Vision
To be a distinguished centre of learning and research that applies Buddhist wisdom to personal development, institutional leadership and the wellbeing of society.
Department Overview
A department shaped by application, relevance and service
The Department of Applied Buddhist Studies advances the university’s distinctive responsibility to preserve Theravada Buddhist heritage while making Buddhist knowledge meaningful in contemporary society.
Its teaching and research connect Dhamma, Vinaya and Buddhist culture with practical fields such as monastic leadership, community service, communication, psychology, counselling, health, wellbeing, law, heritage, art and technology.
The department currently presents degree pathways in Practical Buddhist Studies and Buddhist Psychology and Counselling, including an honours programme with research and professional practice components.
At a glance
FacultyFaculty of Buddhist Studies
Academic focusApplied & interdisciplinary
Programme levelsB.A. and B.A. Honours
LocationAnuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Mission
To provide academically rigorous and practically relevant education in applied Buddhist studies, psychology and counselling while nurturing ethical, knowledgeable and socially responsive graduates.
Our Objectives
Learning that moves from understanding to action
Preserve and interpret
Study Buddhist sources, traditions and cultural heritage with academic rigour.
Apply and innovate
Relate Buddhist thought and practice to contemporary educational, psychological and social needs.
Serve communities
Develop ethical leadership, communication and counselling capacities for compassionate service.
Advance research
Encourage interdisciplinary inquiry, scholarship and evidence-informed practice.
Academic Scope
An interdisciplinary field with a practical core
The department draws together religious studies, psychology, counselling, heritage, management, communication, law, health and technology.
DhammaVinayaPsychologyCounsellingMeditationHeritageLeadershipCommunicationWellbeingResearch