The Second Forum of #Taiwan_Buddhism was successfully held at the College of Buddhist Studies in Fo Guang University from November 3rd to 4th, 2023. This event was a collaborative effort by the Fo Guang Shan Foundation for Buddhist Culture and Education, the Graduate Institute of Religious Studies at National Chengchi University, and the College of Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University. The forum's focus for the year was the ‘ #Translocal Movement of Taiwan Buddhism', highlighting the dynamic spread and influence of Buddhism beyond local contexts.
A wide array of #topics were discussed through the papers presented, addressing the multifaceted nature of Buddhism as it traverses and adapts across different regions. These included insightful explorations into translocal sangha management, the evolution and historical trajectory of Taiwanese Buddhism, as well as the practices of Theravada meditation within Taiwan, among others.
During the opening ceremony, Master Tzu Hui(#慈惠法師), the head of the Fo Guang Shan Foundation for Buddhist Culture and Education, commended the chosen theme for its relevance and significance. Master Tzu Hui emphasized the importance of understanding the translocal dynamics of Taiwan Buddhism in the current global landscape, appreciating the comprehensive range of discussions that the theme enabled at this year's forum.
The Second Forum of Taiwan Buddhism not only showcased a series of #academic research presentations but also featured valuable #firsthand accounts from individuals actively involved in translocal Buddhist initiatives. Master Miaoyuan(#妙願法師) offered an engaging narrative on the establishment of the Fo Guang Shan chapter in Brazil, while Dr. Rey-sheng Ho(#何日生) recounted the impactful transnational charity efforts undertaken by the Tzu Chi Foundation.
The blend of scholarly discourse and practical insights marked the comprehensive nature of the forum, which #concluded_triumphantly after two days filled with both academic enlightenment and real-world testimonies. The event fostered a deeper understanding of #how Taiwan Buddhism extends its reach and adapts to new cultural landscapes around the world.
As the forum drew to a close, the baton was passed to the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies at Hsuan Chuang University(#玄奘大學宗教與文化學系), which is set to organize the Third Forum of Taiwan Buddhism(#第三屆臺灣佛教論壇). Participants and attendees alike anticipate that the next forum will continue to expand on the rich dialogue and exchange of ideas that have characterized these events.
President Ho Cho-fei of Fo Guang University delivering the opening remarks.
Director Wan Jin-chuan of the Center for Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University presiding over the opening ceremony.
Venerable Man Qian, Dean of the Fo Guang Shan Overseas Executive Council (left), and Mr. Rey-Sheng Her, Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation (right), engaging in a panel discussion.
Venerable Miao Guang, Deputy Director of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism (left), and Professor Deng Wei-jen, Chair of the Department of Buddhist Studies at Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (right), exchanging views.
Session 1: Professor Lee Yu-chen (Graduate Institute of Religious Studies, NCCU) and Venerable Miao Yuan (Researcher, Institute of Humanistic Buddhism) presenting papers (Center); Professor Hou Kun-hung (Department of Religion and Culture, Hsuan Chuang University) and Lecturer Lau Nga-sze (Department of Educational Administration and Policy, CUHK) serving as respondents (Right); Deputy CEO Rey-Sheng Her serving as moderator (Left).
Session 3: Professor Kan Cheng-zong (FGU Department of Buddhist Studies) presenting a paper and serving as a respondent (3rd from left). Paper presenters include Associate Professor Lin Yun-jou (Department of History, CCU; 1st from left) and Assistant Professor Lin Pei-ying (Graduate Institute of Religious Studies, NCCU; 3rd from right). Respondents include Professor Hou Kun-hung (Hsuan Chuang University; 2nd from left) and Assistant Professor Chien Jui-yao (FGU Department of Buddhist Studies; 1st from right). Assistant Professor Lin Hsin-yi (FGU Department of Buddhist Studies) served as the moderator.
Session 4: Paper presentations by Lecturer Lau Nga-sze (CUHK) and Postdoctoral Researcher Chen Fa-ling (Institute of Philosophy, NSYSU) (2nd and 3rd from left). Respondents include Assistant Professor Wen Tsung-kung (Department of Buddhist Studies, DILA) and Visiting Assistant Researcher Chiu Tzu-lun (Center for the Study of Chinese Religions, NCCU). Associate Professor Cheng Wei-yi (FGU Department of Buddhist Studies) served as moderator (1st from left).
The General Panel Discussion was moderated by Dean Guo Chao-shun of the FGU College of Buddhist Studies, with Professor Hou Kun-hung (Hsuan Chuang University), Professor Lee Yu-chen (NCCU), and Professor Kan Zheng-zong (FGU) serving as panelists.
Staff members from National Chengchi University and Fo Guang University posing for a group photo.