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NOTE: See the Seminary Program COURSE PAGE links at the bottom of this page.
NMISS GENERAL CATALOG
Let there be Light
Let there be an understanding of Light
Let their be an awareness of our place in the Light
Let us ultimately see the Light so that we can become one with the Light and know IT for what we ARE.
-Taicho-
BROTHERS OF LIGHT
and the
NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL STUDIES
Mission Statement
The organization of Brothers of Light exists specifically and primarily to cultivate, promote, promulgate, and extend to all
peoples the teachings and precepts of any and all religious and inspired works (written or verbal) whereby a knowledge and
awareness of God (be It known by whatever name) is made manifest, if so sought... The Brothers of Light [Religious] Organization
holds that each individual comes to an awareness of the Father (God) in his own way, in his own time, by his own method, and
through his own experience, and that there is no "Right" doctrine as such that this organization can set forth as its specific
Religious Dogma. People of all religious beliefs can belong to the Brothers of Light while seeking their own path to the Father,
thereby developing through living them the principles that can unite all peoples of all races, religions, and nations in the
universal precepts of peace and prosperity, joy, love, compassion, and the ever-present opportunities to individually achieve
what is called "Spiritual Enlightenment".
Because of this belief, Brothers of Light shall be free to organize sub-sections as needed in order to facilitate member needs.
These may include a Buddhist organization, a Pagan organization, a Christian organization, or variations of any of these and
of others,.... Our ability to do business as (DBA) Brothers of Light will therefore include these religious, educational,
philosophical and spiritual belief systems in their separate aspects as well as their generally inclusive aspects. -Articles
of Constitution, Sec 3(a).
***
"To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but unto them that are without, all these things are done
in parables." -Jesus the Christ
"From the Garden of Eden, the manifest Universe, upward and inward, we must climb the Tree until we stand face to face with
the Source. That Source who is at once our Creator and our Goal. That Source whose countenance is our triumph and our origin.
This is the Path of Initiation - this is the Path of Return!" -Ben Ha Aur
From the time that mankind"s "eyes were opened" and our ancient ancestors became self-conscious beings aware of themselves
and of their surroundings, humanity has sought answers to the mysteries of existence. In their search for Wisdom and Understanding,
the wise of these ancients soon discovered that the knowledge they sought was ever before them, having been written upon the
face of nature. The answers they found, this Ageless Wisdom, has since become the underlying truth upon which every world
religion has been established.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
As it is the objective of BOL to ultimately help to facilitate the uniting of all searchers with their Higher Self for the
purpose of better serving humanity, so too do we hope through NMISS to accomplish the same through its various curricula.
Using a system of study, meditation, and ritual practices, students will hopefully acquire the knowledge to understand who
they really are, and what creative powers exist within them. Through the raising of each one's conscious awareness the student
will begin to learn how to use the keys of knowledge by which the doors of eternal life may be unlocked and opened.
Acting toward a fulfillment of its mission statement, Brothers of Light, by and through application with the New Mexico Commission
on Higher Education, formally established its theological seminary - the New Mexico Institute for Spiritual Studies - as a
vehicle in which to provide its members and interested others those opportunities to individually achieve what is called "Spiritual
Enlightenment". The program of study has been found exempt from the requirement of licensure by the State of New Mexico Commission
on Higher Education, under provisions of Section 5.100.2.8 of CHE 5 NMAC 100.2 with respect to religious education. That exemption
from licensure is not based upon any assessment of program quality under established licensing standards.
NMISS is what any good seminary ought to be. The curriculum is designed to train men and women for Service, both to themselves
and to others. Clergy, Educators, Academicians, and spiritual Searchers are welcome to enroll within NMISS's Esoteric household.
Currently the Institute provides religious education primarily in the area of the Western Mystery Tradition which includes
Wicca and related studies.
Buddhist study specifically is achieved through a program within its separate Seminary, the Hongaku Institute for Buddhist
Studies, also known as HIBS.
ACADEMIC GENERAL INFORMATION
Seminarians may follow one of two tracks:
1. A degree program or
2. Certificate Diploma of Graduation programs
The Degree program results in the granting of one of three (3) religious degree levels. They are:
Bachelor of Theology
Master of Theology
Doctor of Theology.
For those who wish a non-degree seminary program, NMISS offers a certificate track in THEOLOGY
PROGRAMS
Western Mystery Tradition-3 year, 12 Course Program-
Religions of Ancient Ways - Wicca-3 year, 12 Course Program-
School of Ethical Studies-3 year, 12 Course Program- (See Special Academic Programs)
School of Biblical/Scriptural Esoteric Studies-3 year, 12 Course Program- (Special Academic Program
Elective Program-3 Year, 12 Course Program- (See Special Academic Programs)
Ordination Preparation
4 preparatory sections
Note: This Ordination Prep series is required for seminarians wishing ordination, and is in addition to all other required
courses.
