English for Dharma Purposes 301

by | Mar 17, 2026

COURSES
English Language

English for Dharma Purposes 301

English for Dharma Purposes – Level 3 builds on the language skills developed in Level 2 and helps students communicate about complex philosophical, cultural, and historical topics with greater precision. Through subjects related to ethics, comparative philosophy, world history, science, and advanced Buddhist teachings, students continue strengthening their listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar skills.

Details

TBD
In-Person Instruction
For Monastics Only
Prerequisite: English for Dharma Purposes 101 & 201

The Basics

This course continues the development of English language skills introduced in Level 2 through conversation, presentations, writing assignments, projects, and independent research. Students work with more advanced grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary while discussing topics related to transmission and preservation of Dharma, ethics, philosophy, science, and history.

Students expand their ability to link sounds in natural speech, use specialized Dharma terminology, form complex sentences, and express ideas using advanced verb patterns. Through discussion, debate, and research, students build the skills needed to communicate about sophisticated topics and engage in intercultural dialogue.

By the end of the course, students will be able to present ideas clearly, analyze philosophical concepts, and connect their knowledge of Dharma with broader global perspectives.

Course Structure

The course is divided into twelve units, each focused on advanced topics in philosophy, culture, science, and Buddhist thought.
Each unit introduces new pronunciation patterns, vocabulary, grammar structures, and discussion skills.

Students learn through:

  • Guided conversation and debate

  • Listening and pronunciation practice

  • Reading and writing assignments

  • Presentations and research projects

  • Group discussion and seminars

  • Independent study and reflection

  • Dharma-related vocabulary and philosophy

Each unit builds on previous learning so students steadily develop the ability to communicate clearly about complex ideas.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Use pronunciation patterns to link words naturally in speech

  • Use specialized vocabulary to discuss philosophy, science, and Dharma

  • Construct simple and complex sentences accurately

  • Use advanced verb tenses and patterns

  • Discuss topics related to comparative philosophy and world history

  • Present ideas clearly in spoken English

  • Participate in seminars and discussions

  • Write short research and presentation texts

  • Compare belief systems and traditions

  • Communicate across cultures with clarity and respect

“Before, I couldn’t speak English. Before I came to SINI, when I would see a foreigner, I would try to escape from them!  I would see a foreigner and think, ‘Oh, what if he asks me something and I can’t reply?  I’d better escape!’  I feel proud of myself these days because when I see a foreigner, I try to speak with them.”

Student: Khenpo Konchog Norbu, EDP graduate 2024. He currently serves as Principal of the SINI Monastic Administration

English Language Program Team

The English for Dharma Purposes team comprises diverse, dedicated native English-speaking professionals who live and work alongside Buddhist monastic scholars from the Himalayan regions—many having committed three to seven years to the program. 

Eden Merritt

Director

Osha Johnson

Associate Director / Consultant

Catherine Brown

Director / Monastic Education

Tanner McAlister

Teacher / Translation / Consultant

Jaime Luria Pinto

Teacher / Consultant

Patrick Dowd

Teacher / Translation / Consultant

Search SINI