Lumbini, April 8, 2025 — The Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University organized the PhD Scholars Seminar 2025 on April 7–8, 2025, at the Senate Hall of the university’s Central Office. The two-day academic event aimed at fostering scholarly exchange and enhancing research quality among doctoral candidates.
The seminar commenced with a formal opening session, beginning with registration at 8:30 AM on April 7, followed by the recitation of the Five Precepts by Bhikkhu Siri Vajira, offering of Khada on the Buddha Statue, and welcome remarks that highlighted the objectives of the seminar. The opening was graced by the presence of the Registrar and Vice-Chancellor of the university, who shared their thoughts on the importance of academic engagement in Buddhist studies.
Scholarly Presentations and Insightful Discussions
Over the course of two days, more than twenty scholarly papers were presented by PhD researchers, with each session moderated and commented on by esteemed professors and scholars in the field. Topics ranged from Buddhism and Human Rights, Mindfulness in the West, Sustainable Tourism, and Organizational Management, to more localized and cultural perspectives like Buddhism in the Gurung Community and Vipassana Wellness Tourism in Nepal.
The presentations were divided into six sessions across the two days:
· Day 1 featured three sessions with vibrant discussions moderated by senior academics such as Prof. Dr. Gitu Giri, Dr. Kul Prasad Khanal, Dr. Shree Bhattarai, and Mr. Rajendra Ghimire.
· Day 2 included three additional sessions with presentations on topics such as Buddhist Mindfulness in Professional Well-being, Conflict Management through Metta Practice, and Chinese Translations of the Heart Sutra.
International and local participants presented their research with commentary from scholars including Dr. Nyima Sherpa, Prof. Basanta Bidari, Prof. Dr. Gitu Giri, Dr. Kumar Khadka, and others. The seminar witnessed meaningful contributions from both Nepali and international scholars, reflecting the university’s inclusive and diverse academic ethos.
Engagement and Reflections
The seminar concluded with a closing session on April 8, where certificates were distributed, and participants shared their experiences and feedback. A formal vote of thanks was delivered, and the program ended with closing remarks from faculty representatives.
This annual seminar not only provided a platform for research dissemination but also served as a forum for critical feedback, which will help researchers refine their papers for future publication. According to organizers, scholars who presented papers will be expected to revise and resubmit their work within 15 days, incorporating expert suggestions.