Topic:Buddhist Studies

Welcome to the Wikiversity Department of Buddhist Studies

Introduction

The Wikiversity Department of Buddhist Studies is a content development project for learning resources related to Buddhist studies. It is not the intent of this department to preach about Buddhism, but embark on a scholarly studies of Buddhism as a subject. Buddha himself had played a role as an exemplar, guide and teacher for those sentient beings who must tread the path themselves, attain spiritual Awakening, and see truth and reality as they are. Here, we focus on critical examination of both the facts and myths, truths and legends, the implications and the philosophy resulting from the spread of Buddhism.

Embarking on a scholarly studies of Buddhism as a subject, requires an open mind. Buddha himself had played a role as an exemplar, guide and teacher for those sentient beings who must tread the path themselves, attain spiritual Awakening, and see truth and reality as they are. Here, we focus on critical examination of both the facts and myths, truths and legends, the implications and the philosophy resulting from the spread of Buddhism.

Ironically, the most important question in the study of Buddhism is whether or not it is accurate to think of Buddhism as a religion. Buddhism is best approached as a systematic social education. As such, the study of Buddhism is very much both about methodology as well as understanding the historical as well as current context. The rich spiritual tradition cannot be ignored. The main themes of Buddhist thought in its many forms, are identified and discussed. The enormous diversity of the spiritual tradition including its classical eastern manifestations are emphasised. Of interest is the recent growth of Buddhism in the West, and how it responds to contemporary needs.

Courses/Learning Projects and Learning Materials

The courses here can be learned as a complete Diploma, Undergraduate Degree or Post Graduate Degree programs. Alternatively, it can be taken as standalone elective classes, which we had separated into Undergraduate Elective Courses and Post Graduate Elective Courses.

General Course

• Introduction to Buddhism

Undergraduate Courses

Diploma in Buddhism

• Early Buddhism - Basic Doctrines
• Geographical Expansion of Theravada Buddhism
• Early History of Buddhism up to 3rd Century B.C.E.
• Intoduction to Pali Language
• Introduction to Sanskrit Language
• Introduction to Various Schools of Buddhism

Bachelor of Arts in Theology (Buddhist Studies)

• Pre-Buddhist Indian Thought and Culture
• Emergence of Buddhism and Basic Buddhist Teachings
• Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge
• Origins of Buddhism and the Basic Concepts of Culture
• Philosophy of Early History Buddhist Schools
• Philosophy of Mahayana Buddhist Schools
• Buddhist Culture in South Asia
• Buddhist Culture in Far East
• Buddhist Culture in South East Asia
• Buddhist Culture in Europe
• Buddhist Culture in North America

Undergraduate Elective Courses

• Introduction to Buddhism - This course provides an historical introduction to Buddhist beliefs and practices.
• Pre-Buddhist Indian Thought and Culture - This course explore the context of the ear prior to arrival of Buddhism.
• Origins of Buddhism and the Basic Concepts of Culture
• Philosophy of Early History Buddhist Schools
• Buddhist Culture in North America
• Buddhist Culture in South Asia
• Early Buddhism - Basic Doctrines
• Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge
• Early History of Buddhism up to 3rd Century B.C.E.
• Emergence of Buddhism and Basic Buddhist Teachings
• Geographical Expansion of Theravada Buddhism
• Emergence of the Vajrayana School of Buddhism
• Intoduction to Pali Language
• Introduction to Sanskrit Language

Postgraduate Course

Master of Arts in Theology (Buddhist Studies)

• Early Buddhism : Problem of Interpretation
• History of Buddhist Thought in India
• Early Buddhism & Ancient Indian Thought
• Fundamentals of Buddhism Social Philosophy
• Social Philosophy of Buddhism
• Contemporary Challenges to Buddhism

Postgraduate Elective Courses

The various schools of Buddhism makes an interesting studies, especially how these had developed and marginalized the many schools that had one time flourished. The key schools examined here are:

• Theravāda
• Sthaviravāda
• Vajrayāna
• Mahāsaṃghika
• Mahāyāna
• Contemporary Buddhism
• Zen Thoughts and Philosophy

The Department's Vision

The department is not out to write a text book of Buddhist Studies. We focus on writing classes in line with the Vision behind Wikiversity. This course is not simply a replica of information found elsewhere but a framework for our students to explore the web for resources.

Current authors in this department include:

Conversion of Your Credit Hours to Diploma and Degrees

There are currently no plans for the conversion of the accumulated credit hours and grade point average to the appropriate diploma and degrees. Discussion is on-going at this moment (1 July 2005) and a decision is expected to be finalised by end-March 2006. And will be announced in this section.