Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka holds a unique place as a university established for Theravada Buddhist monks, and the Department of Applied Buddhist Studies embodies the practical dimension of that identity.
Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is the only University established merely for Teravada Buddhist monks, securing the identical heritage of Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks. Therefore, The University belongs a special recognition among the universities in Sri Lanka, and the Department of Applied Buddhist Studies represents the symbol of that identity. It is identified the major function and responsibility of the Department of Applied Buddhist Studies is to implement practical programmes and studies of the teaching of the Buddha (dhamma), the monastic discipline (vinaya) and the Buddhist cultural heritage from ancient times. While many of the other philosophies and humanities subjects are focused on merely theoretical studies, the Department of ABS propagates activities to enhance the practical value of those cultural disciplines. For the time being, the Department of Applied Buddhist Studies offers two Bachelor’s degrees and Compulsory Foundations Course for students. Theoretical and practical courses of Practical Buddhist Heritage, Planning and Managing Monasteries, Buddhist Communication Methods, Theory and Practice of Spreading Dhamma, jyotishya (astrology) and Domestic Medicine, Buddhist Law and Civil Law, Buddhist Teaching on Health and Wellbeing, Buddhist Painting and Sculpture, Tour Guide of Buddhist Temples and Sanctuaries are offered under the Bachelor’s degree (general) in Practical Buddhist Studies.