Bachelor’s Program in Bhot Buddhist Studies
Program Details
Lumbini Buddhist University
Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), the first and only Buddhist University in the country, was established in Lumbini through the LBU Ordinance in 2004, and endorsed with the LBU Act in 2006. A resolution to establish the university was passed at the end of the First World Buddhist Summit held in Lumbini in 1998.
Internalizing the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha, LBU seeks to contribute to world peace, harmony and prosperity through its pedagogy and research in the areas of Buddhist Philosophy, Literature, Education, Culture and other subjects. Another goal is to enhance the principles of Panchasheel, Śānti (peace), Bandhutva (empathy), Maitrī (friendship) and Sadbhāva (compassion)
Description of the Program
The Bachelor’s Degree in Bhot Buddhist Studies is offered by the Faculty of Buddhist Studies. It addresses the needs of candidates who strive to have an in-depth study of the Tibetan or Bhot Buddhist traditions, along with its Nepalese roots or varients. Its main goal is to offer an advanced degree in Bhot Buddhism to students with a background in Gumba or monastic education. Bhot Buddhism has not only preserved the textual, meditative, oral, and scholastic traditions of Nepal for both sutra and tantra, but it also has played a central role in the development of Buddhism throughout the Nepal Himalayas, Tibet, Bhutan, Central Asia, and Mongolia.
The curriculum of the Bachelor’s Program in Bhot Buddhist Studies is designed in a way to help learners to understand the various dimensions and practices that have prevailed in Bhot Buddhism as well as other varients of Buddhism. To this purpose, the emphasis of the curriculum is twofold: to build a solid theoretical basis necessary for the practice of Bhot Buddhism and to enhance students’ practical skills through various activities. To pursue this aim, the curriculum tries to instill students with specific ethical values through field trips, professional supervision and constant reflection on the value of course work.
Admission Criteria
Candidates with second division in any Intermediate or equivalent degree (Higher Secondary School) from Gumba Education are eligible to apply for the program.
Eligible candidates may apply to Lumbini Buddhist University by filling in the appropriate online application forms available at www.old.lbu.edu.np .
Admission takes place on a semester basis and to be eligible for any program the candidate should appear in a written entrance examination and a personal interview. The maximum number of candidates accepted per year is set to 45 students per class, Admission into the Bachelor’s Program in Bhot Buddhist Studies is based upon Intermediate Degree scores, past academic records and Entrance Examination results. At the end of the selection process, a merit list will be published based on the student’s combined merit scores.
For a successful application and admission into apply for BA Bhot Buddhist Studies program of the University, the following steps must be taken:
- Submit a duly completed and signed application form;
- Enclose attested copies of certificates and transcripts/mark-sheets of their Intermediate or equivalent degree (Higher Secondary School) or 12 years studies from Gumba with the application form
- Make a payment of application fee.
- Submit all required documents to the University Student Admission Office before the deadline.
Candidates will be asked to appear for the entrance examination only after they have submitted the documents and fees listed above,
Duration of the Course
The program extends over a period of four years. . It is run on a semester system. There will be two semesters in each year. In total, the program consists of eight semesters’ course work and research work. A complete course of study will be provided to the students at the time of admission.
Medium of Instruction
The language of instruction, supervision and evaluation in the Bachelor in Bhot Buddhist Studies will be Tibetan language as well as English to some extent. Students are required to make presentations, submit assignments and take examinations in the Tibetan language. The University will provide English language courses alongside the other courses of study to enable students to acquire a good proficiency in English and profit most from other classes taught in English.
Instructional Methods
The teaching methods consist of lectures, discussion, student-led presentations, and workshops with the aid of audio-visual materials and field visits. Details about each method are provided below.
- Lecture: The instructor will share his/her ideas, knowledge and thoughts on different topics based upon course content, reading materials, articles, books as well as personal experiences.
- Discussion: The teacher will organize an interactive class around key topics or questions based on the relevant study material. Students will have the chance to share ideas, experiences and knowledge in classroom based on their knowledge and experience.
- Presentation: Students will make organized presentations on topics in respective subjects as suggested by the instructor. The session aims to ensure active participation from students.
- Use of Audio-visual aid: LBU encourages its teachers to use appropriate audio-visual aid in teaching and learning. These may include photos, maps, recordings, music, you-tube videos, documentary films and movies.
- Field visit: Occasionally, the instructor may arrange field visit to Gumbas and places of importance where appropriate. Likewise, the instructor may ask students to conduct field work on the topics that are appropriate for field study . The cost of field work will be reimbursed by student if external funding has not been not secured.
Attendance
The program requires students to have 70% of class attendance in order to appear the in the end of semester exam. For field work, report writing and internships, students must visit the field as a prerequisite of the evaluation.
TUITION FEE POLICY
Total Fee of the Program for 2019/2021: NRs. 133400.
Total fee for SAARC Students for 2019/2021 : NRs. 166750
Total Fee for the International Students for 2019/2021: Nrs.2,66,800
Contact Details
For further information about the program, please call or write to the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, LBU Central Office, Parsa Chowk, Lumbini, Nepal.