Contributing to Society through World-Class Buddhist Education

Ryukoku University has a long history dating back to the Gakuryo—a Buddhist seminary established in 1639 in the precincts of Nishi Hongwanji Temple. Ryukoku University celebrated its 380^th anniversary in 2019, and its higher educational and research activities are the oldest in Japan.

Such long traditions have fostered the spirit of deep human insight. This insight is inspired by the teachings of Shinran Shonin, who lived through the turbulent Kamakura Period (1185-1333 CE) and established Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (Pure Land Buddhism). Since Ryukoku University’s establishment, its educational and research activities have continuously adhered to the teachings of Jodo Shinshu as its founding spirit. While tradition may seem old-fashioned, it cannot be sustained unless we apply its philosophy when experiencing the realities of society in our day-to-day lives. As we face various contradictions and problems, our traditions continue to be renewed.

Ryukoku University’s custom of respecting “innovation” and “ambition” is clearly born from its traditions. The creation of new knowledge opportunities is a feature Ryukoku University is proudest of, as demonstrated by its great educational reforms during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the Otani Expedition (known for its research exploration of the Silk Road), various projects which promoted advanced research during the post-war period, and being the first Buddhist University in Japan to establish a Faculty of Science and Technology, as well as a Faculty of Agriculture. However, the greatest characteristic of Ryukoku University is its atmosphere, which promotes harmonious living with others.

In recent years, an increasing number of students are showing interest in activities which contribute to society. Ryukoku University promotes “Buddhist SDGs,” a set of principles linking Buddhism and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, with its core being the behavioral philosophy of jisei rita (introspective altruism). This philosophy expresses the ambition to continuously reflect on one’s own innate selfishness, to consider one’s existence consisting of countless connections with others, and to behave in a way that contributes to the well-being of all, with importance placed on relationships. In the modern world, people are becoming more and more separate from each other. At Ryukoku University, however, we emphasize altruism and foster the spirit of cherishing all lives. “Altruism” is the opposite of “exclusiveness” and is a spirit which has long been nurtured and passed down through Buddhist teachings. Our students are made aware of the importance of helping and supporting each other as they study at Ryukoku University.

True learning begins when a student realizes the ignorance of their own narrow viewpoint. Ryukoku University fosters the strength to face social issues and overcome difficulties.

Fukakusa campus

Campuses, Facilities and Networks within Japan and Overseas

Ryukoku University is a comprehensive university with approximately 20,000 students enrolled in 10 undergraduate faculties, one junior college and 10 graduate schools in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences on three unique campuses. Fukakusa Campus combines the wisdom of social sciences to create new knowledge and values in a rapidly changing social environment dedicated to nature positivity. Seta Campus is based in the natural sciences and drives value creation and social change by addressing environmental issues such as carbon neutrality. The Omiya Campus, the university’s “origin campus,” is designed to deepen learning and research in the humanities, and boasts a world-renowned library and the nearby Ryukoku Museum.

Ryukoku Museum, founded in 2011, is the only comprehensive museum of Buddhism in Japan. Located approximately 12 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station (in front of Nishi Hongwanji Temple), it offers a diverse variety of exhibitions introducing the birth of Buddhism in India, its spread through Asia and the development of Japanese Buddhism up to the present, in addition to special themed exhibitions.

Special cultural artifacts are displayed to deepen understanding of Buddhist culture, promote academic research and to share research findings with the public. A permanent display of particular interest is a 15-meter-long tunnel (opposite page, top) consisting of digitally recreated religious wall paintings from the Number 15 Cave of the Bezeklik Cave Temple system, located on the outskirts of Turpan in the Uyghur Autonomous Region and said to have been the apex of Uyghur Buddhist art. 

Overseas, Ryukoku University has bases for education and research in the United States, both in Berkeley, California and through the Buddhist Study Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Numerous students also experience studies abroad through our extensive network of partner institutions in 44 countries and regions throughout the world. Looking to the future, in 2027 a new eight-story building will be completed in front of Kyoto Station which will serve as a joint base for Ryukoku University, corporations, financial institutions and other organizations to foster human resources capable of solving various social issues.

Omiya campus

Yunus Social Business Research Center

Ryukoku University is committed to the aforementioned action philosophy of jisei rita, and to education which respects diversity. To this end, the Yunus Social Business Research Center (YSBRC) was established in 2019, the university’s 380th anniversary, to conduct research and carry out practical activities for a sustainable society.

YSBRC works to create social values by embodying SDGs from a Buddhist perspective and carrying out the local implementation of social business. In particular, the center aims to realize its goals by harnessing the power of the younger generation through collaboration with other Yunus Social Business Research Centers around the world.

We hope that each student will open “the door to life” and contribute to society as a “sincere citizen,” and we are confident that they will have a great impact while keeping their Ryukoku University education in mind.