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
About Nan Tien Institute’s Humanistic Buddhism Program
The Humanistic Buddhism Program at NTI – the first of its kind in Australasia – blends Buddhist principles with humanistic values to address modern societal changes and equip graduates to be more curious, compassionate, reflective and insightful in their professional roles and personal lives.
You will be nourished from a diverse range of subjects, including Buddhist thought, ethics, art, and practice.You will be introduced to real-world examples of how to apply humanistic and Buddhist values in professional and social settings.
In addition, the program will prepare you for working or volunteering in a wide range of service-oriented disciplines guided by the expertise of our faculty members and visiting lecturers, The unique learning environment of NTI’s Humanistic Buddhism course has inspired its graduates to take their new knowledge and skills into diverse fields and sectors, from education and community development, to public service, arts and culture.
Located adjacent to Nan Tien Temple, you will have an opportunity to experience and observe Humanistic Buddhism in action, especially in terms of social engagement, community development, and personal development.
What students say about the Graduate Certificate in Humanistic Buddhism course
Below is a student/alumni testimonial from Dr Jose Ruben Lagos, domestic Graduate Certificate in Humanistic Buddhism student (last semester is 2024S2) who has given us permission to publicise his testimonial and photo:
“I am pleased to share my testimonial regarding the positive impact of “Humanistic Buddhism” studies from NTI, specially because thanks to the inception of the tools learned and trained in the first subjects, I was able to show my employer the value of ethics, critical enquiry and reflective thinking.
I mentioned that since I received a scholarship to conduct my postgraduate studies at Nan Tien Institute (NTI) I was saving the company over $12,000 in training. This was not only a positive financial saving for the business but led to substantial improvements in our operational standards.
The results speak for themselves. Our last two audits were completed with absolutely no non-compliance issues, a rare achievement in the care industry, top quality staff wanting to sign in with us, quality of services improved, etc. This success serves as evidence to the value of investing in these critical areas, which have undoubtedly contributed to our company’s excellence and compliance.
Some people jokingly asked me “and what are you going to do with that training? Are you going to get a job or get paid?” my answer was: “thanks to the Nan Tien Institute pedagogy I am working less hours per week, got a pay rise and have Friday off to do my community volunteering or studies.
So not too bad from a study that most people will believe that is not used as a money production, in fact it produced new neural networks in my brain making possible for me to be faster and with better quality at work, I consider Humanistic Buddhism studies not only interesting but applicable to many areas in my professional, academic and personal life” – then most of them ask how to be part of NTI.”
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.