SBT Curriculum Outline

For the SBT Community, our Curriculum holds a central and unifying role. Because we cater to a diverse range of Practitioners – each with their own unique perspective – our Curriculum serves as common-ground, and that which unites us. Within our Curriculum, we take the result as the path, meaning, we use joy to cultivate greater joy, wisdom to cultivate greater wisdom, and contentment to cultivate greater contentment. Founded on the timeless wisdom of the Buddha, our Curriculum seamlessly blends traditional practices with modern innovations, offering an adaptive and holistic path that can be uniquely tailored to the needs of each practitioner. Committed to the diversity and autonomy of its members, SBT doesn’t dictate what to think, what to believe, or what to do. We don’t impose set beliefs, and members are free to practice entirely on their own terms. There are no obligations to engage in formal practices such as taking vows or participating in ceremonies.

What sets SBT’s Curriculum apart is our commitment to honoring the pivotal role each practitioner plays in shaping their own unique path. Rather than seeing ourselves as Leaders, we instead see ourselves as Facilitators, providing resources and guidance free of dogma, obligation, and expectations.

Other distinctive features include SBT being one of the few Secular Buddhist Groups arising from the Tibetan Tradition, which gives our approach a distinct foundation and style. We emphasize training in the Buddha’s Vinaya System, while also embracing Mahayana Principles from a Secular Buddhist Perspective. This is then integrated into a modern, accessible framework that encourages both individual growth and collective well-being.

SBT embraces an Agnostic Perspective, grounded in the understanding that knowledge is inherently contingent, tentative, and ever-changing, and is often deeply subjective. It exists in a constant state of evolution, always striving toward greater levels of clarity and understanding. More importantly, our capacity to comprehend that knowledge is also in a state of constant evolution, continuously shaping how we perceive and interpret the world.

The view of Agnosticism possesses a healthy skepticism, highlighting the crucial distinction between believing and knowing. It also recognizes that our fear of the unknown and our thirst for absolute answers are among the greatest obstacles to inner peace. Acknowledging and accepting what is not known can be profoundly healing and transformative.

With this in mind, SBT embraces an Agnostic and inclusive approach, prioritizing what can be known and understood. Meaning, we endeavor to highlight those aspects of the Buddha’s teachings that we find most illuminating, plausible, and fruitful – those we believe to be the most suitable and beneficial for our community. Whereas, matters of belief, are left where they rightly belong – with the individual.

SBT Curriculum Outline-2

			---------- Novice Practitioners ----------------------------------------------
			1) Novice Level
			o Aim: Developing stability, clarity, and contentment
			o Studies: Levels 1, 2, 3, Meditation Programs
			o Practice: Daily meditation and mindfulness, daily affirmations
			2) Skillful Living Level
			o Aim: Discovering your true value, true potential, and true nature
			o Studies: Skillful Living Program
			o Practice: Daily meditation and mindfulness, daily affirmations; various practices
			---------- Committed Practitioners -----------------------------------------
			3) Refuge Level
			o Prerequisite: completion of novice level studies
			o Entry: Taking Refuge Vows
			o Aim: Awakening
			o Studies: The Four Noble Truths
			o Practice: upholding precepts, commitments, training; cultivating the Threefold Path
			4) Bodhisattva Level
			o Prerequisite: holding Refuge Vows for one year
			o Entry: Taking Bodhisattva Vows
			o Aim: Awakening
			o Studies: The Six Perfections, Bodhichitta
			o Practice: upholding precepts, commitments, training; Six Perfections; Mind-Training
			---------- Advanced Practitioners -------------------------------------------------
			5) Advanced Bodhisattva Level
			o Prerequisite: holding Bodhisattva Vows for one year
			o Aim: Awakening
			o Studies: Emptiness
			o Practice: precepts/commitments; Realizing Emptiness; Taking the Result as the Path’
			5) Advanced Bodhisattva with Lay Ordination
			o Prerequisite: Advanced Bodhisattva level for one year, completion of instructor programs
			o Entry: Taking Lay Ordained Vows
			o Aim: Awakening
			o Studies: Emptiness
			o Practice: precepts/commitments; Realizing Emptiness; Taking the Result as the Path’
			5) Advanced Bodhisattva with Monastic Ordination
			o Prerequisite: holding Lay Ordained Vows for one year
			o Entry: Taking Monastic Vows
			o Aim: Awakening
			o Studies: Emptiness
			o Practice: precepts/commitments; Realizing Emptiness; Taking the Result as the Path’
			

SBT Curriculum Commentary

We engage the Buddhist path through study, practice, and training. Most Novices begin their journey either through study – by reading books and exploring the teachings online; or through getting involved with practices – such as meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation. For these Novice Level Practitioners, we offer various programs and guidance for daily practice. This includes our Introduction to Meditation Programs – designed to develop stability, clarity, and contentment; and our Skillful Living Programs – which helps Practitioners discover their true value, true potential, and true nature. Both programs gently guide Practitioners into spiritual practice, resulting in swift beneficial results.

