The Master of Arts in Theravada Buddhism is intended for students who wish to demonstrate a knowledge of Theravada Buddhist studies, history, and practice; and particularly Theravada practitioners who want to enhance their engagement with the tradition and their communities by obtaining a systematic graduate-level education in Theravada Buddhist studies.
The course consists of the History of Buddhism from the Buddha’s period. This paper is divided into five parts and designed to provide students, the knowledge on the Introductory background, Origin and Development of Buddhism, Expansion of Buddhism in Asia, Learning centers of Buddhism, and revival of Buddhism in India
Students who complete this program will:
- Locate Theravada Buddhism within the larger history of Buddhism as a whole
- Study Theravada Buddhist texts and practices using critical methodologies
- Develop critical reasoning and writing skills through academic writing and reflection.
Eligibility
Students from any discipline having passed Bachelor Degree Program or its equivalent from any recognized universities are eligible to apply for admission in the Master’s Degree Program of LBU. Eligible candidates may apply to LBU by filling out an application form available at the Central Campus in Lumbini or affiliated Campus or an appropriate application form available online. Admission to the program will take place on a yearly basis. To be eligible for the program, the candidate will need to appear on a written entrance examination followed by an interview.
Curricular Structure
| S.N. | Course Code | Subject | Credit Hour | Internal Exam | External Exam |
| 1 | MTB 511 | History of Theravāda Buddhism (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 2 | MTB 512 | Pāli language and Literature I (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 3 | MTB 513 | Theravada Buddhist Practice (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 4 | MTB 514 | Buddhist Philosophy I (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 5 | MTB 515 | SuttaPitaka Analysis I (Advanced Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 6 | MTB 516A | Buddhist Economics (Elective Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 7 | MTB 516B | Buddhist Iconography (Elective Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 8 | MTB 516B | Buddhism and Leadership (Elective Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
Second Semester
| S.N. | Course Code | Subject | Credit Hour | Internal Exam | External Exam |
| 1 | MTB 521 | Buddhist Meditation Theory (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 2 | MTB 522 | Buddhist Ethics (Basic Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
| 3 | MTB 523 | Pāli Language and Literature II (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 4 | MTB 524 | Buddhist Philosophy II (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 5 | MTB 525 | Suttapitaka Analysis (selected) II (Advanced Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 6 | MTB 526A | History of Buddhist Art (Elective Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 7 | MTB 526B | Buddhist Approach to Good Governance (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
| 8 | MTB 526C | Buddhist Psychology (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
Third Semester
| S.N. | Course Code | Subject | Credit Hour | Internal Exam | External Exam |
| 1 | MTB 531 | Research Methodology (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 2 | MTB 532 | Meditation Practice (Basic Course) | 1 | 40 | 60 |
| 3 | MTB 533 | SuttaPitaka analysis III selected (Advanced Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 4 | MTB 534 | Vinaya Pitaka selected (Advanced Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 5 | MTB 535 | AbhidhammaPitaka I selected (Advanced Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 6 | MTB 536A | Early Buddhist Architecture (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
| 7 | MTB 536B | Buddhism and Gender (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
| 8 | MTB 536C | Buddhism and Management (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
Fourth Semester
| S.N. | Course Code | Subject | Credit Hour | Internal Exam | External Exam |
| 1 | MTB 541 | Buddhism of Nepal (Basic Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 2 | MTB 542 | Seminar (Basic Course) | 1 | 40 | 60 |
| 3 | MTB 543 | Thesis (Basic Course) | 6 | 40 | 60 |
| 4 | MTB 544 | Abhidhamma Pitaka selected (Advanced Course) | 3 | 40 | 60 |
| 5 | MTB 545 | Buddhism and Science (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
| 6 | MTB 545A | Buddhism in South Asia (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
| 7 | MTB 545B | Buddhism and Society (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |
| 8 | MTB 545C | Buddhist Scripts (Elective Course) | 2 | 40 | 60 |