2.01 The course is intended to introduce the student to the most up-to -date
information, research and judgements in the multiplex branches of Buddhist studies, so as to enable him to discover the new frontiers of the subject. Studies
under this scheme, handled by three Departments of Study, will extend from the primary sources of Buddhist studies which exist in Pali,Sanskrit,Sinhala,Tibetan,
Chinese etc., through Buddhist Thought to the Culture of Buddhism, including
social organization and development of fine arts and literature. A range of
courses covering these areas will be provided at the Institute.Knowledge of a relevant language is not required although certain taught courses may only be taken by students with a language competence. Every encouragement will be given to students who want to take advantage of the opportunity for some language study. Any student whose first degree has not been in a field closely allied to Buddhist studies may be required to take one course of a general or comparative kind, as an introduction to the subject. The Institute's Master's degree may be regarded as a preparation for in-depth studies and research in Buddhism or comparative religion, or for relevant careers (such as teaching), or simply as an extension of a liberal education.
Eligibility for Admission
2.02Candidates seeking
admission to the M.A. Course in Buddhist studies should
have at least one of
the following qualifications:
(a) Diploma in Buddhist Studies, Postgraduate Institute of Pali and
Buddhist
Studies, University of Kelaniya.
(b) A Special Arts Degree from a recognized University in any one of
the
following subjects : Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Culture-Philosophy,
Pali, Sanskrit.Psychology,Sinhala
(c) A General Arts Degree from a recognized University where the
candidate has at least one of the following subjects : Buddhist Philosophy,
Buddhist
Culture, Philosophy, Pali, Sanskrit, Psychology.
(d) Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies from the Buddhist and
Pali
University of Sri Lanka.
(e) A pass at the Final Examination of the Buddhasravaka Bhiksu
University,
Anuradhapura.
(f) A pass at the Final Examination
of the Oriental Studies Society (Sri
Lanka)
(g) Any other qualification/qualifications deemed by the Faculty Board
as
equivalent to the above.
Requirements for the course of study
2.03 A student is
required to follow five taught courses chosen from those announced for the
academic year. The choice may tend towards specialization or widening out of the
field. He is also required to submit 5,000 word seminar paper relating to anyone
of the courses selected. This shall be done under the guidance of a supervisor
appointed by the Institute. The subject of the essay should be announced at
least three months before the Final
Examination.
Courses available
2.04
01. Buddhist Doctrines of the Pali Nikayas :
Analysis and Interpretation. 02. Theravada Abhidhamma : Origins and
Development. 03. The Buddhist exegetical Tradition of Sri
Lanka. 04. Major Doctrines and Controversies in the Abhidharma
Tradition. 05. Karma Theories of the Different Buddhist (non-Mahayana)
schools 06. Buddhological Developments : A Study based on pre-Mahayana
Buddhist Literature. 07. Origins of Mahayana and the earliest Mahayana
Sutras. 08. Nagarjuna's Philosophy as reflected in his
Mulamadhyamaka-karika. 09. Madhyamika and Yogacara: Their Essential
doctrines 10. The Philosophy of Vijnaptimatrata : A study based on
Vimsatika, Trimsika and the relevant commentaries. 11. The Bodhisattva
Ideal in the Theravada and Mahayana 12. A Study of the Buddhist
Concept of Justice 13. Philosophy of Religion and
Buddhism 14. Buddhist Logic and Epistemology 15.
Madhayamaka: the Philosophy of Emptiness 16. Buddhist Vinaya and the
Monastic Organization. 17. Asokan Dharma : an Identification of its
Sources. 18. The Pali Sutta Pitaka : An Analytical and Historical
Study. 19. An Introduction to Buddhist Sanskrit and the Buddhist
Sanskrit Literature. 20. The Classical Sinhala Literature of Buddhist
Origin : Analysis and Evaluation. 21. Buddhist Concepts in the early
Sinhala Literature. 22. The Pali Chronicles of Sri
Lanka. 23. The Chinese Tripitaka : A Historical and Analytical
Study. 24. Contemporary Schools of Buddhist Thought in
Japan. 25. The Impact of Mahayana on Sri Lankan
Buddhism. 26. The Buddhist Sangha Community in Sri Lanka : A
Historical Survey. 27. Buddhist Revival in Sri Lanka : from the
beginning of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th
century, 28. Buddhist Aesthetic Concepts : Analysis and
Evaluation. 29. Buddhist Art and Architecture - I (Indian
sub-continent). 30. Buddhist Art and Architecture - II (Sri
Lanka) 31. Textual Studies (Pali, Sanskrit and Classical Chinese
sources). 32. Psychotherapy in Buddhism. 33. An Introdcution
to Pali Commentarial Literature. 34. The Social Dimension of
Buddhism. 35. Buddhism and Science.
Course may, however, vary
from those given above in accordance with the
interests and availability of
the teachers involved, and it is expected that
additional courses will be
offered from time to time. The Institute reserves
the right to alter or
withdraw any of the courses announced, or change the
conditions governing
them.
Course Structure
2.05 The course will
be of one year's duration, running through three terms of ten weeks each. Each
course unit will have a minimum of one hour a week in the form of a lecture,
followed by tutorial guidance and seminar
discussions.
M.A.
Examination
2.06The M.A. examination
consists of five written papers of three hours each, covering the five taught
courses selected by the candidate. The seminar paper of about 5,000 words should
be submitted before the candidate sits for the final written Examination. The
theme of the seminar paper may be selected with the guidance and assistance of
the teachers concerned.
Postgraduate Credit System
2.07A graduate of a recognized University who
has the necessary prerequisites for the M.A. may, on payment of the specified
fees, register himself to follow any single course at the Institute. On
obtaining the marks required to pass the subject at the examination, the student
will be awarded a certificate testifying to his pass in the subject at the
examination.
M.A. Course
syllabuses
2.08The bibliography
given at the end of each course unit refers to the books and articles
recommended for reading and reference. More specialized advice about reading
will be given as the courses proceed.
