Diploma in Buddhist Studies

Twenty-five (25) years before, for the first time, the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya introduced this Diploma programme in Pali and Buddhist Studies under the special provisions obtained from UGC to provide quality education and a world-recognized certificate to the eligible and qualified foreign students who expect to study Pali and Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Under this study programme, thousands of foreign students, particularly foreign monks, and nuns obtained Diplomas in Pali and Buddhist studies and were qualified to follow higher academic programmes in the field. Currently, many of them hold higher academic and administrative positions in many parts of the world. Perhaps, this could be one of the oldest academic programmes for foreign candidates in Buddhist countries which has produced the highest number of Diploma holders in Pali and Buddhist studies in Sri Lanka. In addition of the home programme conducted in the main campus, in the last few years, the Department introduced this Diploma as well as BA and MA programmes to foreign countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China Hongkong and the USA. Though the syllabus of the Diploma course was amended in 2018, considering the request of foreign institutions. the Department decided to add few more course units to the syllabus.

Language

English

Studies and Length

30 Credits

Level

Diploma

Time & Location

1 Year | United States

Overall Aims of the Programme

Today there is a growing interest in religions, in view of the rising tension in the society and separate individuals. People from different walks of life seek support from religious teachings to find solutions to their problems. Many people living in different parts of the world now think Buddha’s teachings can provide sustainable solution to current problems. As a result, Buddhism is becoming a growing faith in the world, particularly in America and Europe. We have also seen a worldwide increase in academic interest in relation to science and Buddhism.

In line with this trend, the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya has taken steps to introduce new study programmes and course units to promote Buddhist studies and research in different aspects of Buddhism and its relevance to the world today. The Department believes that this programme will suit both non-Buddhists and non-Theravada Buddhists as well, to improve their knowledge in Buddhism. Apart from this, the programme is aimed to assist those who seek solutions to individual and social problems through Buddhism.

Outlines of the Programme and Duration

This Diploma in Buddhist Studies is equivalent to the first year of the Bachelour of Arts Degree as prescribed in the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF 03). Therefore, first, applicants should select three subjects out of four (i) Pali, (ii) Buddhist Philosophy, (iii) Buddhist Culture, (iv) Buddhist Psychology as found in the bellow table.

To complete this Diploma programme, candidates should earn 30 credits from three subjects including the credits of compulsory course units in the relevant subject. To be acquainted with the language and terminology of the source materials, Pali, Sanskrit and English can be taught as additional course units, on the requirement and agreement of relevant institution. The credits earned from additional course units will be included in the result sheet but will not be counted for the completion of the Diploma.

The mode of delivery will be full-time in one year or part-time in two years. The teaching of the programme has to be done by a qualified academic staff of the foreign institute, recommended by the Department, and according to the syllabus approved by the Senate of the university. Setting and moderation of question papers, continues evaluation, conducting year/semester end examination, marking answer scripts have to be done by the Senate approved examiners and supervisors of the university and the foreign academic institute. The medium of instruction can be decided either as English or Chinese, at the time of registration, on the recommendation of the conducting institute. Necessary documents including the syllabus and the regulations, translated into Chinese or English should be available for the use of both parties.

Admission Criteria

G.C.E (General Certificate of Education) Advance Level (A/L) Examination in Sri Lanka.

London Advance Level examination

A certificate equivalent to above qualifications or a Diploma in Buddhist Studies from a recognized university of higher education institute.

High Secondary School Certificate (Completion of 13 years school education)

Any other qualification accepted by the senate of the University of Kelaniya.

Course Structure

PALI

PALI 13014 - Development of Pali Language and Literature
PALI 13022 - Introduction to Pali Grammar
PALI 13032 - Selected Readings in Pali Literature
PALI 13042 - Pali for spiritual conducts
PALI 13052 - Fundamental Buddhist Teachings in Pali
PALI 13062 - Buddhist Meditation Literature in Pali

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

BUPH 13014 - Fundamental Teachings of Early Buddhist Philosophy
BUPH 13022 - Indian Background of Buddhist Philosophy
BUPH 13032 - Abhidhamma and the Development of Buddhist Thought
BUPH 13042 - Selected Readings in Chinese Buddhist Sutras
BUPH 13052 - Selected Readings in Agama and Nikaya Literature
BUPH 13062 - Selected Readings in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature

BUDDHIST CULTURE

BUCU 13014 - Historical Background of Buddhist Culture
BUCU 13022 - Modern movements of Humanistic Buddhism.
BUCU 13032 - Buddhist Ethics
BUCU 13042 - Buddhist Cultural Diversity
BUCU 13052 - Theravada and Mahayana
BUCU 13062 - Buddhist Spiritual Care and Counselling

BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY

BUPS 13014 - Introduction to Buddhist Psychology
BUPS 13022 - Buddhist Meditation
BUPS 13032 - Introduction to Buddhist Psychiatry
BUPS 13042 - Mindfulness practice and its modern applications
BUPS 13052 - Buddhist Doctrines of Analytical and Depth Psychology
BUPS 13062 - Buddhist Analysis of Mind and Mental States

ADDITIONAL COURSE UNITS

ENGL 13014 - English For Buddhist Studies
SANK 13024 - Elementary Buddhist Sanskrit

Coordinators

Chair Prof. Ven. Nabirittankadawara Gnanaratana Thero

Chair Professor & Coordinator
Royal Pandit (OSS), B.A. (Kelaniya), M.A. (BPU), Ph.D. (Delhi, India)
Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies
Faculty of Humanities
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka.
Office : +94 112 914 492
Residence : +94 112 918 094
Mobile : +94 776 260 796 / +94 718 026 563
Email : gnanaratana@kln.ac.lk

Mrs. N.G.A.A.Manasha Nanayakkara

Course Assistant
Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies
Faculty of Humanities
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka.
Mobile : +94 752 901 067
Email : nmanasha@kln.ac.lk

course guidelines & syllabus

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