The Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University marked a significant academic occasion with the successful completion of the Teachers Students Seminar 2025, held on May 22–23 (8–9 Jestha, 2082) at the Faculty’s Conference Hall in Lumbini. The two-day seminar brought together more than 50 participants, including faculty members, researchers, and graduate students from various Buddhist colleges and institutions across Nepal.
The program commenced with a traditional ceremony, including the recitation of the Five Precepts led by Venerable Bhikkhu Siri Vajira and the ceremonial offering of Khada to the Buddha statue. In his opening address, the Dr. Manikratna Shakya, Dean of Faculty of Buddhist Studies highlighted the seminar’s role in promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and strengthening academic engagement within the field of Buddhist studies. A key highlight of the inauguration was the official release of Lumbini Insight Vol. 2, the Faculty’s annual journal dedicated to research in Buddhist Studies.
Academic Discourse and Presentations
Day 1 of the seminar focused on textual studies and philosophical discussions. Mr. Kanchan Chitrakar presented on the complexities of transcribing and translating ancient Buddhist manuscripts for contemporary readers. His presentation was followed by Mr. Unnati GC’s research on the repatriation of stolen Buddhist artifacts from the Nepal Mandala, which led to a lively academic exchange.
Subsequent sessions addressed contemporary interpretations of Buddhist principles. Mr. Ashok Nanda Bajracharya examined Buddhist perspectives on gender equality, while Mr. Tenzin Norbu Lama offered a comparative study of foundational concepts in various Buddhist schools. Each session included structured Q&A segments, promoting scholarly interaction among the diverse audience.
Day 2 shifted focus to the application of Buddhist teachings in modern contexts. This was followed by Mr. Suraj Ghimire’s proposal for integrating Buddhist management principles into sustainable business practices. Later sessions included Dr. Nyima Sherpa’s analysis of Buddhist frameworks for sustainable development and Mr. Abhishek Raj Bajracharya’s study on leadership cultivation through Buddhist teachings. These presentations demonstrated the potential of Buddhist thought to contribute to fields such as environmental sustainability, leadership, and social development.
Key Outcomes and Reflections
The launch of Lumbini Insight Vol. 2 reinforced the university’s growing role in Buddhist academic publishing. Venerable Siri Vajira’s morning recitations provided a contemplative tone that many participants found inspiring. A poster exhibition showcased the innovative researchers who presented their papers in the Seminar. A concluding certificate ceremony acknowledged the contributions of presenters and student volunteers, whose efforts ensured the smooth coordination of the event. Importantly, the seminar fostered new academic collaborations, with several participants announcing plans for joint research initiatives.
Looking Ahead
In his closing remarksProf. Basanta Bidari expressed appreciation for the active engagement of all participants. The Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies announced plans to publish a volume of selected seminar papers, further extending the event’s academic impact. The university also signaled its intention to expand the scope of future seminars, with planning discussions already in progress for the 2026 edition.
The Teachers-Students Seminar 2025 has strengthened academic networks within Nepal’s Buddhist community and reaffirmed the relevance of Buddhist studies in addressing contemporary academic and societal challenges.