For those who have completed their Novice Level study and practice – those who have become serious about their path, many may wish to begin formal training, which in Buddhism consists of holding vows, precepts, and commitments to wholesome conduct and awakened behavior. Training begins with Taking Refuge and receiving Refuge Vows. The term Refuge can be understood as going for protection or safety, as if taking refuge in a shelter from a storm; or taking refuge in the advice of a doctor when sick. Taking Refuge is a formal commitment to actualizing the Buddha’s path and a commitment to your own awakening. In SBT, it’s to pledge to uphold the basic tenets of Buddhism and ten precepts of awakened behavior. It’s to declare that from this day forward you’re committed to putting the Buddha’s teachings into practice and fully embrace and embody the Buddhist path.

Practitioners take Refuge in a Refuge Ceremony, thereby formally becoming Buddhist Practitioners. Traditionally a Refuge Name is given, signifying that one is being reborn into the Buddhist Sangha (community). Taking Refuge is not needed to study and practice Buddhism, however, it is the first step in beginning training in the Buddhist path. Refuge is also a prerequisite for taking further vows, pertaining to higher stages of training. Consequently, upon taking Refuge, Practitioners move beyond the novice level and are then considered Committed Practitioners. The prerequisite to taking refuge vows is having completed one’s novice level studies.

After Refuge vows, the next level of training is taking Bodhisattva Vows, which represent initiation into the Mahayana path and the beginning of one’s Bodhisattva Training. To take Bodhisattva Vows is to make a formal commitment to actualize the Mahayana Path, which is a commitment to our own awakening. It’s to pledge to yourself and your teachers to uphold the basic Mahayana Tenets. The prerequisite for taking Bodhisattva Vows is having held Refuge Vows for one year.

Further levels of training in SBT can include the Advanced Bodhisattva Level. In SBT, our Bodhisattva Training is divided into two levels – Bodhisattva and Advanced Bodhisattva. This is done to divide the enormous amount of study and practice material into two manageable portions. In the first, Bodhisattva Level Practitioners are focused on getting comfortable with their new precepts and core studies and practices (The Six Perfections and the development of Bodhichitta); and at the Advanced Bodhisattva Level their focus moves to advanced study and practice – realizing emptiness and the practice of Taking the Result as the Path. There are no additional vow or precepts taken for the Advanced Bodhisattva Level. Prerequisites for progressing to the Advanced Bodhisattva Level are simply having held Bodhisattva Vows for one year.

If desired, additional levels of training in SBT can include taking Lay Ordination, giving Lay Practitioners the opportunity to deepen their training further. SBT’s Lay Ordination Vows consist of forty-six additional precepts of awakened behavior that are additional precepts added to one’s Refuge and Bodhisattva precepts. The Lay Ordained, hold a deep and profound commitment to the Buddhist path, while remaining distinct from the Monastic. Meaning, they can maintain a lay householder’s way of life, including marriage, family, owning possessions, property, and wealth. Lay ordination opens up avenues to serve the SBT community in a much greater capacity. This can involve volunteering, participating in community leadership, instructing programs, or assisting in organizing and supporting various Buddhist activities. While SBT never asks for any commitment from its members, Monastic and Lay Ordination are exceptions. Because of their unique training and responsibilities, they require a sincere commitment to our organization. Prerequisites for taking Lay Ordination are having trained at Advanced Bodhisattva Level for one year and completion of all instructor programs.

And lastly, SBT offers a Monastic Level of training which represents the deepest level of commitment for Practitioners. SBT’s Monastic Vows consist of seventy-six precepts of awakened behavior that are additional precepts added to one’s Refuge and Bodhisattva precepts. Monastics vows are not built upon Lay Ordained vows. Instead, one’s Monastic Precepts replace the Lay Ordained Precepts with both being exclusive to each path.

