By Karen Cheung
Buddhist Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that examines the history, philosophy, literature, art, and practices of Buddhism. It is a vital component of the arts and humanities. As one of the world’s oldest and most influential religions, Buddhism has shaped civilizations, inspired artistic masterpieces, and contributed to philosophical and ethical discourse for over two millennia. Integrating Buddhist Studies into tertiary studies in all manner of undergraduate and postgraduate programs enriches our understanding of human culture, thought, and creativity while fostering cross-cultural dialogue in an increasingly interconnected world.
Buddhist philosophy offers profound insights into metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of consciousness, making it essential to philosophical and religious studies. Core concepts such as anicca (impermanence), dukkha (suffering), and anatta (non-self) challenge Western notions of permanence and individualism. The works of thinkers like Buddhaghosa, Nāgārjuna, and the Dalai Lama engage with epistemology, logic, and moral philosophy, providing alternative frameworks that complement and critique Western traditions.
By studying Buddhist thought, students gain a more nuanced understanding of global philosophy, recognizing that diverse intellectual traditions have shaped human inquiry. This comparative approach is central to the humanities, which seeks to explore the breadth of human experience across cultures.
Buddhist literature and the world
Buddhist texts, from the Pali Canon to Mahayana sutras like the Heart Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, are literary treasures that have influenced storytelling, poetry, and allegory across Asia. The Jātaka tales, for instance, are moral fables that parallel Aesop’s fables, while Zen koans employ paradoxical language to provoke enlightenment.
The study of Buddhist literature enhances literature courses (especially those focused on a global genre or Asia) by introducing non-Western narrative traditions. Moreover, Buddhist themes—such as impermanence in Japanese mono no aware or radical compassion in Tibetan poetry—resonate in modern global literature, demonstrating the enduring relevance of these texts.
Buddhist art and aesthetics
Buddhist art is a cornerstone of global artistic heritage, from the serene Buddha statues of Gandhara to the intricate mandalas of Tibet and the minimalist Zen gardens of Japan. The depiction of the Buddha evolved across cultures, blending Hellenistic, Indian, and East Asian styles, illustrating the dynamic interaction between art and religion.
Studying Buddhist art allows students to explore: iconography and symbolism (such as mudras, deities, and so on), sacred architecture (stupas, pagodas, and temples), and meditative and ritual art (sand mandalas, thangka paintings).
These artistic traditions reveal how visual culture communicates spiritual ideals, a key concern in art history and aesthetics.
Buddhism’s Role in cultural exchange
Buddhism spread along the overland and maritime silk routes, facilitating exchanges between India, China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. This transmission involved translating texts, adapting rituals, and synthesizing local beliefs—an early form of globalization.
By examining Buddhism’s historical diffusion, students learn how ideas migrate and transform, a central theme in humanities research. The syncretism of Buddhism with Daoism in China or Shinto in Japan exemplifies how religions adapt, offering lessons for contemporary intercultural dialogue.
Ethics, mindfulness, and contemporary humanities
Buddhist ethics—emphasizing compassion (karuṇā), non-violence (ahiṃsā), and mindfulness—have gained global relevance in psychology, environmental ethics, and social justice. The humanities increasingly engage with mindfulness as a tool for mental well-being, while Engaged Buddhism (as practiced by the late Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh) applies Buddhist principles to activism.
Courses in medical humanities, environmental humanities, and ethics benefit from Buddhist perspectives on interdependence and ecological balance, reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of the field.
Buddhist Studies is not merely an esoteric discipline but a critical lens through which to examine philosophy, literature, art, history, and ethics. It challenges Eurocentric narratives in the humanities, fostering a more inclusive and global perspective. As universities emphasize diversity and intercultural competence, Buddhist Studies provides essential tools for understanding the richness of human civilization.
By integrating Buddhist thought and culture into our educational institutions, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human expression and the shared quest for meaning—an endeavor at the very heart of humanistic inquiry.
