- published: 01 Mar 2010
- views: 2604
Buddhist studies, also known as Buddhology (although the latter term is sometimes reserved for the study of Buddhas rather than that of Buddhism as a whole), is the academic study of Buddhism. The term applies especially to the modern academic field, which is a subset of religious studies, and is distinct from Buddhist philosophy or Buddhist theology. As with religious studies in general, scholars of Buddhist studies represent a variety of disciplines including history, anthropology, and philosophy.
In contrast to the study of Judaism or Christianity, the field of Buddhist Studies has been dominated by "outsiders" to Buddhist cultures and traditions. However, Japanese universities have also made major contributions, as have Asian immigrants to Western countries, and Western converts to Buddhism.
Charles Prebish, a scholar-practitioner, describes the academics who are also Buddhist practitioner as fulfilling a crucial traditional role that has gone otherwise unfilled in countries that are not traditionally Buddhist:
The Institute of Buddhist Studies
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A NEWCOMER TO BUDDHIST STUDIES?
Ven. Hin Hung Introduces the Master of Buddhist Studies Program at HKU
ASHIN KHEMINDA : ABHIDHAMMA (1)
Nitartha Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies
Ashin Kheminda: Abhidhamma - 6 (Keserakahan)
Buddhist Studies Lecture: Past, Present, and Future
Buddhist Studies PhD Graduation_part2_TS.wmv
(Buddhist Studies) Open University
Kagyu Institute for Buddhist Studies Part 1