NOTE: Students may study at a faster pace, and take more than one course at a time.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Application for enrollment in the New Mexico Institute for Spiritual Studies is open to all qualified persons. It does not
discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, sex, or sexual orientation. NMISS accepts adults 18 years of age
or older, or those younger who have the written consent of their legal guardians. All who have a sincere desire to learn will
be considered for enrollment.
Programs may be accessed two ways:
1. The Certificate of Graduation program in Theology
2. The Degree program in Theology
NMISS uses several factors to determine applicant qualifications. For those who are seeking the Degree track, the following
generally applies:
1. CREDIT TRANSFER POLICY
For applicants who have completed Independent academic study, or are currently pursuing such study from one or more regionally
accredited colleges or universities while maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better (4.0 being the best),
such credit hours will be recognized by NMISS and applied towards completion of the Degree Program if so requested by the
applicant. Students who are in full-time ministerial work receive special consideration in evaluation of previous college
credit.
A basic academic core of preparatory disciplines for those interested in our Degree Program is encouraged, and such courses
can often be inexpensively achieved through any Community College. Although NMISS does not teach these courses as a part
of our seminary program, we request that any of our students add them into the Degree Program curriculum in order to make
fully sound their academic achievement(s).
In the degree program we request a MINIMUM of 30 semester Hours of such Independently achieved credits within the following
disciplines: COMMUNICATIONS (English, writing skills, etc), MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (courses in Psychology,
etc.), HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS.
2. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE POLICY
For applicants who have independently created intellectual and/or Artistic projects - i.e., published literary or scholarly
works, essays, booklets, books etc., or have performed or otherwise produced visually conceptual or other appropriate approved
works and/or projects, each submitted with documentation - such endeavors can, depending on the quality and quantity, be
awarded the equivalency of up to 30 semester credit hours towards a Degree Program if so requested by the applicant.
3. Military / Governmental Experience
Military or Governmental or otherwise Professional courses of study & appropriate “experience” may be accepted
as approved academic credit if documentation is available.
4. LIFE-EXPERIENCE CREDIT
Other forms of Life-Experience, documented and approved by NMISS, can also receive academic credit if it is appropriate to
the preparation of the applicant’s Certificate academic goals in some direct way; and can be applied towards a Degree
Program if requested by the applicant and is appropriate to the program.
NOTE: Life & Military experiences can be considered to meet requirements of up to 50 credit hours towards a Bachelor’s
degree.
Full-time ministerial service will be considered for credit towards a degree.
In some cases, depending on previous education, a degree may be earned by submitting a thesis.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Degree Program into which any applicant is accepted (Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate)is determined by the level of academic
standing to which any student has attained previously, final determination to be made by the academic board of NMISS based
on documentation and transcripts.
The program level of Certificate of Graduation applicants is determined also by the academic standing to which the applicant
has attained previously.
ORDINATION REQUIREMENTS
As a student in this Seminary wishing ordination, the seminarian may seek ordination through any Religious organization s/he
wishes. NMISS will work with any chosen organization to help meet their specific ordination requirements should they differ
in any way from the basic educational courses outlined in this catalog.
SPECIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
(Certificate or Degree)
In addition to the established seminary courses of study, NMISS will also work with a student to set up and execute a personalized
course of study, one leading to either a Certificate or to a Degree, tailored to the specific needs of the student.
For such a program, the general requirement would be that it fulfill the same credit and academic requirements as any other
program of study and follow academic procedures as outlined for other NMISS established programs.
If a student wishes to discuss such an arrangement, it would be appropriate to have a draft program proposal created before
contacting NMISS. At that time the idea could be presented for an in-depth discussion of its feasibility.
This special program may also be tailored to meet Ordination requirements.
GENERAL TEXTBOOK POLICY
A list of coordinated titles of potential texts and/or supplemental study materials for most courses can be made available
for those who might wish to consult such a list. However, particular textbooks for some classes are not assigned specifically
by NMISS. This allows the seminarian the ability to choose a textbook written by an author of his/her own liking; purchase
the textbook from the source of his/her own choosing; or obtain the textbook at no cost through a local library if available.
The only condition placed upon the textbook chosen this way is that it thoroughly cover in its discussion the specific course
topic and objective in both quality and quantity appropriate for a seminary level education and meet the approval of NMISS.
Recognizing that some very well written books on Religions/Spiritual subjects may not always provide adequate depth for a
college level text, seminarians may choose to utilize two or more books to bring the subject body of knowledge to an appropriate
level.
A Textbook Registration Form will be a part of the information packet of the newly registered student. After choosing the
textbook(s) for the course the seminarian will need to return the completed textbook registration form to NMISS.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Altho in some courses there will be specific questions and answers requiring student attention, some studies are left to the
Student to complete without direct and ongoing input from NMISS and/or staff, and this requires that the student be able to
glean information and knowledge from the “text(s)” selected and to weave it into his own mind’s fabric.
In such a case, there is only one critique-evaluation technique for each of the courses comprising any programs’ curriculum.
