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Unifying Buddhist Philosophical Views 01 June 2012 - 2nd Day: Full Day Academic Session Papers that were accepted into this panel session were to include advanced studies for searching the diverse Buddhist traditions and philosophical views (Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana) for possible common grounds. The suggested areas of research were to include one or more of the following: where are the connections, possibilities and/or methods to actualize the possibility of unifying them; any evidence of such endeavors; the role and the implications of such exercise for the advancement of Buddhist studies; and how university students can benefit from such conception or research. The subjects discussed are profoundly philosophical, ethical and practical, and those related to engaged Buddhism. Each paper has its own viewpoint and contributes to the general theme of this session to search for common grounds for a possible unification of diverse Buddhist traditions and philosophical views. The papers presented here can be classified into three broad categories: a) Philosophical reconciliation among different traditions – this includes papers dealing with the Buddhist interpretation of 'no-self' (anãtman) and 'dependent co-arising' (patïtyasamutpãda) in relation to western philosophy, other Indian traditions, even to modern phenomenology; b) Attempts to search for common grounds that could become a possible unifying tool among Theravãda, Mahãyana and Vajrayãna schools of Buddhist thought; and c) Engaged or Humanistic Buddhism as a unifying philosophy. The second category has been in the mainstream in the past where scholars and those interested tried to base their arguments for a possible unification on similarities rather than dissimilarities among the different Buddhist traditions and cultures. Even Western philosophy and theology are examined for comparison and contrast. Unification or bringing all the Buddhists together is possible, because the very fundamentals of Buddhist philosophy such as the Dependent Co-arising (pratïtyasamutpãda), the doctrine of 'no-self' (anãtman), the goal of all Buddhists – the attainment of nirvãna, are common to all. Scholars and laymen alike agree that there exist diversity among the different Buddhist traditions, but different traditions can come closer to one another if their praxes are rightly considered and practiced. This may be called the 'unity-in-diversity-approach.' We have here a couple of papers adopting this methodology. Dealing with the reinterpretations of Buddhist philosophical concepts, some papers presented in this panel are highly technical and involve intricate philosophical views. The idea of 'unifying' philosophical views that this panel envisaged initially is examined in a more comparative manner. Under this, discussions on terms like 'anãtman', 'vijñãna', 'citta', 'manas', and 'nirvãna' are found. These philosophical views – certainly falling into the category of Abhidharmic studies – may be considered as individual case studies. The papers in the third category are more of anthropological or sociological nature in methodology. The authors tried to search for a common ground for unification. Engaged Buddhism or Humanistic Buddhism – both terms seem to have been derived from different sociopolitical backgrounds, has been a focal point for discussion for some time now. The word 'dukkha' (suffering), according to its followers, has been given the interpretation that includes 'social/political causes of suffering'. This therefore calls for a collective action to eliminate such causes of suffering. Engaged Buddhism or humanistic Buddhism may therefore become a standard for a possible unification of different Buddhist traditions, denominations and culture. The keywords seem to be 'compassion' and 'right view'. There are three papers (by Peoples; Grossenbacher, et al.; and Queen) which have some suggestions for the advancement of Buddhist studies for the university students. Two of them come from subjects somewhat related to engaged Buddhism or humanistic Buddhism, and a third demonstrates a possible itemization of Buddhist teaching, which is more of the nature of a philological exercise. Panel Leader: Prof. T. Endo, Hong Kong University For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Ronald Y. Nakasone Name: Ronald Y Nakasone Email Address: rynakasone@sbcglobal.net Current Position: Core Doctoral Faculty, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California Education: University of Hawaii, BA, 1965; MA, 1967; Ryukoku University, MA, 1975; University of Wisconsin-Madison, PhD, 1980. Buddhist Projects/Experiences: Professor Nakasone teaches at the Graduate Theological Union and the Stanford University Geriatric Education Center. While he has a special interest in Buddhist philosophy and aesthetics, most of his recent publications have focused on aging and spirituality. He is currently exploring the structure of Buddhist thinking and its implications as an alternative to rational (Western) traditions that posit a single center (perspective). He has published or has in print, more than 100 academic books and articles. Most notable are "Buddhist Views on Biotechnology" (Encyclopedia of Ethical, Legal & Policy Issues in Biotechnology, Wiley, 2000); Okinawa Diaspora (University of Hawai' i Press, 2002); "Teaching Religion and Healing: Spirituality and Aging in the San Francisco Japanese Community" in Teaching Religion and Healing (Oxford, 2006); "Ethics of Ambiguity: A Buddhist Reflection on the 1997 Japanese Organ Transplant Law" in Handbook of Bioethics and Religion (Oxford, 2006); "Journeying into Elderhood, Reflections on Growing Old in Asian Cultures," Generations, