PhD in Religious Studies- Buddhist Studies in Stanford United States | Stanford University

The Buddhist Studies specialization within the Religious Studies Department focuses on the scholarly examination of Buddhist traditions across different regions and historical periods, extending to contemporary practices. Our faculty members concentrate on Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese Buddhist traditions (though we currently lack specialists in Korean or Southeast Asian Buddhism). Research areas encompass historical analysis, literary studies, philosophical inquiry, material artifacts, ceremonial practices, and musical traditions. Students pursuing Buddhist Studies enhance their language proficiency (such as Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, or Japanese) while deepening their expertise for dissertation research. Simultaneously, they gain comprehensive understanding of global Buddhist traditions and develop the theoretical and methodological competencies essential for Religious Studies scholars.