1. The student will be required to write an analysis of each Chapter of the book, to be submitted to NMISS (or to a mentor
if applicable) for grading.
At the conclusion of studying the chosen text(s), the student will be required to write and submit:
2. A 2,500-3,000 word essay (or the specific length requested in the COURSE SYLLABUS CATALOG), approximately 5-7 pages if
typed, or 10-15 pages if hand written; single-spaced, single sided, discussing the “Course Objective”, written
as if the student were explaining the subject matter to another individual. The essay should answer such general questions
as Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? as well as address the individual student’s views and opinions regarding
the Course topic.
In addition to the Semester essays, the student will be required to write and submit:
3. A 5,000-7,000 word essay (approximately 10-15 pages if typed, or 20-30 pages if hand written, single-spaced, single sided)
is required at the conclusion of each YEAR’S program (i.e., after course #4, #8, and #12). This thesis should address
a question or make a supposition regarding the overall, collective instruction covered by the four (4) Course topics discussed
during that year, and attempt to answer the question posed, or support and/or refute the supposition raised, or in some way
tie the years work together into a cohesive whole.
At the end of the 3rd year, before a degree is awarded, the student will be required to write and submit:
4. Graduation Thesis.
The Subject of the Thesis must be presented and approved by the beginning of the Second Year
of Study.
Its length should be Approximately 20,000 words.
Thesis Semester Credit (1-7 hrs)
GRADING
GRADES will be sent to the student at the end of each completed course.
Transcript(s) available upon completion of the program for a fee of $5.00
A - Superior Grade Point Average: A - 4
B - Excellent B - 3
C - Good C - 2
D - Fair D - 1
F - Failure F - 0
PROGRAM TIME LIMITS
Enrollment in any one course in the NMISS program will remain active for no less than 3 months (a normal Semester Unit of
time) and can be up to four (4) months. Students who may need more time than this to complete a course may apply for a one
(1) month extension per course. No enrollment in any course shall remain active beyond a period of five (5) full months.
Students who fail to complete a course within the maximum time stipulated will need to reapply and resubmit an additional
tuition fee to reactivate their enrollment and continue the designed curriculum.
FEES AND TUITION
Application Fee, $25.00 nonrefundable.
Graduation Fee, ($25.00)
UNDERGRADUATE TUITION FEES for each course, payable when submitting the appropriate application form, is $90.00 per course,
Non refundable. $350.00 per year.* $1080.00 Full Tuition Fee.
MASTERS PROGRAM TUITION FEES $125.00 per course. Non refundable. $500.00 per year, 4 courses.* $1,500.00 Full Tuition
Fee. **
Ph.D. PROGRAM TUITION FEES $175.00 Per Course. Non refundable $700.00 per year, 4 courses.* $2,100.00 Full Tuition
Fee. **
ORDINATION PREPARATION PROGRAM FEE $90.00 for each of the four (4) sections.
Scholarship aid is available for hardship cases involving incarceration. Arrangements must be made on an individual basis.
Address this issue when contacting NMISS initially.
* Masters and Doctorate program Tuition Fees are payable in 4-course increments. Non refundable.
Make check or money order in U.S. Funds payable to: BOL-NMISS
Fees are subject to change without prior notice.
** If Full Tuition for Masters and Doctorate programs is paid at the time of Application, a 10% discount will be given.
Tuition is Non refundable.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply for enrollment in the NMISS program, simply complete the application form and mail it, along with a copy of any
appropriate documentation and/or transcripts from schools & colleges attended, and the Enrollment Fee, to the address indicated
on the application form.
WEB SITE USERS: Print the application form, fill it out completely. Enclose it with copies of appropriate college transcripts,
appropriate other documentation, and appropriate fees and mail to:
New Mexico Institute for Spiritual Studies
P.O. Box 112
Glorieta, NM 87535, USA
NOTE: Foreign students - contact NMISS regarding the U.S. Dollar Payment before sending tuition payments.
FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION
Upon receipt of the enrollment application and appropriate enrollment fees, final eligibility will be determined. Thereafter,
a letter of Verification of Enrollment, along with a Course Syllabus, a list of potential textbooks and textbook sources,
and a Textbook Registration Form will be forwarded to the newly registered student. After choosing the textbook(s) for the
course the seminarian will need to return the completed textbook registration form to NMISS.
CHECKOFF LIST. Have you:
1. Determined the type of program you wish? Certificate or Degree?
2. If you wish to set up a “Special Academic Degree Program”, have you created your “draft proposal”?
3. Do you wish Ordination upon completion of your studies?
4. If you have previous studies, life-experience potentials, etc., and wish to have that applied in some way to your credential
or Degree program, do you have that information available to send along with your application?
5. Have you determined your “Fees” correctly?
6. Do you have all of your need paperwork information assembled completely?
7. Do you have everything addressed correctly, all forms completed, signed, dated and ready to mail?
8. Have you double checked everything?
9. Are you ready to mail everything?
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