Lumbini – Lumbini Buddhist University has announced the establishment of a study center in California, USA. The center will operate under the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, offering postgraduate programs and short-term academic courses.
The announcement was made by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, during a program held in Lumbini on Monday. Addressing the event, he stated that the admission process for the California center would commence within a few weeks. The announcement was made during a certificate distribution ceremony for students who had traveled from California for a short-term Buddhist Studies course.
The university has signed a collaboration agreement with the Enlight International Zen Meditation Center to facilitate its academic programs in California. A group of 25 students from this center recently visited Lumbini and completed a two-credit course as part of the short-term program.
Speaking at the event, University Registrar Dr. Tilak Ram Acharya emphasized that the university has partnered with over 40 institutions worldwide to expand international relations. He stated that, in accordance with the declaration made at the International Buddhist Conference, Lumbini Buddhist University is committed to promoting Buddhist education globally through the establishment of study centers in various locations.
Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Dr. Manikratna Shakya, highlighted the growing interest of international students in short-term Buddhist Studies programs. He expressed gratitude to American students for choosing Lumbini Buddhist University for their studies, mentioning that a similar short-term program was previously attended by a group of Chinese students.
The head of the International Zen Meditation Center in California, Bhikkhuni Jiu Mei, expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with Lumbini Buddhist University. She stated that their center is eager to work together to promote Buddhist education.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sagar Neupane, who facilitated the short-term academic program, noted that there has been significant interest from foreign students. He mentioned that scholars visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, have the opportunity to enroll in these short-term academic courses, making the initiative highly beneficial.
The university has officially introduced a range of short-term academic programs under the Faculty of Buddhist Studies. These programs, approved by the Academic Council, range from three to fifteen days and are designed for both individual and group participation. The curriculum includes Buddhist Studies, an introduction to Lumbini, and Vipassana meditation courses.