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Key Points

Taiwan's Tzu Chi Foundation is teaming up with Banaras Hindu University to create a special research centre for Buddhism. This new centre will focus on studying both Theravada and Mahayana traditions through research and translation work. It aims to bring back awareness of Mahayana Buddhism, which originally started in India but gradually disappeared from its homeland. The partnership represents an important cultural and academic bridge between India and Taiwan through their shared Buddhist heritage.

Key Points: Tzu Chi Foundation BHU to Establish Buddhist Research Centre

  • Centre will focus on translating Buddhist scriptures into Indian languages for wider access
  • Research will revive Mahayana Buddhism studies in its Indian birthplace
  • Collaboration strengthens academic ties between India and Taiwan through Buddhism
  • Purely research-oriented institution to study both Theravada and Mahayana traditions
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Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation and BHU to establish research centre for Buddhism

Taiwan's Tzu Chi Foundation partners with BHU Varanasi to create a research centre focusing on Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, text translation, and cultural revival.

"The university would move forward expeditiously as per BHU norms for establishing the proposed Centre - Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi"

Varanasi, October 14

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Taiwan, and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, have held a fruitful discussion on establishing a Research Centre for Buddhism under the aegis of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Arts, BHU.

A 13-member delegation from the Tzu Chi Foundation, led by Lin Pi Yu, Vice President of the Foundation, along with Sio and other distinguished members, visited BHU and met with Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of BHU.

Prof. Chaturvedi warmly welcomed the initiative and expressed his full support, assuring that the university would move forward expeditiously as per BHU norms for establishing the proposed Centre.

The proposed Centre will be a purely research-oriented institution, dedicated to the study, translation, and publication of classical texts, research papers, and a series of lectures to promote both Theravada and Mahayana traditions of Buddhism. It will focus entirely on scholarly and cultural exchange to deepen understanding between the two great traditions.

It was highlighted during the discussion that Mahayana Buddhism, once a prominent and flourishing tradition in India, gradually disappeared from its land of origin. Establishing such a centre in BHU will help revive research and awareness of Mahayana thought and literature.

The Centre will also work to translate important Buddhist scriptures and texts into Indian languages, enabling wider access for scholars and practitioners. The Tzu Chi Foundation has expressed its readiness to support both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions, particularly in the translation and publication of their sacred books and canonical literature.

On this occasion, Prof. Sushma Ghildyal, Dean, Faculty of Arts; Prof. Rajesh Singh, Coordinator, International Centre; and Arun Kumar Yadav, Head, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, were also present during the meeting.

This initiative marks a significant step toward academic collaboration and cultural revival, Strengthening the historical and spiritual ties between India and Taiwan through their shared Buddhist heritage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Singh
Excellent collaboration! Varanasi being the spiritual capital of India is the perfect location for such a center. Hope this leads to more academic exchanges between India and Taiwan.
A
Ananya R
While I appreciate the academic collaboration, I hope the focus remains purely on scholarly research and doesn't become influenced by any political agendas. India's Buddhist heritage should be studied objectively.
M
Michael C
As a foreign student who studied at BHU, I can say this is exactly the kind of international collaboration that makes Indian universities world-class. The translation work will be invaluable for global scholars.
K
Kavya N
Bahut accha initiative hai! Translation of Buddhist texts into Indian languages will help preserve our cultural heritage. My grandmother would have loved to read these scriptures in Hindi. ❤️
V
Vikram M
Great to see BHU expanding its academic horizons. Hope this center also creates opportunities for Indian students to study Buddhist traditions in their proper historical context. The focus on both Theravada and Mahayana is particularly thoughtful.

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