Buddhism is a religion with its roots in India but now has adherents all over the world. Buddhist rituals and ceremonies draw their meaning from the teachings of Buddha. It is a common understanding that a person who has attained enlightenment or who has acquired knowledge is referred to as a disciple of Buddhism. In the academic field known as “Buddhist Studies,” students learn about Buddhism’s cultural, historical, and social roots in countries worldwide. Earning a degree in Buddhist Studies imbibes practical experience rather than learning theory. Various aspects of eastern Indian territory are covered in detail. Buddhist studies encompass the investigation of philosophy, canonical scripts, inscriptions, core values, and visual and material objects. Immense comprehension, compassion, and self-control are all bolstered and taught in this environment.
Eligibility for Obtaining a Degree in Buddhist Studies
Enrolling in Buddhism studies is a great option for students interested in learning more about Buddhism. In addition to the more theoretical aspects of Buddhism, the students also get to study the religion’s culture and its various activities. Degrees in Buddhist Studies are available to those who are curious about the Buddhist faith, intrigued by the scholarly approach it espouses, or planning to make a career out of studying Buddhism. The programme is open to students who have completed the 10+2 programme in any discipline. Buddhist Studies at all levels are available for study, from diploma to BA to MA to Ph.D.
Guidelines for Acceptance into a Degree in Buddhist Studies Programs
Course prerequisites and entry requirements vary by level. General course admission requirements are as follows:
1. Participation in Diploma Programs
Ten years of schooling plus two additional years of study in any field are required for admission to these programmes. This is a one-year long Buddhist study programme that is considered short-term.
2. Possibility of Acceptance into Graduate Programs
One can earn a Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies at the graduate level. Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree programme. The duration of the programmes is between one and two years. After finishing this programme, students are prepared to enter the Buddhist community as practitioners, teachers, mentors, or advocates.
The Curriculum of Degree in Buddhist Studies
Training in Buddhist Studies is often offered at the diploma and postgraduate levels at the institutions that work with Study in India. The courses a student can enrol in are determined by their interests and the prerequisites of the schools to which they apply.
1. Degree of Diploma – Equivalent to Graduation
The Diploma Degree in Buddhist Studies programme has a one year time limit. Buddhist economics and the various languages (Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan, and others) that aided in the spread of Buddhism are among the themes covered in classes. In addition to the doctrines and tenets of Buddhism, students will learn about its social mores and religious practises.
2. Degree of Master’s – Post Graduation
Earning a degree in Buddhist Studies takes one to two years of full-time study. Those hoping to make a living in this field will benefit from taking this class. After finishing the course, students will be prepared to enter the Buddhist community as practitioners, teachers, mentors, or advocates.
Buddhist Studies Syllabus Includes :
Buddhist philosophy, history, literature, art, and ethics are all covered in these classes. These topics are included in the curriculum at various levels:
1. Subjects for Diploma
- Study of Religious Concepts
- Beginner’s Introductory Guide to Buddhist principles
- Buddhism philosophy
- Sanskrit of Buddhism
- Language of Pali
2. Subjects for Masters:
- Language of Pali
- Language of Tibet
- Ethics of Buddhism
- Beginner’s Guide to Buddhist principles
- An Era Of Buddhism
- Literature on Sutta
Procedure to Apply for a Degree in Buddhist Studies
In today’s scenario, Students who are interested in pursuing an interreligious course such as Buddhist studies have access to a variety of methods from graduation to master’s to doctorate. Instructions for submitting an application are as follows:
- The first step for new students is to fill out the registration form. After successfully registering, pupils will be given a unique username and password that they will need to keep safe.
- After completing registration, students will be sent to the Study in India Application, which consists of three sections: Personal Information, Academic Information, and Option Selection.
- While it’s imperative that they give serious consideration to all three sections, the Choice Filling portion is where pupils will really be judged. A minimum of three choices of Buddhist Studies courses and Indian institutes in which they would like to enrol must be provided and ranked by the student.
- Finally, they need to submit their applications and declaration forms.
Future Prospects
A degree in Buddhist studies is an unconventional course that is currently known to a small group. Roadmap to a Career in Liberal Education (Buddhist studies) requires an open mindset and firm diligence to choose the road not taken. The students who take up and complete the diploma courses in the field of Buddhism study and degree courses like Masters in Buddhism Study can make a career as follows :
- Researcher
- Teacher
- Teacher / Mentor
- Activist / Librarian
- Social Worker
- Cultural Administrator
- News Analyst
- Peace Activist
Top Universities to Pursue Buddhist Studies in India
- Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh.
- Central Universities of Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi.
- Nava Nalanda MahaVihara, Nalanda, Bihar.
- Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies, Arunachal Pradesh.
Conclusion
The demand for individuals with expertise in interreligious issues is on the rise as the need for interreligious competency in society grows, especially in light of global migration trends and the prevalence of religious radicalisation. Careers in the church, in welfare and social work, in media, in governmental and international organisations, in NGOs, and in social and educational positions can benefit from the knowledge and abilities acquired in this field of study.
If you want to know more about a degree in Buddhist Studies, get career counseling online now and we’ll guide you through your journey toward interreligious studies.
