• Duration: 10 weeks

Background

Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) was established in Lumbini by the LBU Ordinance in 2004, and endorsed by the LBU Act in 2006 in response to the 1st World Buddhist Summit held in Lumbini in 1998.  Internalizing the teachings of Buddha, it is dedicated to the World Peace through operation of institutions of higher education for contemporary holistic teaching-learning and research in the areas of Buddhist Philosophy, Literature, Education, Culture and the allied subjects.  It partners with organizations for multiplier effects of Buddha’s philosophy, and pledges academic links for value based development programs in response to the aspirations and needs of the community people.

Addressing the demands and desires of the local communities around Lumbini, LBU initiated the Bachelor of Buddhist Studies and Humanities (English or Rural Development) in 2015 and its title was amended as Bachelor of Arts in 2020.  The concept was also to create the sources of students for the master programs.

The courses have been structured on the basis of the outcomes of the workshops with the LBU personnel and teaching faculty members of the Central Campus on February 26, and April 13, 2021) and frequent meetings of teaching faculties as well as the independent experts in the month of March 2021.

Goal

The overall goal of the program is to prepare human resources fully capable of understanding and initiating rural development projects based on the principles of sustainability and Buddhist philosophy.

Objectives

Upon completion of this academic program, students will be able to:

1. explain the conceptual clarity of sustainable development covering the key topics such as issues and strengths of rural areas, rural-urban interlink, and the basic principles of resource mobilization and the key components of sustainability as well as the physical infrastructure;
2. apply the theories and principles of sustainable development for employment opportunities, income generation, entrepreneurship and environmental conservation;
3. analyze various aspects of rural social problems particularly gender inequalities, child labor, girls trafficking, and caste systems; and
4. design, implement and supervise sustainable development projects.

Strategy

Overall, the program will include courses of Buddhist studies 10 to 15% of Buddhist studies, and each of the courses will be designed to also reflect Buddhist philosophy as relevant.

The ongoing courses will be continued with some adjustments as needed to address the goal and objectives of the program.

Scope and Credits

The program will carry 126 credits in total and spread over eight semesters.  They will include eight major areas of study, such as Buddhism, Communication, Ecology, Economics, Infrastructure, Policy, Research, and Sociology. There are two seminar courses carrying one credit each, and three practical courses such as Monastic Experience, Volunteering and Internship carrying three credits each.  The project design equivalent to project work (thesis) carries 6 credits.

Brief outlines are given for each course in.  Along with the two courses dedicated to Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist history, the remaining courses have also been designed to incorporate Buddhist philosophy as applicable.  For example, the courses on Ecology, Economics, and Sociology will also include Buddhist Ecology, Buddhist Economics, and Buddhist Sociology respectively.

Major Subjects:

BA Rural Development

BA Buddhist Studies

• The fee Structure for Academic Year 2021 is Under Review, available soon