Again, while SBT never asks for any commitment from its members, Monastic and Lay Ordination are exceptions. Because of their unique training and responsibilities, they require a sincere commitment to our organization. The key distinction between Monastic and Lay Ordained, besides additional precepts, is the level of their commitment and their renunciation. SBT uses the inclusive term Monastic instead of Monk and Nun to eliminate gender bias of any kind. The prerequisite for taking Monastic Ordination is having held Lay Ordained Vows for one year.

Importantly, for SBT, all three Advanced Bodhisattva Paths (Advance Bodhisattva, Advance Bodhisattva with Lay Ordination, and Advance Bodhisattva with Monastic Ordination) are considered equal in every respect, differing only in the practitioner's personal choice of training, level of commitment, and level of renunciation.

SBT Practice Guides

SBT provides Practice Guides for each level of our Curriculum to help guide Practitioners in their study and practice. The Practice Guides include: daily affirmations, commitments, and practices, focused on helping students reach their spiritual aims quickly and effectively. Practice Guides also provide detailed instructions for relevant practices and various SBT ceremonies. All our Practice Guides can be downloaded from our website.

SBT Practices

Some are curious why SBT offers such a large assortment of practices, wondering how it’s possible to practice them all on any given day. The truth is, because we possess highly complex minds that are constantly shifting and changing, we require an equally complex set of practices. SBT sees practices as tools and works to fill up the Practitioners’ toolbox, providing the right tools for any situation. Often, the mind will naturally select and apply practices when they’re appropriate or needed. We manage our practices through the daily recitation of affirmations, which remind us of each practice, their functions, and how to apply them.

The Power of Affirmations

Affirmations are an amazing tool for generating inspiration and clarity, and serves a vital role in maintaining a daily continuity of practice. Commonly defined as, assertions stating or affirming something to be true, affirmations are used by Practitioners to inspire, remind, and give clear direction to their path. Morning affirmations help to deter confusion, laziness, and negativity, while inspiring and energizing us, clarifying our aims for the day. While evening affirmations help us to clear away any mental and emotional preoccupations that may interfere with sleep, cultivating contentment and satisfaction when reflecting on the day’s successes. Additionally, affirmations help to keep us focused and grounded, preventing us from falling into dull, careless, or unproductive patterns and behaviors.

The Practice of Affirmations to Purify Intentions

Buddhism asserts the mind as malleable; meaning, it can be trained to our advantage. In Buddhism, this is often referred to as purification. Purifying the mind can be thought of as improving, reprogramming, or reorienting the mind. This begins with purifying our intentions, from which positive and wholesome mental states and actions follow. Buddhism asserts that all progress on the path begins with the proper intentions. Therefore, working to purify our intentions is the most advantageous of practices. And the best method for purifying intentions is through the recitation of daily affirmations.

Below is a broken-down explanation of the SBT Curriculum Outline shared previously, Describing the various levels of practice and Practitioners.

SBT Curriculum Commentary

				--- SBT Path for Novice Practitioners ---------------------------------------------
				The SBT Curriculum begins at the Novice Level for those who are new to Buddhism or those
				wishing to establish a daily practice. No prerequisites are required, and all are welcome to
				participate.
				Novice Level Explained
				At Novice Level – Practitioners are focused mainly on establishing a consistent daily meditation
				practice. There is no ceremony or permission needed to begin Novice Level Practice.
				1) Novice Level
				o Prerequisite: none
				o Aim: Developing stability, clarity, and contentment
				o Studies: Levels 1, 2, 3, Meditation Programs
				o Practice: Daily meditation and mindfulness, daily affirmations
				Skillful Living Level Explained
				The Skillful Living Practice Level represents the foundation level of the SBT study Curriculum , a
				Secular Buddhist Study and Practice Guide founded on the timeless wisdom of the Buddha, a
				program created for audiences of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. The title Skillful Living refers
				to a simple three-part equation for improving our lives. First, gaining skills; secondly, mastering
				those skills; and thirdly, reaping the benefit. No prerequisites are required, and all are welcome
				to participate. At Skillful Living Level – Practitioners are focused on realizing your true value, true
				potential, and true nature. There is no ceremony or permission needed to begin Skillful Living
				Level Practice.
				2) Skillful Living Level
				o Prerequisite: none
				o Aim: Discovering your true value, true potential, and true nature
				o Studies: Skillful Living Program
				o Practice: Daily meditation and mindfulness, daily affirmations; various practices

