Humanistic Buddhism
Flexible Delivery
A hybrid approach enables flexibility to study either online or on campus, combining self-directed study with teacher-led workshops, tutorials and interactive sessions.
Study at your own pace
Full-time and part-time study options available to all students.
FEE-HELP & Scholarships
FEE-HELP available for students. No loan fees or application fees apply to postgraduate students. Some individual subjects have scholarships available.
Graduate Certificate
in Humanistic Buddhism
The Humanistic Buddhism Program at NTI – the first of its kind in Australiasia – is designed to help you cope with an increasingly dynamic and interdependent modern world using Buddhist principles and values.
The program draws on the strengths of NTI’s unique resources within its teaching programs, bringing a spirit of creativity and openness to the intellectual exploration of meaning within your personal and professional life.
You will study a range of subjects on Buddhist history, thought and praxis. But very close to Nan Tien Temple, you will have an opportunity to experience and study this religious setting (in terms of social engagement, worship, and organisation) as an example to inspire further pursuits.
In addition, the program will prepare you acrss disciples and beyond, with regular faculty members and visiting lecturers with a diverse range of specialities.
Explore Humanistic Buddhism Subjects
Below is a list of all the subjects available for Humanistic Buddhism (HB) enrolments. Access to specific subject requirements will vary. Please refer to information about specific subjects for details.
HB801
Foundational Texts in Humanistic Buddhism
Students will survey a variety of texts including recent scholarship and historical commentaries on sūtras by humanistic Buddhist masters, cultivating both an analytical ability and understanding of contemporary interpretation. The subject also informs students of different methodological approaches to textual analysis, issues with translation, as well as the writings and lives of exemplary Buddhist practitioners.
HB802
Principles of Professional Engagement
Students will explore the effectiveness of a variety of communication and teaching strategies in multicultural and multi-faith communities to apply best practice and exercise humanistic values in a contemplative manner. Topics covered include ethical engagement, teaching methodologies, contemplative learning strategies, religious promotion, and project management in both faith-based and secular communities.
ABS801
Introduction to Buddhism
This subject is an introduction to the fundamentals of Buddhist thought. Students will examine the origin and development of Buddhism, key doctrines, and common concepts across various traditions. This subject gives students a foundation for Buddhist studies by critically engaging with historical sources and following the development of Buddhist communities throughout Asia up to the modern period.
ABS904
Buddhist Ethics
This subject provides an overview of Buddhist ethics in different traditions. A number of contemporary issues are reviewed and discussed using the lens of Buddhist ethical traditions: issues examined include the natural world (environment, animals, conservation), abortion, suicide, euthanasia, war, gender and sexuality, economics, social responsibility, health, etc.
ABS920
Buddhism and Interreligious Understanding
The subject examines the foundations of religious studies, history and development of the major world religions and their position in the context of modern societal problems, conflict resolution and peace. Students will investigate the role and future of religion and interfaith dialogue in our globalised world, plus how Buddhist perspectives could inform and contribute to contemporary interfaith dialogue.
ABS922
Buddhism and Modern Society
Students will explore how traditional Buddhist communities adapt to modernity and how Buddhist teachings are interpreted, reinvented or embraced, including Buddhist responses to globalisation, science and technology, economics, consumerism, workplace management, ethical leadership, bio-ethics, gender issues and/or environmental sustainability.
ABS923
Health as Buddhist Practice
This subject will explore the Buddhist understanding of medicine life in the historical Buddha’s time. The deficiencies and dilemmas of modern biomedical healthcare, despite “evidence-based care,” will be presented, together with the emergence of effective Buddhist insights and principles, notably a broad spectrum of mindfulness-based interventions, which are subject to ongoing research.
ABS933
Buddhist Art as Visual Communication
The aim of this subject is to teach the knowledge and interpretative skills necessary to fully engage with Buddhist material culture. Students will also analyse the image of the historical Buddha Sakyamuni, characteristics and distinguishing qualities of diverse buddhas and bodhisattvas, symbols, the generation of merit through commissions, the visualisation of a deity, and the power of inscribed dharani and ‘seed’ syllables.
ABS940
Naturalism of Buddhism in China and Beyond
This subject offers an advanced introduction to the history, doctrines, beliefs and practices of Buddhism in China. China is selected because of the successful sinicisation process that includes the transformation of various Buddhist traditions, their interaction with indigenous philosophy, culture and religious practices from the turn of the Common Era to the present and continued assimilated by other cultures.
NTI800
Critical Inquiry
This subject is designed to prepare students to be successful in their postgraduate studies by strengthening existing academic abilities and literacies gained through undergraduate study. It introduces contemporary topics to help students develop critical thinking, research and communication skills and includes an introduction to contemplative inquiry and reflective practices, which underpin NTI’s postgraduate curriculum.