Community Education & Admissions
Explore Lifelong Learning at UWest
UWest offers community education programs designed for individuals seeking personal growth, professional development, and deeper engagement with mindfulness, leadership, and holistic learning. Open to all, these programs provide meaningful opportunities to expand knowledge and connect with a like-minded community.
Community Education Programs
Our non-degree and continuing education courses include:
- Mindfulness & Meditation
Practical techniques for self-awareness, stress resilience, and emotional intelligence - Buddhist Studies
Explore Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and practice in everyday life. - Ethical Leadership & Social Impact
Develop skills to lead with purpose and integrity - Personal Growth & Holistic Well-Being
Engage in workshops designed to support transformation and self-discovery.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your personal practice, enhance your professional skills, or simply learn something new, our programs provide flexible and engaging learning experiences for the community.
Currently Accepting Registrations
Mind Training in The Lamim & Mañjuśrī Empowerment: A Three-Day CE course with H.E. Khangser Rinpoche
PROGRAM SCHEDULE — PACIFIC TIME
Day 1 — Friday, June 5 5:00 – 7:00 pm | Mind Training in The Lamrim
Day 2 — Saturday, June 6 2:00 – 3:30 pm | Mañjuśrī Empowerment
Day 3 — Sunday, June 7 2:00 – 3:30 pm | Mind Training in The Lamrimneural networks, up to Generative AI and large language models.
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Mind Training in The Lamrim
The Lamrim — the Graduated Path to Enlightenment — is a step-by-step guide to transforming your mind from the inside out toward a calmer, kinder, and wiser way of being.
Through simple yet profound contemplations, you will begin to recognize the preciousness of your own life, release fear of impermanence, and find a new relationship with suffering. Gradually, genuine compassion arises — first for yourself, then naturally extending to all those around you. As the practice deepens, anger and attachment soften, replaced by patience, clarity, and a growing understanding of the true nature of reality.
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Mañjuśrī Empowerment
The Mañjuśrī Empowerment invites us to connect with Buddha Mañjuśrī — the living embodiment of wisdom — and open ourselves to his blessings. As these blessings take root, our own inner wisdom begins to awaken. Like a steady inner guide, it steers
us toward skillful choices, protects us from unnecessary suffering, and illuminates the path ahead. With sincere practice, this wisdom grows — quietly, steadily — leading us toward deep inner peace and, ultimately, full enlightenment.
✦ No previous experience required — Everyone is welcome ✦
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About H.E. Khangser Rinpoche
H.E. Khangser Rinpoche was recognized at the age of five as the 8th Khangser Rinpoche. He holds the highest degree in Buddhist philosophy — equivalent to a PhD with highest honors. He serves as the Abbot of Gyuto Monastery — one of the most important Vajrayana monasteries in the world — making 2 him the youngest master in history to hold such a distinguished position, and the designated successor to the supreme head of the Gelug school, the largest school of Tibetan Buddhism. Beyond his spiritual leadership, Rinpoche is also a scientist actively researching how meditation affects the immune system in collaboration with Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, one of the most
reputable hospitals in Asia. He has initiated various humanitarian projects, including Dipkar centers that offer free teachings worldwide and free food programs — embodying his vision of bringing both ancient wisdom and modern science to the service of humanity.
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Location Ken Locke Hall, University of the West 1409 Walnut Grove Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770
Contact us@dipkar.com | Dr. Shakya 714-394-9627
REGISTER HERE
✦ FREE ADMISSION ✦
Past Offerings
University of the West Course, Fall 2026, AI & Buddhist Studies
Instructor: Dr. Lewis Lancaster
This course provides instruction in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies to canonical texts, including projects utilizing the recent English translation of The Chinese Buddhist Dictionary. Students will receive training in current software tools, ensuring they are equipped with the latest resources. The lectures will offer an overview of the history of AI, beginning with the Turing Test and progressing through significant advancements such as
neural networks, up to Generative AI and large language models.