				--- SBT Path for Committed Practitioners ---------------------------------------
				In SBT, a Committed Practitioner are those who have voluntarily pledged themselves to follow
				the Buddhist Path. This is accomplished by taking vows to uphold various precepts of awakened
				behavior.
				Refuge Level Explained
				To take or go for Refuge in The Three Jewels (the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) is to make a
				formal commitment to actualize the Buddha’s teachings and path; a commitment to your own
				awakening. It’s to pledge to yourself and your teachers to uphold the basic tenets of Buddhism.
				3) Refuge Level
				o Prerequisite: completion of Novice Level Studies
				o Entry: Taking refuge vows
				o Aim: Awakening
				o Studies: The Four Noble Truths
				o Practice: upholding precepts, commitments, training; cultivating the Threefold Path
			

Practitioners take Refuge and Refuge Vows in a Refuge Ceremony, thereby formally becoming Buddhist Practitioners. Taking Refuge is not a requirement to study and practice Buddhism. However, it is a prerequisite in taking further vows pertaining to higher stages of practice.

Bodhisattva Level Explained

The taking of Bodhisattva Vows, represents initiation into the Mahayana Path. To take Bodhisattva Vows is to make a formal commitment to actualize the Mahayana Path, which is a commitment to our own awakening. It’s to pledge to yourself and your teachers to uphold the basic Mahayana Tenets.

				4) Bodhisattva Level
				o Prerequisite: holding Refuge Vows for one year
				o Entry: Taking Bodhisattva Vows
				o Aim: Awakening
				o Studies: The Six Perfections, Bodhichitta
				o Practice: upholding precepts, commitments, training; Six Perfections; Mind-Training
			

Practitioners take Bodhisattva Vows in a formal ceremony, thereby formally becoming Buddhist Mahayana Practitioners. Taking Bodhisattva Vows are not a requirement to study and practice Buddhism. However, it is a prerequisite in taking further vows pertaining to higher stages of practice.

				--- SBT Path for Advanced Practitioners -----------------------------------------
				At the Advanced Practitioner Level, SBT offers three equal paths to awakening. These three
				advanced levels all share the same aims and practices, and all are deemed equal in every respect,
				differing only in their personal choice of training, level of commitment, and level of renuciation.
				Advanced Bodhisattva Level Explained
				The key distinction between the Bodhisattva and Advanced Bodhisattva Levels is their focus: with
				the Bodhisattva Level emphasizing the development of Bodhichitta, while the Advanced
				Bodhisattva Level centers on realizing Emptiness.
				5) Advanced Bodhisattva Level
				o Prerequisite: holding Bodhisattva Vows for one year
				o Aim: Awakening
				o Studies: Emptiness
				o Practice: upholding precepts, commitments, training; Realizing Emptiness; Taking the
				Result as the Path’
				Advanced bodhisattva with Lay Ordination explained
				Lay Ordination offers practitioners the opportunity to deepen their practice by taking on the
				additional commitments and precepts of an SBT Lay Ordained Practitioner.
				5) Advanced Bodhisattva Level with Lay Ordination
				o Prerequisite: Training at Advanced Bodhisattva Level for one year and completion of
				all instructor programs
				o Entry: Taking Lay Ordained Vows
				o Aim: Awakening
				o Practice goal: Awakening
				o Studies: Emptiness
				o Practice: upholding precepts, commitments, training; Realizing Emptiness; Taking the
				Result as the Path’
				Practitioners take Lay Ordination in a formal ceremony, thereby formally becoming Buddhist
				Lay Ordained Practitioners. Taking Lay Ordination is not a requirement to study and practice
				Buddhism. However, it is a prerequisite in taking Monastic Vows.

