Reading religious studies changed my life and set me on a path I have walked for over a decade. Part of this formative choice entailed earning a degree in Buddhist Studies at SOAS, in London. However, with the explosion of interest in Buddhism around the world, the scholarship of Buddhism as an academic discipline is available in many institutions around the world. One of these institutions is the University of Kelaniya just outside of Colombo, an internationally reputed institution with over a century of history in Buddhist Studies. Kelaniya is steeped in the heritage of Sri Lanka, a country with a proud past and present of stewarding the Buddhist tradition.
The Buddha-Dharma Centre of Hong Kong (BDCHK), located in the downtown, bustling hub of Sai Wan on the city’s renowned Island, is currently offering academic programs that are accredited by the University of Kelaniya. Interested students can enrol in an MA in Buddhist Studies or a Diploma, fully recognized and conferred by Kelaniya.
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Under the leadership of Ven. Prof. K.L. Dhammajoti, the BDCHK is much more than just an academic center, and in this sense goes far beyond SOAS and other comparable institutions. It functions as a sanctuary for self-cultivation and meditation, a refuge away from the stresses of the busy Asian metropolis even while remaining in the heart of the city.
Thanks to Ven. Dhammajoti’s considerable career and extensive experience in Abhidharma studies and specialization in languages, the teaching team (which includes well-known professors like Prof. Y. Karunadasa and Dr. G.A. Somaratne) offers a range of courses that, taken together, faithfully represents the full Buddhist Studies experience.
Pali and Sanskrit will be taught in a rigorous and engaging manner unlike anywhere else in Hong Kong. Buddhology and Buddhist art and archeology will be on offer. One of BDCHK’s greatest academic strengths, the study of Early Buddhism and its authentic history, are positioned prominently in this MA program with several courses. Buddhist doctrines of the Pali Nikayas, Theravada and Sarvastivada Abhidharma, and the history of Buddhism in India and China are fascinating modules critical to a thorough and solid understanding of the Buddhist heritage. Finally, rounding off the program is a course on Buddhist Psychology and Psychotherapy, which delve into Buddhist examinations of the mind, the main subject of interrogation in the tradition.
Flexibility is baked into the program, with three modes available: Full-time (1 year), Part-time (2 years), or Occasional Student.
If you are seeking a deeper immersion in the discipline of Buddhist Studies, there is no better time to apply than now, and there is no better place than to apply at this institution.
Earn your Buddhist Studies degree and make your enquiry today at [email protected].
The Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (English medium) is sponsored by the GS Charity Foundation, MaMa Charitable Foundation, and Khyentse Foundation
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Master of Arts Degree in Buddhist Studies (MA) (BDCHK)