Participants are required to demonstrate proficiency
with the digital tools introduced during the course. There is no final examination.
Topics in Buddhist Studies: Maritime Buddhism CE-RS8641
Instructor: Dr. Lewis Lancaster
A study of the spread and development of Buddhism along the maritime route from India to China, with a focus on current research and research methods.
Location: Online/Remote
Dates: January 26 – May 15, 2026
Time: Fridays 7:00–9:00pm (Pacific/Los Angeles)
Comprehensive Meditation & Mind Training | Jan 23 - May 15
University of the West Office of Extended Studies, in collaboration with Dipkar Vajrayana Institute and the Religious Studies Department, presents:
Comprehensive Meditation and Mind Training
Friday, January 23, to Friday, May 15, 2026 (16 Weeks)
This program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of core texts that support the skills needed to effectively transmit the wisdom and compassion associated with mind training, led by His Eminence Khangser Rinpoche, a highly respected teacher.
The program will be delivered online, providing students with the opportunity to study under a distinguished master teacher from anywhere in the United States and Canada.
Dates: Friday, January 23, to Friday, May 15, 2026 (16 Weeks)
Meeting Times: 6:00 – 8:45 PM (Pacific/Los Angees)
Instructor: H.E. Khangser Rinpoche
Modality: Online
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/uwest1409/EICMediationMindTraining
Any questions, please visit https://us.dipkar.com/ or email us@dipkar.com
Mettā Attāya: Turning Hatred into Love | Oct 5 - Nov 16
Compassion Meditation Course
Mettā Attāya: Turning Hatred into Love
7-Week Course: October 5 – November 16, 2025
Schedule:
– Sunday: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Instructors:
– Master Thích Viên Lý, PhD
– Most Venerable Thích Viên Huy, MA
– Bilingual classes (English and Vietnamese)
– Open to all ages and unlimited number of participants
– Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate from the University of the West
Contact:
– Email: Chuadieuphaptvl@gmail.com or Thayvienly@gmail.com
– Cell: (626) 800-9081 | Tel: (626) 614-0566
– Address: Diệu Pháp Temple, 311 E Mission Rd., San Gabriel, CA 91776
INTERNATIONAL BUDDHISTS CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANIZATION
CHÙA DIỆU PHÁP
311 E. Mission Rd., CA 91776 USA
Cell: (626) 800-9081 | Tel: (626) 614-0566 | Email: thayvienly@gmail.com
Basic Meditation | Sept 13 - Nov 8
CE-MED822A
Instructor: Ven. Thich Thien Tri
An 8-week in-person course, for students who would like to learn about basic meditation as a path to self-discovery and transformation.
Date: 8 Week course: From Sep 13 to Nov 8, 2025
Time: Sunday Afternoons | 4-6pm
Location: Sri Ratana International Buddhist Center
2780 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801
Course will be taught in Vietnamese and for students aged 18 years or older.
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/uwest1409/BasicMeditationSept2025
Topics in Buddhist Studies: The Construction & Dissemination of the Buddhist Canonical Texts
CE-RS8641
Instructor: Dr. Lewis Lancaster
This online course will be a study of the construction of the Buddhist textual canon. Starting with manuscripts written on natural surfaces such as palm leaf and birch bark until the arrival in China and the use of industrial produced paper.
