Jain Dharma
8. Yoga Psychology
9. Buddhist Psychology
10. Sacramental Studies Elective:
    • Vedic Worship, Sacraments, and Rituals OR
    • Buddhist Worship and Sacraments (Mahayana)

Masters Degree in Interfaith Ministry

Core Curriculum plus The Mystical and Yogic Paths

1. Introduction to Interfaith Ministry

2. Hindu Dharma: Theology and Principles of Vedanta and Yoga

3. Buddhist Dharma: Overview and Principal Concepts

4. Jain Dharma: Precepts and Philosophy of Practice
5. Sikh Dharma: HIstory and Doctrines

6. Judaism and Kabbalah

7. Christian Mystical Theology

8. Islam and Sufism
9. Taoism
10. Shamanic Traditions

    Sacramental Studies:

11. Interfaith Ritual and Prayer

12. Jewish and Christian Interfaith Rites of Passage

13. Contemporary Ritual in Earth-Based Traditions

14. Book of Passages: Creating Your Own Interfaith Ministry

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PROGRAM IN SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

This Program is helpful to counselors seeking a spiritual dimension to their therapeutic work, offering a strong interfaith counseling component to one's practice if already ordained as a chaplain or minister. The Program enlarges your practice base to include the growing demographic of persons who are spiritual but not religious, and who require a contemplative aspect to life counseling and mentorship. The authentic meditation training is personally helpful, allowing professionals in fields that require therapeutic intervention, guidance, or activism to be more effective.

Certification in Spiritual Counseling

General Program Requirements

1. Coursework: 20 credit hours (10 two-unit, one semester courses)
2. Meditation and Contemplative Visualization Module with Mentoring

Detailed Curriculum

1. Introduction to Spiritual Life Counseling: Plural Perspectives
2. Mysticism in the World's Religions and the Yogic Spiritual Path
3. Integrative and Transpersonal Psychology
4. Grief and Bereavement Counseling: Transreligious Approaches
5. Spiritual Practice as a Therapeutic Modality: Elements of Practice
6. Community Support: Approaches to Creating Spiritual Community
7. Buddhist and Yoga Psychology
8. Sacred Texts and Scripture for Contemplative Counseling
9. Healing and Health: Integrative and Alternative Methods
10. Meditation and Contemplative Training