Buddhism Beyond Borders

MCU IBSC Collaborates with Bhutan’s Buddhist University to Launch “Buddhist Art of Happiness” Program

On June 28, 2024, at Tango Buddhist University in Thimphu, Bhutan, a significant meeting was held between the International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC) of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) and Tango Buddhist University. Representing IBSC, Venerable Phramaha Vacharapundit, the Director of IBSC, along with H.E. Tsulang Lopen Samtem Dorji, the Deputy Sangharaja of Bhutan, and Khenchen Kinzang Thinley, the Rector of Tango Buddhist University, led the discussions.

During the morning session, both institutions deliberated on the specifics of their collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In the afternoon, an international “Buddhist Art of Happiness” seminar was conducted to foster cooperation between Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Morning Session Summary:

 • Scholarships: Both institutions agreed to provide six full scholarships, covering undergraduate to doctoral levels. Additionally, IBSC will offer two more scholarships to the Nun Institute.

 • Exchange Programs: Starting in the academic year 2025, a pilot program will facilitate the exchange of five students and faculty members from each institution. A joint research project on the “Buddhist Art of Happiness” will also be initiated.

Immediate Cooperation:

 • Joint Program Launch: A non-degree co-certificate program titled “Buddhist Art of Happiness” will be launched in September 2024. A working group has been established to develop the course details, including module content, study duration in both countries, instructors, and other specifics.

Afternoon Session:

An international seminar on “Buddhist Art of Happiness” featured presentations from scholars and practitioners. The working group will use insights from this seminar to refine the co-certificate program to meet the needs of global learners interested in cultivating happiness in life and work.

Philosophical Foundation:

The teachings of the Buddha are timeless (Akiko) and universal, transcending boundaries of geography, gender, age, nationality, class, and caste. The ultimate truth, goodness, beauty, and happiness discovered by the Buddha are accessible to all humanity equally and fairly.

Just as diverse branches grow from the same trunk, Theravada and Vajrayana (Tantrayana) Buddhism originate from the same roots of original Buddhism. Now is the time to integrate diverse practices adapted by teachers and disciples to suit different temperaments and ways of life to attain the ultimate truth.

Conclusion:

The International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC) of MCU, Thailand, and Tango Buddhist University, Bhutan, are collaborating to study, research and design practices suited to the lifestyles and behaviors of people, communities, and societies worldwide. This partnership aims to provide mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom aligned with the changing global context, echoing the Buddha’s words: “Go forth for the good, for the happiness, and for the welfare of the many.”