The faculty at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) in Sarnath, Varanasi, comprises a unique blend of traditional monastic scholars (Geshes, Khenpos, and Lharampas) alongside modern university professors. Organized around the classical Panch Mahavidya (Five Major Sciences) framework, the teaching body supports undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and specialized research programs.
The academic body is divided into specialized faculties and 13 distinct academic departments:
Faculty of Hetu & Adhyatma Vidya (Philosophy & Logic): Focuses on Buddhist philosophy, logic (Hetuvidya), epistemology, and comparative philosophy.
Faculty of Shabda Vidya (Languages & Literature): Encompasses departments for Tibetan Language & Literature, Sanskrit, Pali, Hindi, and English.
Faculty of Chikitsa & Shilpa Vidya (Sowa-Rigpa & Arts): Oversees traditional Tibetan Medicine (Sowa-Rigpa), Astro-Science (Bhot Jyotish), and traditional arts like Thangka painting and woodcarving.
Faculty of Adhunik Vidya (Modern Studies & Social Sciences): Covers subjects including Political Science, Economics, History, Geography, and Asian Studies.
Faculty of Research: Dedicated to restoration, translation, compilation, and critical editing of ancient Sanskrit and Tibetan manuscripts.
Centre for Teacher Education (CTE): Specializes in pedagogy, teacher training (B.Ed.), and educational methodology tailored for language and cultural instructors.
CIHTS faculty members employ a dual-teaching methodology:
Traditional Nalanda Debate Method: Daily debate practice (Kanthastha Pariksha and dialectical debate) to test logical clarity, textual memorization, and analytical reasoning.
Modern Research & Interdisciplinary Pedagogy: Utilization of language laboratories, digital cataloging, translation frameworks, and continuous evaluation models aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Prof. Lobsang Tenzin: Senior Professor and prominent academician in Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan Studies.
Dr. Dorjee Damdul: Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Sowa-Rigpa, specialized in traditional Tibetan medical sciences and pharmacology.
Dr. Jampa Thupten: Senior faculty member and Academic Coordinator.
Prof. Umesh C. Singh: Senior faculty member involved in teacher education and interdisciplinary pedagogy.
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