By Ines Min
The Korean Association for Buddhist Studies opens its annual fall seminar for scholars Friday at Dongguk University, central Seoul.
This year’s meeting focuses on Eastern Buddhism’s dissemination and development in the West as well as its future direction. A number of renowned scholars of Buddhism and related fields will attend to give lectures, comments and analyses, providing an opportunity for seasoned academics to meet with up-and-coming researchers.
A section focusing on Buddhism and history includes a discussion on the Avatamska Sutra, the Korean translation of a Jogye Order text and the period of enlightenment. Lead speakers include Kim Jin-hyun, an instructor at Dongguk University and Haeinsa Temple; Jung Kyung-sook, an Indian philosopher Ph.D at Dongguk; and Park Yong-mo, in the doctorate’s program of Dongguk, respectively.
Attendees can also look forward to a section on Applied Buddhism, with lecture topics ranging from the advice and psychology of early Buddhist growth in the West and the principles of Zen.
Other attending scholars include Kwon Kyong-hi, a professor at the Seoul University of Buddhism, and Park Dong-choon, chief of the East Asian Tea Culture Research Center.
“We hope that through this endeavor we can resolve any academic disagreements within the organization, and inject new strength to the progression of Buddhist studies in discussions,” said president of the association Kim Yong-pyo.
The seminar is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To get there, take subway line number 3 to Dongguk Univ. Station and go out exit number 6. For more information, visit www.ikabs.org (Korean only).
inesmin@koreatimes.co.kr