Buddhist Counselling Education – Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism

Fall 2025 Buddhist Counselling Education (on-line) Program:

Buddhist Psychology and Gestalt Therapy

Course Description:

This on-line course on Buddhist psychology and Gestalt therapy comprises a sequential series of workshops covering a span of 8 Friday evenings in September and October 2025.

Buddhist psychology and Gestalt therapy while distinct, can be integrated to foster transformation by emphasising present moment awareness, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of experience. Gestalt techniques, such as focusing on the “what” and “how” of experience, aligning with Buddhist principles of mindfulness and non-judgmental observation. This integration can lead to a deeper understanding of self and others, promoting personal growth and reducing suffering.

The workshops will be experiential and there will be some homework each week.

Suggested Reading:

Buddhist Psychology and Gestalt Therapy Integrated: Psychotherapy for the 21st Century
by Eva K. Gold PsyD and Steve G. Zahm PhD

Dates and time:

Fridays September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
(October 10th and 17th will be discussion evenings.)

Instructor:

Venerable Thich nu Tinh Quang

A Zen teacher devoted to encouraging self-responsibility and awareness through the teaching and practice of Buddha-Dharma, leading to a better understanding of the true nature of reality. Thich nu Tinh Quang was born in Canada. She acquired a B.A. in Philosophy, a Diploma in Human Services, majoring in Addictions and Mental Health, and did post-graduate training at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto. She practised as a psychotherapist prior to her ordination. She has lived in the U.K. and periodically spends time at her monastery (Chua Buu Tich) in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam. Su Co became interested in Zen Buddhism at the age of 6 years. Although experiencing the sacredness of everything as a child, it wasn’t until her early 20’s that she became serious about developing spiritually, beginning with the study of Advaita Vedanta. Her training has been in Korean and Vietnamese Zen. Su Co was ordained as Bhikkhuni in Vietnam by her Master, Most Venerable Thich Nhat Lien. She teaches at Little Heron Zen Hermitage, in Hamilton, Ontario, at Wat Khmer Krom Buddhist Temple, and by request leads retreats at other locations.

Course Registration:

This course is full and we no longer accept applications.

Registration fee of $50 – non-refundable after course begins.

A zoom link will be sent to registered students.

For further information, please email admin@appliedbuddhism.ca
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Summer 2025 Buddhist Counselling Education (on-line) Program:

Wisdom in Words: Exploring the Pāli Canon
– an on-line course delivered via zoom

Dates: June 3 to August 12, 2025 (Tuesdays)
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM Eastern (Toronto) Time

Instructor:
Venerable Bhante Kusala, PhD
Bhante Kusala was ordained at age 16 in 2004 in Sri Lanka. He did his undergraduate and graduate studies in the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He also completed a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard University and had served as a resident chaplain at Brigham and Women’s hospital and Dana Faber Cancer Institute. In 2024, he earned a PhD in Pāli studies from Sri Jayawardenapura University of Sri Lanka.
He is currently one of the resident monks at the West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is often invited to lead meditation retreats around the world.
https://bhantekusala.org/about-bhante-kusala

Course Overview:
This course introduces students to key passages from the Pāli Canon, including readings from the Saṃyutta Nikāya, Aṅguttara Nikāya, Udāna, and Dhammapada. It blends textual study with recitation, reflection, and discussion, creating a dynamic format suitable for both beginners and those with some background in Pāli.

For students with no prior exposure to Pāli, the course offers a gentle introduction: no previous experience is required. Clear, supportive guidance will be provided for learning selected vocabulary and pronunciation. Through reciting, translating, and reflecting on these texts, students will discover how even a modest understanding of Pāli can deepen their appreciation for Buddhist teachings and meditation practice.

