International Young Buddhist Scholars Conference

Reported by Wong Ping Ling
In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of International Buddhist College (IBC), IBC in collaboration with Than Hsiang Foundation held a one-day International Young Buddhist Scholars Conference (English) at Than Hsiang Temple, Penang on Saturday, 23rd November 2024.

The objective of the conference was to provide an academic platform for young Buddhist scholars to present their papers, discuss and exchange ideas in order to promote Buddhist Education. It is hoped that the Conference will strengthen the co-operation among Buddhist scholars.

In his opening address, Ven. Dr. Wei Wu, the Council Chairman of IBC thanked the presenters for coming from different parts of the world to ensure the success of the Conference. He also gave a brief history of IBC and highlighted its achievements. Following this, Dr. Ooi Eng Jin of Mahidol University, Thailand, gave a keynote speech on the “Buddhist Textual Traditions in Ancient Kedah, Malaysia”.

The conference attracted young Buddhist scholars from six countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. Ten young scholars presented their papers physically or online. The presenters and their respective papers were as follows:

1) Miss Beier Wang: Prapañca in the Yogācārabhūmi Corpus
2) Miss Usha Chakma: The Nature and Significance of Buddhist Ceremonial Practices of the Chakma Community in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
3) Mr. Vishwa Sri Vimukthi: Mapping the Underlying Theme of Moggallāna’s Grammar within Selected Primary Contexts
4) Ven. Amunudowe Hemasiri Thero: Three Spiritual faculties: A study of Tīni lokuttaraindriyāni in Theravāda Abhidhamma
5) Ven. Sandamadulle Sumanasara: Exploring Ideological Harmony: A Theravada Perspective on the Forty-Two Chapters Sutta (四⼗二章经)
6) Dr Chao Chi Chiu: Bodhisattva Bodies - Early Twentieth Century Indian Influences on Modern Japanese Buddhist Art
7) Dr. Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury: Timeless Spirit of Engaged Buddhism: An Altruistic Role of Karmayōgī Kṛpāśaraṇa Mahāthērō (1865-1926) in Pre-partition Bengal
8) Ven. Swe Swe Nwe: Contribution of Buddhist Nuns in Social Development by Engaged Buddhism in Myanmar
9) Dr. Kang Wang (online): An Examination of the Origin and Development of Self Nature: Focusing on Sarvāstivāda and Mūlamadhyamakakārikā
10) Miss Storai Shams Mayar (online): Brief Review of some Buddhist Stupas in Afghanistan

It was a successful conference with an interesting and diverse range of topics being presented and discussed. There was good interaction between the speakers and audience. The audience comprising of about 35 participants were enthusiastic in questioning and sharing their experiences/knowledge.

The following day, the speakers from overseas were given a tour of Penang organised by Than Hsiang Temple. They visited Kek Lok Si Temple, Armenian Street with its street murals, Khoo Kongsi, Penang Peranakan Mansion, etc.

IBC and Than Hsiang Foundation would like to express their appreciation to the organising committee, speakers, moderators, participants, volunteers, staff and all members who contributed either directly or indirectly to the success of the conference. A big “thank you” and “Sadhu” to everyone!