About Us

The Faculty of Buddhist Studies stands as one of the principal faculties of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, embodying the core objectives and intellectual spirit of the University. Since its establishment, the Faculty has played a central role in promoting advanced scholarship, spiritual development, and practical application of Theravada Buddhist teachings within both academic and monastic contexts.

As the University is fundamentally dedicated to the higher education of Buddhist monks and scholars, the Faculty of Buddhist Studies represents the heart of its academic mission. Through a carefully structured curriculum, rigorous research engagement, and community-oriented activities, the Faculty nurtures individuals who are grounded in doctrinal knowledge while being equipped to address contemporary global challenges with wisdom and compassion.

Academic Structure

The Faculty is comprised of two main departments:

  1. Department of Buddhist & Pali Studies

  2. Department of Applied Buddhist Studies

Each department contributes uniquely to the realization of the Faculty’s vision and mission, ensuring a balanced integration of theoretical scholarship and practical training.

Department of Buddhist & Pali Studies

The Department of Buddhist & Pali Studies serves as the foundational academic pillar of the Faculty. It provides systematic instruction in:

  • Buddhist Philosophy

  • Buddhist Civilization

  • Pali Language and Literature

These subjects are offered in both Sinhala and English mediums, thereby widening access to knowledge and encouraging international academic engagement.

Buddhist Philosophy

Buddhist Philosophy is regarded as the compulsory and central discipline for every student of the University. It provides a profound understanding of the core teachings of the Buddha, including:

  • The Four Noble Truths

  • The Noble Eightfold Path

  • Dependent Origination (Paṭiccasamuppāda)

  • The Three Marks of Existence

  • Abhidhamma philosophy

  • Theravada epistemology and ethics

Through analytical study and critical reflection, students gain intellectual clarity and philosophical maturity. The program encourages comparative analysis with other philosophical traditions, fostering dialogue between Buddhist thought and modern disciplines such as psychology, ethics, environmental studies, and social philosophy.

Buddhist Civilization

The study of Buddhist Civilization enables students to explore the historical, cultural, and social development of Buddhism across regions and centuries. It examines:

  • The spread of Buddhism from India to Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia

  • Contributions of monastic institutions to education and culture

  • Buddhist art, architecture, and literary traditions

  • The relationship between Buddhism and governance

This subject strengthens students’ awareness of the historical continuity and global relevance of Buddhist heritage.

Pali Studies

Pali, being the canonical language of Theravada Buddhism, forms an essential component of academic training. Mastery of Pali allows students to engage directly with the Tipiṭaka and classical commentaries without reliance on translations. The Department emphasizes:

  • Grammar and linguistic analysis

  • Canonical and post-canonical texts

  • Textual interpretation and translation skills

This rigorous training ensures authenticity in scholarship and preserves the integrity of the Theravada textual tradition.

Department of Applied Buddhist Studies

While the Department of Buddhist & Pali Studies focuses on theoretical foundations, the Department of Applied Buddhist Studies emphasizes the practical implementation of Buddhist teachings.

This Department is responsible for guiding students—particularly Buddhist monks—in applying doctrinal knowledge to personal development and social service. The curriculum includes:

  • Meditation practices (Samatha and Vipassanā)

  • Monastic discipline (Vinaya studies)

  • Buddhist counseling and pastoral care

  • Social engagement and community leadership

  • Ethical decision-making in contemporary society

The Department recognizes that Buddhist education must transcend academic boundaries and manifest in lived experience. Therefore, meditation training and moral discipline are integral to student formation. Through experiential learning and community involvement, students cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and leadership qualities.

Vision

Generating a theoretical and practical knowledge system based on Theravada Buddhist teachings.

The Faculty envisions the development of an integrated knowledge framework that harmonizes doctrinal authenticity with practical relevance. Grounded firmly in the Theravada tradition, it seeks to construct a scholarly system that bridges scriptural study, philosophical inquiry, and applied wisdom.

In an era characterized by rapid social change, ethical dilemmas, and psychological challenges, the Faculty aspires to position Theravada Buddhism not merely as a historical religion but as a dynamic and living intellectual tradition capable of guiding humanity toward peace and sustainable development.

Mission

To create disciplined scholars who are suitable for the future world by closely connecting Buddhist philosophy with other concurrent subjects.

The mission of the Faculty is to cultivate scholars who possess:

  • Deep doctrinal knowledge

  • Strong moral character

  • Analytical and research skills

  • Practical leadership abilities

  • Openness to interdisciplinary dialogue

By integrating Buddhist philosophy with modern fields such as social sciences, education, psychology, environmental studies, and communication, the Faculty prepares students to contribute meaningfully to both religious and secular contexts.

The emphasis on discipline reflects the traditional monastic training model, where intellectual development is inseparable from ethical conduct and mental cultivation. Graduates are expected to embody wisdom, compassion, and social responsibility.

Research and Community Engagement

The Faculty actively promotes research in:

  • Theravada doctrinal studies

  • Comparative Buddhist philosophy

  • Pali textual criticism

  • Buddhist approaches to contemporary social issues

  • Meditation research and mindfulness studies

Academic seminars, conferences, and publications provide platforms for scholarly exchange at national and international levels.

Furthermore, the Faculty encourages community engagement initiatives, including:

  • Dhamma preaching and educational programs

  • Counseling and spiritual guidance

  • Social welfare activities

  • Environmental awareness campaigns rooted in Buddhist ethics

Through such outreach, the Faculty ensures that Buddhist education remains socially responsive and transformative.

Commitment to Excellence

The Faculty of Buddhist Studies remains committed to academic excellence, spiritual integrity, and cultural preservation. It strives to maintain high standards of teaching and research while adapting to the evolving needs of the modern world.

By fostering a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation, theory and practice, scholarship and service, the Faculty continues to fulfill its role as the intellectual and spiritual cornerstone of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.