Students will engage in:

Reading and reciting Pāli passages
Learning key vocabulary and grammar in context
Exploring philosophical and psychological insights
Presenting on Buddhist concepts
Participating in group discussions and written reflections

Schedule & Topics

June 3: Introduction to the Course + Saṃyutta Nikāya 6 (Brahma Saṃyutta)
Themes: Brahma Sahampati, reverence, solitude, Parinibbāna of the Buddha
June 10: Aṅguttara Nikāya Thematic Overview + AN 1 (Selected Suttas)
Themes: Mind training, taming, clarity, luminosity, similes of the mind
June 17 & 24: Udāna 6 — Jaccandha Vagga
Themes: Blind from birth, seclusion, debates, and the simile of the elephant
July 1: Udāna 6 continued
Themes: Subhūti, the courtesan, sense desire as flame, impermanence
July 8: Dhammapada (Cittavagga) with the stories (33-37)
July 15: Dhammapada (Cittavagga) with the stories (38-43)
July 22–Aug 5: Venerable Cakkhupāla (Commentary of Dhammapada)
August 12: Final Exam and Course Conclusion

Course Registration:
To apply to this course, please complete the application form below:
https://forms.gle/hQnQzJQE2XKmuQkm7
Registration fee of $50 – non-refundable after course begins. Upon payment of the registration fee, a student can attend the course as an auditor.
Tuition fee for this course is $150. Those who have paid the tuition fee will receive a Certificate of Course Completion issued by Bhante Kusala after completion of the course.
All fees will be waived for ordained sangha.
Students will receive recordings of classes.
All the fees collected will be donated to support the Breakfast Programs in four Buddhist Sunday Schools for children in Sri Lanka: http://appliedbuddhism.ca/community-engaged-buddhism We appreciate any donations toward this cause and a Canadian tax deductible receipt will be issued to donors in Canada.

PAST COURSES

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness – an on-line course delivered via zoom
10 Friday evenings, September 20 to November 22, 2024, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Course Description: The Buddha’s Discourse on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, Middle Length Discourses Number 10) teaches us how to systematically establish mindfulness in body, feelings, mind, and mental occurrences with the goal of attaining mental purity, overcoming grief and lamentation, to learn the true way, and attain Nibbana. A comprehensive understanding of the Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness is important for Buddhist counsellors who wish to apply his teachings to help their clients. This understanding would also be helpful to those who wish to practice mindfulness personally to be fully present in compassion when working with their clients/patients.

In a span of 10 two-hour sessions of this course, we intend to study the entire discourse with its contents in English translation, and also look into the meaning of important words in the Sutta in Pāli. The students will also learn how to chant selected important Pāli verses of the Sutta.

This course is open to students who wish to learn the Buddha’s discourse on establishing mindfulness. It is suitable for students who have experience in Buddhist practice and suttas as well as those who have experience with secular mindfulness and now wish to understand mindfulness in its original context.

Instructor: Venerable Bhante Kusala, PhD
Bhante Kusala was ordained at age 16 in 2004 in Sri Lanka. He did his undergraduate and graduate studies in the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He also completed a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard University and had served as a resident chaplain at Brigham and Women’s hospital and Dana Faber Cancer Institute. In 2024, he earned a PhD in Pāli studies from Sri Jayawardenapura University of Sri Lanka.
He is currently one of the resident monks at the Cambridge Peace House in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He also teaches at the West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is often invited to lead meditation retreats around the world.
https://bhantekusala.org/about-bhante-kusala

For further details, please see Course Outline.

To apply to this course, please send your completed application form to registration@appliedbuddhism.ca.

A non-refundable registration fee of $50 is payable when your application is accepted. Upon payment of the registration fee, a student can attend the course as an auditor.

The tuition fee for this course is $150. Those who have paid the tuition fee will receive a Certificate of Course Completion after submitting their assignments. A minimum of 70% attendance is expected from all students.

All the fees collected will be donated to support the Breakfast Programs in four Buddhist Sunday Schools for children in Sri Lanka: http://appliedbuddhism.ca/community-engaged-buddhism We appreciate any donations toward this cause and a Canadian tax deductible receipt will be issued to donors in Canada.

