The prestigious MCU
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) is based in Thailand. It started off as a monastic college named Mahathat Witthahayalai, teaching the monks and novices of Wat Mahathat. In 1896, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn the Great (RamaV), raised the status of Mahathat Witthahayalai to that of a royal college and so it was renamed Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya (meaning “The Great Chulalongkorn Royal College”). The new royal college aimed to provide Tipitaka studies and higher education, not only for monks and novices, but also for laypeople.
In 1947, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya opened a primary school and two years later, a secondary school. This was followed by the establishment of a faculty of Buddhist Studies at undergraduate level in 1950. Today, there are 10 campuses along with 7 Buddhist colleges, 10 extended classrooms and 18 academic service units. Our institute which is known throughout Asia for its high standard of education has seven overseas affiliated institutions, including the first European one, the EBTC.
MCU firmly intends to be the international center of Buddhist and philosophical education and research, and to produce graduates with Buddhist academic excellence, abilities to apply Buddhist knowledge to various sciences, respectable conduct, curiosity, spiritual and intellectual leadership, problem-solving abilities, faithfulness and dedication towards Buddhism, self-sacrifice for society, understanding of social changes and with the potential to develop themselves.
MCU conducts research that develops the Buddhist body of knowledge along with learning and teaching processes which emphasize the development of Tipitaka knowledge through interdisciplinary means. The University applies the knowledge to solve moral problems in society and to develop Buddhist academics. The University works to cultivate a greater sense of moral responsibility in people and, to this effect, organizes meetings and seminars, and conducts training programs for ordained and lay personnel, helping them to develop leadership characteristics that uphold and propagate Buddhism, as well as producing capable teachers of mind-development. MCU summerizes the nine desirable characteristics of its graduates as follows:
| M – Morality A – Awareness H – Helpfulness A – Ability C – Curiosity H – Hospitality U – Universality L – Leadership A – Aspiration |
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