Master in Buddhism and Sustainable Development

The Master in Buddhism and Sustainable Development (MBSD) program combines Buddhist philosophy with practical analysis of societal development issues through non-violent and sustainable approaches. It is offered by the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University and integrates social science, humanities, and concepts from natural and applied sciences. The course comprises 16 regular courses including a compulsory thesis, spread across four semesters over two years, with students selecting two electives over the course. Students study Buddhist philosophical ideas and their application to development challenges, focusing on peaceful and sustainable solutions. The program uses lectures, discussions, presentations, seminars, audiovisual materials, term papers, and field visits for teaching, and assessment includes term-end exams and continuous internal evaluation. The course is designed to deepen understanding of Buddhist perspectives on development theories, practices, policies, and sustainability.

Modules

• Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy
• Foundation of Development
• Sustainability study
• Ecology, environment and sustainable development
• Governance and development
• Project design and management
• Abhidharma and Psychology
• Sustainable pathways of development
• Buddhist Meditation
• Narratives of development in Nepal
• Sustaining peace and social transformation
• Sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurship development

Students from any discipline having passed a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent from any recognized university are eligible to apply. Admission requires a written entrance examination followed by an interview. The minimum requirement is completion of a Bachelor’s degree in applied, social or natural sciences from a recognized university.