Winter 2024 Buddhist Counselling Education (on-line) Program (courses 1 & 2):

#1. Understanding and Transforming Anger with Mindfulness Course – delivered via Zoom
8 Friday evenings January 26, 2024 to March 15, 2024, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Toronto Time)
Instructor: Venerable Bhikkhuni Sister Thich nu Tinh Quang, resident teacher of Little Heron Zen Hermitage (Hamilton)

Sister Tinh Quang worked as a psychotherapist and was the executive director of an addition recovery centre prior to her ordination. She teaches this course from a perspective that integrates Buddhist teachings and counselling.

Every class will begin with a guided meditation related to understanding and transforming anger with mindfulness and compassion.
Please see the course outline (subject to change) for more details.

TO REGISTER for this course: Please send completed application form to registration@appliedbuddhism.ca by January 23, 2024. The registration fee is $50 (not refundable after class starts).

#2 Buddhist Art and Cutlure Course – deliver via Zoom
Saturday afternoons Feb. 17 to April 13, 2024, 2:00 -4:00 pm (Toronto time).
4 bi-weekly classes plus an optional field trip to the Royal Ontario Museum

Course Description: Buddhist Art spans Asia in a wide array of stunning images and diverse materials. This course considers the fascinating development of Buddhist art from its early days in India where the Buddha was not represented to later images elsewhere with intricate and complex iconography. The broad geographic scope of Buddhist art with its impressive Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana sites shows its adaptability. Together with its symbolic language of hand gestures and postures, Buddhist Art reflects a culture of equanimity, loving-kindness, compassion and wisdom. Please download course poster here for more details.

Instructor and Guide: Catherine Maudsley.
Catherine is a multiple award winner, holding degrees in Religious Studies and Fine Arts. She is an Art Historian, Art Advisor and Curator who was educated in North America, Beijing, Hong Kong and Kyoto. Catherine lectures worldwide and publishes often, in addition to providing art advisory services to international private art collections. During four decades of living in Asia, she travelled extensively throughout the region to important Buddhist sites and globally to museums with major Buddhist art collections. Catherine is a long-time student of Vajrayana Buddhism.

TO REGISTER for this course: please complete the registration form and send the registration fee of $30 to registration@appliedbuddhism.ca. The fee is not refundable after class starts.

We will donate the fees collected to the Sunday School Breakfast Programs hosted by four temples in rural Sri Lanka. The children’s families there are experiencing economic hardship and the weekly nutritious breakfasts are helping to improve the health of the children: http://appliedbuddhism.ca/community-engaged-buddhism

Fall 2023 Buddhist Counselling Education (on-line) Program:

Introduction to Pāli Chanting Course for Chaplaincy – Part I – delivered via zoom
10 Thursday evenings, September 28, 2023 to November 30, 2023, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Toronto time (with chanting practice group meetings to be scheduled after class begins).

Instructors: Ven. Bhante Kusala, MA and PhD (Candidate) in Pāli Studies, and assisted by Ven. Bhante Suneetha.
Bhante Kusala was ordained at age 16 in 2004 in Sri Lanka. He did his undergraduate and graduate studies in the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He is currently working on his PhD in Pāli studies. He also completed a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard University and had served as a resident chaplain at Brigham and Women’s hospital and Dana Faber Cancer Institute. He is currently a resident monk at the West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Mississauga Ontario.
Bhante Suneetha was ordained as a novice monk in 1990 and received higher ordination in 2008 in Sri Lanka. He has completed an MA degree in Buddhist studies and a post-graduate diploma in psychological counselling at the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka. He serves his community as a resident monk at the Hilda Jayewardenaramaya Buddhist Monastery in Ottawa Ontario.