				Advanced Bodhisattva with Monastic Ordination Explained
				Monasticism offers practitioners the opportunity to further deepen their practice by taking on
				the additional commitments and precepts of an SBT Monastic Practitioner. The key distinction
				between Monastic and Lay Ordained, is the practitioner's personal choice of training, level of
				commitment, and level of renunciation. SBT uses the inclusive term Monastic instead of Monk
				and Nun to eliminate any gender bias of any kind.
				5) Advanced Bodhisattva Level with Monastic Ordination
				o Prerequisite: holding Lay Ordained Vows for one year
				o Entry: Taking Monastic Vows
				o Aim: Awakening
				o Studies: Emptiness
				o Practice: upholding precepts, commitments, training; Realizing Emptiness; Taking the
				Result as the Path’
				Practitioners take Monastic Ordination in a formal ceremony, thereby formally becoming
				Buddhist Monastic Practitioners. One is considered a novice Monastic for the first year. Taking
				Monastic Ordination is not a requirement to study and practice Buddhism.
				Instructor Training
				SBT recognizes that many of our members may feel a sincere calling to share the Dharma with
				others. It’s important to first clarify the difference between sharing and teaching. Anyone can
				share the Dharma informally, which is welcomed and encouraged. You can discuss your thoughts
				and feelings on the various Buddhist principles, concepts, and practices with others. However,
				teaching the Dharma is seen as a more formal and official role. This can include presenting
				structured talks and sharing personal interpretations of the Dharma.
				SBT also makes a clear distinction between instructors and Dharma Teachers. In SBT,
				instructors are certified to instruct and coordinate specific practices or programs that they have
				been properly trained in. This can include leading daily meditations and practices and instructing
				programs. Dharma Teachers, by contrast, are authorized to present formal teachings.
				In traditional Buddhist cultures, one would never ask to teach—this would demonstrate a lack
				of humility and would likely raise concerns with one’s teacher. More appropriately, if a student
				felt ready, they may say to their teacher, “I hope that one day, I possess enough knowledge to
				share the Dharma with others.
				”
				Buddhists believe teaching an accurate presentation of the Dharma is a great responsibility.
				SBT even has precepts stating that members are not permitted to teach the Dharma without
				permission. This is done to protect the Dharma, the instructor, the audience, and our
				organization. If not properly prepared, an instructor who teaches prematurely may find
				themselves in difficult situations – confronted by tough questions, criticism, or hollow flattery
				that may feed egoic pride.
			

Our SBT Instructor Training Programs

To support our members’ aspirations – and to do so responsibly, we offer incremental training programs that guide instructors-in-training through the various programs we offer. This allows students to gradually cultivate their knowledge, skills, and confidence. Below is an outline of our various instructor training programs.

SBT Instructor Training Outline

			1. Basic Meditation Instructor Training Programs
			2. Skillful Living Instructor Program
			3. Advanced Meditation Instructor Programs
			4. Secular Buddhist Essentials Instructor Program
			1. Basic Meditation Instructor Training Programs
			

Our Meditation Instructor Training Programs are designed for experienced students who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to their practice. These programs mirror our public meditation programs, and operate seamlessly behind the scenes, providing instructors-in- training the opportunity to practice and develop their teaching skills. As part of their training, instructors are required to attend and participate in the main public teachings, and later in the week, lead the same class to fulfill their training requirements. Through this process, instructors develop both confidence and competence, culminating in their certification as Basic Meditation Instructors.

2. Skillful Living Instructor Training Program Our Skillful Living Instructor Training Program is designed for those who have completed our Basic Meditation Programs and are ready to deepen their teaching skills and knowledge. This program, based on the Buddha’s teachings, is the foundation of the SBT curriculum and for many, it’s their first step into the Buddhadharma. This program mirrors our public Skillful Living program, and operates seamlessly behind the scenes, providing instructors-in-training the opportunity to practice and develop their teaching skills. As part of their training, instructors are required to attend and participate in the main public teachings, and later in the week, lead the same class to fulfill their training requirements. Through this process, instructors develop both confidence and competence, culminating in their certification as Skillful Living Program Instructors.

3. Advanced Meditation Instructor Training Programs Our Advanced Meditation Instructor Training Program is designed for those who have completed both our Basic Meditation Programs and our Skillful Living Program. This program follows a mentor-based approach, pairing instructors one-on-one with students. Certification is granted in a structured, three-tiered system based on both teaching proficiency and personal meditation skills.

4. Secular Buddhism Essentials Instructor Training Program Our Secular Buddhism Essentials Instructor Training Program is designed for those who have completed our Basic Meditation Programs and our Skillful Living Program. This program mirrors our public program, and operates seamlessly behind the scenes, providing instructors-in-training the opportunity to practice and develop their knowledge and teaching skills. As part of their training, instructors are required to attend and participate in the main public teachings, and later in the week, lead the same class to fulfill their training requirements. Through this process instructors develop both confidence and competence, culminating in their certification as Secular Buddhism Essential Instructors.

Dharma Teaching Opportunities When a teacher believes that an instructor is ready – and that their intentions are free from pride or ambition – they may be formally authorized to teach. Being recognized as qualified to share the Dharma is not based on knowledge and experience alone, but perhaps more importantly, on whether the teachings have truly ripened within the individual, and the fruits of their practice are clearly evident.