Aims and Objectives

The programme is targeted for those who choose to pursue a Master Degree in Chinese Buddhism and those prospective learners who aspire to learn the philosophy, ethos, and culture of Buddhism. It focuses on the Mahāyāna Buddhism flourishing mainly in East Asia, especially in China. It is a bilingual program with a substantial number of courses taught in Putonghua. Some of the courses are taught in English and Cantonese when necessary.

The programme aspires to nurture scholars and provides them with the professional and comprehensive training in Buddhist studies. It promotes an academic study of Buddhism that studies Buddhism in its many forms within its Asian historical and cultural context. It conducts the training and studies by different approaches, including the textual, philosophical, historical and ethical studies of Buddhism. The programme is expected to provide and promote an Asian holistic Buddhist Studies and to nurture Buddhist talents.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes of the program are as follow:

1. Knowledge 
   To equip students with a basic understanding of Buddhism in its historical, local and global contexts with special reference to the major traditions of Mahāyāna Buddhism in East Asia.
   
   To enable students to obtain a broad knowledge of Buddhist Studies as a discipline and a more specialized knowledge in a particular sub-field of concentration. 
    
2. Skills
   To enhance the students’ capability of academic enquiry, including the ability to think logically and critically, the ability to interpret, analyse and articulate sophisticated arguments in Buddhist Studies. 
   
   To help the students develop research skills in Buddhist Studies, including their competence in academic writing and presentation in order to prepare them for further academic research in Buddhist Studies.
    
3. Attitude
   To develop a reflective and empathetic attitude in understanding Buddhism.
   
   To cultivate an empathetic and appreciative attitude towards the plurality of religions, especially the religious traditions to which one does not belong.
   
   To develop a positive life attitude so as to help the students foster a holistic outlook of life critically inspired by and informed with the Buddhist worldview.