Course Description: Pāli chanting is practised in South and South East Asian Buddhist communities (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Vietnam). This introductory Pāli chanting course is designed for chaplains giving spiritual support to these Buddhist communities as well as to care seekers in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition in the larger Buddhist community. This course introduces important stanzas and the Mettā Sutta etc. and others that affirm Dharma practices and offer blessings and protection. They can be chanted for the sick and dying to help them have peace in their minds. No prior knowledge of Pāli is required.

Please see the course outline (subject to change) and application form (word format) or application form (PDF format) for more details about the course.

To Register: Please send completed application form to registration@appliedbuddhism.ca before September 7, 2023 (application deadline extended to September 21, 2023). The registration fee is $50 (not refundable after class starts). In addition, we recommend a suggested donation of $150 to support Dhamma Schools for Children in Sri Lanka. For more information about the Dhamma school breakfast programs, please visit http://appliedbuddhism.ca/community-engaged-buddhism Please feel free to circulate the course flyer in your community.

The Buddhist Volunteer Grief Counselling Certificate Course – delivered via zoom
Friday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 pm, Sept. 8, 2023 to Nov. 24, 2023 (Toronto time)
Instructor: Venerable Bhikkhuni Sister Thich nu Tinh Quang, resident teacher of Little Heron Zen Hermitage (Hamilton)

Sister Tinh Quang worked as a psychotherapist and an instructor of psychology prior to her ordination. She teaches this course from a perspective that integrates Buddhist teachings and counselling.

In Buddhism, we are taught that loss and grief are inevitable yet they are still immensely challenging aspects of life. When a bereavement happens, no matter whether it was predicted or unexpected, it can be incredibly difficult to process. The Buddhist Volunteer Grief Counselling Certificate Course acquaints you with the grieving process and explains how to support someone going through it, exploring the various types of bereavement and advising the specifics of how to help in each situation.The primary goal of The Buddhist Volunteer Grief Counselling Certificate Course is that students gain the knowledge and skills to provide effective grief counselling and support for Buddhist practitioners or others interested in this approach, using a biopsychosocial and Buddhist approach to grief. During these 24 hours of grief support training, students advance their counselling skills. This may include incorporating writing and art in their approach, in order to guide clients through their grief.

Please see the course outline (subject to change) and application form (word format) for more details about the course. Registration/admin fee is $50 (not refundable after class starts). Please send completed application form to registration@AppliedBuddhism.ca by August 28, 2023.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~previous courses~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Winter 2023 Buddhist Counselling Education (on-line) Program:

1. Buddhism and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Course (poster)
Saturdays: 1:00 pm to 3 pm (Toronto time), Oct. 8, 2022 to Jan 21, 2023 – 13 classes
2. Introduction to Pali Chanting for Providing Chaplaincy Service to Buddhists (poster / application form)
Sundays: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Toronto Time) Feb. 5, 2023 to April 9, 2023 – 10 classes

1. Buddhism and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Course Facilitators:
Kenneth Fung, Psychiatrist (University Health Network), Professor (University of Toronto), MD, FRCPC, MSc, FAPA, DFCPA
Bhante Kusala, Buddhist monk (West End Buddhist Temple), MA, MDiv
Michael Dougan, Registered Psychotherapist, MEd (Counselling Psychology), MA (Applied Psychology)
Glen Choi, Professor (Seneca College), MA (Zen Studies), PhD (Cultural Studies)
Teaching Assistant:
Lama Rinzin, Buddhist teacher of Buddhist psychology, mind training and mindfulness meditation and mental health coach

This course seeks to provide an introduction to the intersections and parallels between Buddhism and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and discusses the similarities and differences between them. The course will explore how the two may be integrated in providing Buddhist counselling and spiritual care. Students in the course can expect to engage in experiential learning, reflection (self and group), meditations, case discussions/vignettes, and didactic coursework. There are 7 modules (26 hours) in this course. Modules 1-6 are four hours in length and module 7 is 2 hours. The course will be facilitated entirely through Zoom.
Please see the course outline (subject to change) and application form (pdf format) for more details about the course. We expect students to have a basic understanding of Buddhism or to have taken a Buddhist course from our Centre and intend to apply the knowledge and skills learned to help themselves, friends, family and community. Registration/admin fee is $50 (not refundable after class starts). Please send completed application form (word format) to registration@AppliedBuddhism.ca by September 15, 2022.

