International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Buddhist Studies has evolved from a narrow textual and philological enterprise into a dynamic interdisciplinary field that engages with history, philosophy, anthropology, cognitive science, and digital humanities. This article traces the historical development of the discipline, from its colonial and Orientalist beginnings to its global institutionalization, and highlights key contributions of Asian scholars who reshaped its trajectory. It explores how Buddhist Studies has expanded beyond scripture to encompass ritual, art, and lived traditions, while also engaging with contemporary philosophy of mind, neuroscience, and ethics. Attention is given to the ways Buddhism has shaped social activism through Engaged Buddhism and influenced global culture through its cross-cultural transmissions. Methodological challenges—including insider/outsider perspectives, doctrinal versus practical emphases, and decolonial approaches—are examined, alongside the growing call for interdisciplinarity. Finally, the article considers future directions, including the role of digital archives, ecological ethics, and debates about artificial intelligence. Ultimately, Buddhist Studies emerges not only as an academic pursuit but also as a lens through which to address enduring human concerns: selfhood, suffering, compassion, and interdependence.

Keywords

Buddhist Studies; Buddhism; Orientalism; Philology; Interdisciplinarity; Philosophy of Mind; Non-self (anatta); Dependent Origination (pratītyasamutpāda); Engaged Buddhism; Ritual; Global Buddhism; Cognitive Science; Digital Humanities; Ecology; Artificial Intelligence; Consciousness; Cross-cultural Transmission; Ethics; Decolonial Scholarship; Lived Religion