In the spirit of history, Chinese and Japanese scholars exchange ideas on Buddhist Studies
Chinese monk Jianzhen reached Japan in 754 to spread Buddhism and stayed there for ten years until his death.
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The Fifth China-Japan Seminar on Buddhist Studies took place in Beijing on June 19th to 20th. Organized by the Institute for the Study of Buddhism and Religious Theory at Renmin University of China, the seminar drew over 30 scholars from both China and Japan. Attendees discussed topics related to the theme “Buddhism and Modernity”.
The exchange of ideas on Buddhist studies has been a very important area of non-governmental exchanges between the Chinese and the Japanese people, affirmed Fang Litian, director of the Institute for the Study of Buddhism and Religious Theory.
The history of Chinese and Japanese exchange between experts and practioners of Buddhism traces long roots. From the Sui, Tang and Song Dynasties until the Yuan and Ming dynasties, many famous monks came to China from Japan, such as Saichō (Dengyo Daishi), Kūkai (Kōbō-Daishi), Eisai and Dōgen Zenji; and noted Chinese monks also visited Japan, including Jianzhen and Ingen Ryūki. The undying spirit and courage of these monks will always be recorded in history, Fang said.
Fumihiko Sueki, head of the Japanese delegation and a professor from the University of Tokyo, emphasized that the Chinese and Japanese people can deepen their mutual understanding and trust through academic exchange.
Specific discussions included “Buddhism in the contemporary era: universality and locality”, “The historical background of the rise of the Buddhist Studies in modern China”, “The dimension, characteristics and problems of Chinese Buddhism’s modernity” and “Japanese Buddhism and the public space”.
Wang Haifeng is a reporter from Chinese Social Sciences Today.
The Chinese version appeared in Chinese Social Sciences Today, No. 466. Jun 24.
Chinese link:
http://www.csstoday.net/xueshuzixun/jishizixun/81229.html
Translated by Jiang Hong