August 29 – December 12, 2025
Every Friday, 7:00pm-9:00pm (Pacific/Los Angeles)
Location: Online/remote
Cost: $350 (USD)
Intermediate Meditation Class: August 3 to Oct 5 (9 week course)
Intermediate Meditation Class: August 3 to Oct 5 (9 week course)
Time: Sunday afternoons from 5:30PM to 8:00PM
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/
Location: Sri Ratana International Buddhist Center
2780 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801
https://thientrilieuuwest.education/
Advance Meditation Class: Aug 3rd–Nov 2nd (13 week course)
Advance Meditation Class: August 3rd to Nov 2nd (13 week course)
Time: Sunday afternoons from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/uwest1409/MeditationAdvancedAug2025
Location: Sri Ratana International Buddhist Center
2780 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801
https://thientrilieuuwest.education/
Integrating Buddhist Teaching with Psychotherapy & Wellness 佛教義理應用於心理治療與促進身心健康
CE-PSY600
Integrating Buddhist Teaching with Psychotherapy and Wellness
佛教義理應用於心理治療與促進身心健康
Instructors:
Dr. Joanne Kwoh-Maysami
Dr. William Chu
Venerable AnZhen
Venerable Tsung Tuan
Dates: Fridays – September 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Times: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Pacific/Los Angeles)
Tuition Fee: $250
100%/fully online workshop
Course will be taught mostly in Chinese.
Meditation Class (Basic Level)
CE-MED822A
Instructor: Ven. Thich Thien Tri
An 8-week in-person course, for students who would like to learn about basic meditation as a path to self-discovery and transformation.
Sundays 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: Hybrid – Online & In-person at Zen Center of Los Angeles
August 7, 2024-January 11, 2025
Topics in Buddhist Studies: Buddhist Studies & Artificial Intelligence
CE-8641-1
Instructor: Dr. Lewis Lancaster
Provides hands-on training in artificial intelligence (AI) that involves the construction of Bots on three projects: (1) Buddhist bibliography; (2) Chinese-English Buddhist Dictionary; (3) personal research datasets. Working Bots, students will learn how to make use of AI for summaries, structure, and analysis of their own material.
Fridays 6:30pm-9:20pm
Location: Online/remote
August 22-December 16, 2024
Women in Buddhism: Exploring the Sacred Feminine
Women’s Leadership in Buddhism
CE-RS8505
Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Jitsujo Gauthier
To gather a group of 5 leaders, 7 facilitators, and 28+ practitioners from a variety of traditions and cultural backgrounds to empower each other and create connections that ripple outward and inward for years to come.
Various days/times
Location: Hybrid – Online & In-person at Zen Center of Los Angeles
August 7, 2024-January 11, 2025
Intermediate Meditation Class
Saturdays, November 23, 2024 to February 15, 2025
2:30pm to 5:00pm
Location: Dao Trang Kieu Dam Di: 9057 La Crescenta Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Email: thienthucnghiemchanhniem@gmail.com
Tel: 626-866-1653
Notice:
*This course is EXCLUSIVELY for students who have completed the Basic Class and have received their certificates from Dr. Minh Hoa Ta.
Advanced Meditation Class
Saturdays, November 23, 2024 to April 26, 2025
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Dao Trang Kieu Dam Di: 9057 La Crescenta Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Email: thienthucnghiemchanhniem@gmail.com
Tel: 626-866-1653
Notice:
*This course is EXCLUSIVELY for students who have completed the Intermediate Class and have received their certificates from Dr. Minh Hoa Ta.
Mindfulness Therapy: Self-Discovery & Transformation
CE-MED822A
Instructor: Ven. Thich Thien Tri
Mindfulness Therapy is an 8-week in-person course, for students who would like to learn about basic meditation as a path to self-discovery and transformation.
Saturdays 3:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Dao Trang Kieu Dam Di: 9057 La Crescenta Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
July 13 – September 14, 2024
Meditative Practices
CE-MED826
Meditative Practices
Instructor: Dr. Joanne Kwoh-Maysami
Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: University of the West – Ken Locke Hall
August 26 – October 3, 2024
Autumn Meditation Retreat
CE-MED823
Instructor: Ven. Thich Thien Tri
Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 2, 2024
Location: Mindfulness Meditation Center, 1023 N Glendora Ave, Covina, CA 91724
Weekend conducted in English and Vietnamese.
For more information about these courses, please email: thienthucnghiemchanhniem@gmail.com