Introduction:
Established in 2004 at the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini Buddhist University stands as the sole Buddhist University in Nepal. Having entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with numerous Buddhist Universities and Institutions both nationally and internationally, the university is dedicated to imparting knowledge of Buddha’s teachings through innovative teaching, learning, and research methodologies. In the academic trajectory of the university, LBU has been launching various types of academic programs in collaboration with national and international institutions.
At present, people around the world are facing various types of problems such as environmental crises, global warming, ecological imbalance, and physical and psychological ailments, there is a pressing need to explore the relevance of Buddhist education, particularly from the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. The upcoming International Seminar, hosted by Lumbini Buddhist University and its esteemed partners, aims to delve into this imperative inquiry.
The seminar seeks to address the following questions: What forms of Buddhist education are essential in addressing contemporary global challenges? How can Lumbini Buddhist University contribute to disseminating such education? What types of courses are expected by the people around the world?
In this context, the seminar aims to identify and discuss the essential Buddhist education courses that hold significant applicability in the present global context. By focusing on the significance of Buddhist education, the seminar endeavors to uncover insights that can inform the educational programs offered by Lumbini Buddhist University and contribute to addressing the complex issues confronting humanity
In this regard, Lumbini Buddhist University, in collaboration with its esteemed partners, is delighted to announce an International Seminar scheduled for May 5 and 6, 2024, at Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini, Nepal.
Objectives:
The primary objectives of the seminar are as follows:
Facilitate meaningful dialogues among Scholars on the types of Buddhist teachings to be disseminated from the birthplace of Buddha.
Identify collaborative initiatives, academic programs, and research opportunities contributing to the preservation and promotion of Buddhist heritage.
Discuss resources, funding mechanisms for expanding Buddhist education.
Significance:
The seminar will provide a platform for sharing insights and perspectives on the dissemination of Buddhist teachings, with a particular focus on teachings emanating from the birthplace of Buddha. These collaborations have fostered academic and cultural exchanges, contributing to the global understanding and promotion of Buddhist principles. This seminar will serve as a platform for scholars, practitioners, and representatives from these institutions to share their perspectives, research findings, and practical experiences.
Ideally, education is the principal tool of human growth, essential for transforming the
unlettered child into a mature and responsible adult. Yet everywhere today, both in the
developed world and the developing world, we can see that formal education has become so
routinized rather than an adventure in learning. The word “education” literally means “to
bring forth,” which indicates that the true task of this process is to draw forth from the mind
its innate potential for understanding. The urge to learn, to know and comprehend is a basic
human trait, as intrinsic to our minds as hunger and thirst are to our bodies.
In the world of education, it has recognized that to cope with the 21st century problems we
need to have 21st century skills which comprise of core subjects (3Rs and 21st century
themes); learning and innovation skills (4Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration,
creativity; information, media and technology skills; life and career skills.
Surprisingly, the heart of Buddhist teaching is the education which can be summarized under
Buddhist 3Rs or threefold education viz. Sīla (Regulating/Relationship), Samādhi
(Reflecting), and Paññā (Reasoning). This Buddhist education teaches us how to manoeuvre
our lives to be peaceful, prosper and happy in addition to the highly competitive knowledge
for today’s economic driven society with constructive creativity and social relationship. In
other words, it fully answers what the 21st century skills looking for.
Themes of Seminar:
The seminar will explore the following key themes:
- Exploration of the role of partner institutions in promoting Buddha’s teachings from the birthplace of Buddha and consideration of innovative approaches to Buddhist teachings in contemporary contexts worldwide.
- Navigating Global Challenges: The Role of Buddhist Education and Lumbini Buddhist University in Promoting Solutions
- Collaborative research initiatives and the launch of academic programs with MoU-signed universities and institutions.
- Discussions on resources and funding mechanisms for joint academic and research endeavors.
Seminar Outline:
The seminar will employ a combination of keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to share insights, experiences, and research findings, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment. The Seminar will take place on the premises of Lumbini Buddhist University, with one day dedicated to the seminar and another day separated for a tour of the historical and archaeological sites of Lumbini.
May 4 – Opening session, full day seminar,
May 5 – Half day panel discussion, closing session, after that excursion to Kapilvastu and lightening program in Lumbini
Expected Outcomes:
Teachers and students of Lumbini Buddhist University will gain new knowledge from the representatives. The discussions, presentations, and question-and-answer sessions among scholars will play an essential role in enhancing Buddha’s teachings from the birthplace of Buddha. Needed teachings and research for foreign individuals from LBU will be identified, benefiting people around the world seeking Buddhist studies.
The seminar should lead to creation of open curricula on Buddhism to share and impart in the world. This will develop Buddhist academic network in the field of teaching Buddhism in the world.
Publication:
The compilation of seminar proceedings and key findings will be published by LBU and distributed.
Accommodation:
LBU will provide local hospitality for the participants during the seminar. Participants are required to cover their airfare from their country to Lumbini.
Conclusion:
This seminar contribute to the global dialogue on the dissemination of essential Buddhist teachings at present global context and also support to find out needed Buddhist education addressing exiting global problems.
It is believed that this international seminar will serve as a milestone in fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings, and promoting collaboration in the field of Buddhist studies. We kindly request your support and participation in making this seminar a success. We look forward to the opportunity to bring together diverse perspectives and experiences for the advancement of Buddhist education and understanding.
Contact Information:
For further inquiries or expressions of interest, please contact: Lumbini Buddhist University Faculty of Buddhist Studies Lumbini, Nepal
Email :[email protected]
Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya
Dean
Faculty of Buddhist Studies
email: [email protected]