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.
佛光大學校長何卓飛於開幕式致詞。
佛光大學佛教研究中心主任萬金川主持開幕式。
佛光山海外巡監院院長滿謙法師（左）與慈濟慈善基金會副執行長何日生（右）與談分享。
佛光山人間佛教研究院副院長妙光法師（左）與法鼓文理學院佛教學系主任鄧偉仁（右）與談分享。
第一場分別由政治大學宗教研究所李玉珍教授及人間佛教研究院研究員妙願法師進行論文發表（中）；玄奘大學宗教與文化學系侯坤宏教授、香港中文大學教育行政與政策劉雅詩講師擔任回應人（右）；何日生副執行長擔任主持人（左）。
第三場由佛光大學佛教學系闞正宗教授進行論文發表及擔任回應人（左三），中正大學歷史系林韻柔副教授（左一）、政治大學宗教研究所林佩瑩助理教授（右三）進行論文發表；玄奘大學宗教與文化學系侯坤宏教授（左二）及佛光大學佛教學系簡瑞瑤助理教授（右一）分別擔任回應人（右）；佛光大學佛教學系林欣儀助理教授擔任主持人。
第四場由香港中文大學教育行政與政策劉雅詩講師、中山大學哲學研究所陳法菱博士後研究（左二、左三）進行論文發表，法鼓文理學院佛教學系溫宗堃助理教授、政治大學華人宗教研究中心客座助理研究員邱子倫擔任回應人（右二）；佛光大學佛教學系鄭維儀副教授擔任主持人（左一）。
綜合座談由佛光大學佛教學院郭朝順院長主持、玄奘大學侯坤宏教授、政治大學李玉珍教授、佛光大學闞正宗教授分別擔任與談人。
政治大學與佛光大學工作人員一同合影留念。