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Objectives

The main objectives of this programme are to, 

  1. Teach and train the Buddhist teachings related to counseling.
  2. Improve in depth and timely relevance of the applicability of Buddhist methods of counseling.
  3. Enhance the modern counseling practices through Buddhist methods of counseling.

SLQF – Level 3

NVQ – Level 5

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to,

  1. Recognize knowledge about the fundamentals of Buddhist teachings related to counseling.
  2. Produce creative and logical thinkers who identify the Buddhist methods of counseling
  3. Analyze and compare the modern counseling principles with Buddhist methods of counseling, with practical value and applicability
  4. Interpret the counseling values found in the early Pali literature
  5. Assess sufficient knowledge on Buddhist counseling that could be used to resolve psychological and social problems in the global context

Description of the course

The main essence of Buddhism, the fundamental teachings of the historical Buddha and the core of all major branches of Buddhism, is psychology, not religion or philosophy. In the recent decade with the emergence of positive psychology; more and more American and European researchers are paying attention on the study of Buddhist Psychology especially with regard to mindfulness training and its application. In other words, Buddhist psychology is a science of mind, which studies the specific Buddhist approaches to mind. Hence, the purpose of this course is to provide the knowledge and the values found in the Pāli literature. 

The course content is based on the nature of human being with reference to early Buddhist teachings, the analysis of mental illnesses and problematic behaviors, the relevance of basic Buddhist teachings for counseling purposes, therapeutic theories and approaches of Buddhist Counseling, the qualifications of the Buddhist Counselor, utterances of Buddhist disciples who had gained fulfillment, Buddhist meditation and the Brahmavihāras and the importance of Buddhist Counseling for resolving psychological and social problems in the global context.

The Diploma in Buddhist counselling is available to anyone who is interested in Buddhist studies and the working of the human mind. The diploma provides the foundation year of studies for those wishing to train to work in the mental health area as Buddhist Counsellors. The Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies has designed this course incorporating Buddhist insights into western counseling theory and practice.

Course Structure

Subject code

Name of the Subject

No. of lecture Hours

Notional Learning Hours

Credit

 

Semester 1

   

DBUC 1110

Introduction to Buddhist psychology 

45

150

03

DBUC 1120

Buddhist Perspectives on Emotions and Well-Being

45

150

03

DBUC 1130

Buddhism and personality development

45

150

03

DBUC 1140

Buddhist Counselling and psychology

45

150

03

DBUC 1150

Buddhist Meditation and character development 

45

150

03

DBUC 1160

Buddhism and mental problem

45

150

03

 

Semester 11

   

DBUC 1210

Aesthetics and Buddhist Counseling

45

150

03

DBUC 1220

Social problems and Buddhist counseling

45

150

03

DBUC 1230

Buddhist Psychotherapy

45

150

03

DBUC 1990

Dissertation   Phase 

45

150

03

 

 

450

1500

30