Lumbini Buddhist University: An Ideal place for Sacred Buddhist Studies
The Lumbini Buddhist University was founded with the aspiration of spreading the wisdom and noble truths of Gautam Buddha which has played a catalytic role in promoting peace, fraternity, and social harmony in the world. The University envisions disseminating quality education which incorporates Buddhist philosophy, literature, wisdom, cultural sentiments, teaching and in-depth research that lead the nation to the path of creating pure educational and intellectual environment which will be more salubrious, transparent, decent and fruitful. It was one of the promising policies of the Nepal Government to establish Lumbini Buddhist University that brought paradigm shift in Nepalese academic sphere. Buddhism is considered to be one of the major world religions.
The University was established on 14 Mangsir 2061. The essence of the establishment of the University incorporates the impartation of Buddhist philosophy, conservation and utilization of natural means and resources in order to attain socio-cultural prosperity, preservation of invaluable archaeological and historical places for research to introduce our exquisite tourism development to the world and to reiterate the abandoned languages, culture and nation’s identity.
The University was established to retain the nation’s pride, reiterate the nation’s ancient skills and promote modern commercial skill development to establish small and large scale businesses and industries, promotion them, and to uproot conservative practices from the society by establishing social norms, democratic value, and raise awareness on patriotism and preserve world’s valuable cultural practices.
The necessity of the University establishment was felt in 2055BS; as a result, the first World Buddhist Summit formally proclaimed the establishment of the University. The journey started with the declaration. The summit was held on 14th-16th Mangsir which made a historic announcement of establishing an international university in the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. That was not only a major breakthrough also a ground breaking decision. Subsequently, the colloquium of district-based political leaders, people’s representatives, educationists, teachers, professors, advocates, journalists, pupils, business persons added a stepping stone in the campaign of the University establishment. In addition, this campaign was underpinned by the then member of parliament, district development committee and municipal people’s representatives who played a catalytic role. The sole responsibility of the campaign was given to the representatives of the main preparatory committee of the University.
Eventually, on 14 Mangsir 2061 an ordinance was endorsed in the appellation of Lumbini Buddhist University, which was converted into an Act in 2063BS and approved by the Second Buddhist Summit which was held on 15th-17th Mangir 2061. Following the Act endorsement decision, which appeared to be a milestone in establishing the University and the appointment of Vice Chancellor in Shrawan 2062, the University commenced its formal academic and administrative work.
Innovative Initiatives
Project Devadaha
Based on community forest, develop research-based academic programs in the areas of Agro-forestry. Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies (environmental design and nature conservation)
Project Traditional Medicine and Health Practices
Preserve and promote traditional medicine and health practices, develop research-based programs on traditional medicine and health practices (e.g. Traditional Vaidya, Sowa rigpa, Yoga and Meditation)
Project Greater Lumbini
With the cooperation of national initiatives/projects for archaeological exploration and conservation develop research-based academic programs on archaeology, museology, management of heritages; Develop institutions of core Buddhism and contemporary Applied Buddhism focused to community development (sustainable development) in Lumbini
Project Kathmandu Valley
With the cooperation of national initiatives/projects for the conservation of unique national heritages in the valley develop research-based academic programs on archaeology, museology, management of tangible as well as intangible heritages, art and culture, and sustainable development.
Project Himalayan Region
With the cooperation of national and international initiatives/projects for the conservation of the unique heritage of the Himalayan Region management of tangible as well as intangible heritages, art and culture and sustainable development.
Project Buddhist Library
With the cooperation of the National Archives, Department of Archaeology, Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), Asha Safukuthi, Monasteries, Viharas and Vahis develop research library network.
Project Karuna
Starting from core Lumbini development area undertake action research for the social and economic transformation of village communities (for economic development, social development and connecting with the conservation of Lumbini)
The University’s Academic Sphere
The Lumbini Buddhist University offers various programs from one faculty; however, as demand of other streams is ever growing, the University is planning to launch other faculties from the incoming academic session. The Lumbini Buddhist University facilitates the following qualifications in different levels:
- One Year Programs:
- PGD in Archaeology and Buddhist Archaeological Sites
- PGD in Buddhist Studies
- PGD in Traditional Nepalese Art
- PGD in Library, Information Science and Buddhist Archival Management
- PGD in Yogic Science and Buddhism
- Bachelor Level Programs:
- BA in Buddhism and Humanities
- Bachelor in Sowa Rigpa Medicine—Himalayan Buddhist Medicine
- Bachelor in Buddhism and Travel and Tourism Management
- Bachelor in Public Relations and Buddhism
- Master’s Level Programs:
- MA in Theravada Buddhism
- MA in Mahayana Buddhism
- MA in Applied Buddhism
- MA in Buddhism and Himalayan Studies
- MA in Buddhism and Peace Studies
- MA in Museology and Buddhist Collections
- M.Sc. in Disaster Risk and Engineering Management
- Master in Buddhist Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- PhD Program
Constituent Campuses
- Central Campus, Lumbini
- BTTM with Honors in Buddhism Program in Butwal
- BALLB with Honors in Buddhism Program in Butwal
- Museology and Archaeology Program in Lalitpur
- Museology and Archeology Program in Lumbini
Affiliated Colleges
- Lotus Academic College, Lalitpur
- Sugat Buddhist College, Lalitpur
- Theravada Buddhist Academy, Kathmandu
- Lumbini College of Buddhism and Himalayan Studies, Bouddha, Kathmandu
- Bouddha Multiple Campus, Bouddha, Kathmandu
- Lumbini International Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur
- Sowa Rigpa International College, Jorpati, Arubari, Kathmandu
- Jiri Buddhist College, Dolkha
Physical Infrastructure
The Lumbini Buddhist University possesses around 18.40 acres (11 bigas) of land within Lumbini Area. The central office is elongated over 3.34 acres (2 bigas) of land; the area of girls’ hostel and accommodation for the University officials is spread over 6.68 acres (4 bigas) of land, which has been provided by Lumbini Development Trust. In addition, the infrastructure for the accommodation of teachers and girls’ hostel has been built in Kotimai rural municipality, endowed by the Government of Nepal.
A total of 12 autonomous buildings are being constructed in Lumbini Area. The central office has occupied four blocks, and two buildings have been built for the accommodation of girls and boys separately. The remaining buildings are under construction for the University professors and officials. In addition, the University owns a wealth of teaching materials and apparatus for teaching and learning activities which require additional buildings. The major drawback of the University is that it does not have sufficient infrastructures. Establishing a university is apparently different from establishing a college or campus; therefore, a university should be established in a capacious area with all requisites for quality education. In this regard, the University should prepare long-term strategic planning in order to accomplish ongoing and futuristic programs efficiently. Moreover, it is inevitable to escalate the status of the Lumbini Buddhist University, which is the Standalone University in Province 5, to greater heights so that it will hoist the flag of social and economic reforms.