2. Introduction to Pali Chanting Course
Instructed by Ven. Bhante Kusala, assisted by Ven. Bhante Suneetha:

Bhante Kusala was ordained at age 16 in 2004 in Sri Lanka. He did his undergraduate and graduate studies in the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He is currently working on his PhD in Pāli studies. He also completed a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard University and had served as a resident chaplain at Brigham and Women’s hospital and Dana Faber Cancer Institute. He is currently a resident monk at the West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Mississauga Ontario.
Bhante Suneetha was ordained as a novice monk in 1990 and received higher ordination in 2008 in Sri Lanka. He has completed an MA degree in Buddhist studies and a post-graduate diploma in psychological counselling at the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka. He serves his community as a resident monk at the Hilda Jayewardenaramaya Buddhist Monastery in Ottawa Ontario.

Course Description: Pāli chanting is practised in South and South East Asian Buddhist communities (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Vietnam). This introductory Pāli chanting course is designed for chaplains giving spiritual support to these Buddhist communities as well as to care seekers in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition in the larger Buddhist community. This course introduces important stanzas and the Mettā Sutta that affirm Dharma practices and offer blessings and protection. They can be chanted for the sick and dying to help them have peace in their minds. No prior knowledge of Pāli is required.
Please download course outline here. Please download application form here.
Please download Pāli verses here. For the English translation of the Pali verses, please look up in Daily Buddhist Devotions in Pali and English.

To Register: Please send completed application form to registration@appliedbuddhism.ca before January 14, 2023 (application deadline extended to Jan. 28). The registration fee is $50 (not refundable after class starts). In addition, we recommend a suggested donation of $150 to support Dhamma Schools for Children in Sri Lanka.

Fall 2022 Buddhist Counselling Education (on-line) Program:

The Buddhist Volunteer Grief Counselling Certificate Course
Friday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 pm, Sept. 9, 2022 to Nov, 25, 2022 (Toronto time)
Instructor: Venerable Bhikkhuni Sister Thich nu Tinh Quang, resident teacher of Little Heron Zen Hermitage (Hamilton)

Sister Tinh Quang worked as a psychotherapist and an instructor of psychology prior to her ordination. She teaches this course from a perspective that integrates Buddhist teachings and counselling.

In Buddhism, we are taught that loss and grief are inevitable yet they are still immensely challenging aspects of life. When a bereavement happens, no matter whether it was predicted or unexpected, it can be incredibly difficult to process. The Buddhist Volunteer Grief Counselling Certificate Course acquaints you with the grieving process and explains how to support someone going through it, exploring the various types of bereavement and advising the specifics of how to help in each situation.The primary goal of The Buddhist Volunteer Grief Counselling Certificate Course is that students gain the knowledge and skills to provide effective grief counselling and support for Buddhist practitioners or others interested in this approach, using a biopsychosocial and Buddhist approach to grief. During these 24 hours of grief support training, students advance their counselling skills. This may include incorporating writing and art in their approach, in order to guide clients through their grief.

Please see the course outline (subject to change) and application form (pdf format) for more details about the course.Registration/admin fee is $50 (not refundable after class starts). Please send completed application form (word format) to registration@AppliedBuddhism.ca by August 28, 2022 (deadline extended). Download course flyer here.

Courses offered in previous semesters in 2020 and 2021 (Please check back for future offerings):
Introduction to Buddhist Counselling
Buddhist Contemplative Care at End-of-Life

Program Sponsors:
The Mahayana Pure Land Temple
Buddhist Education Foundation of Canada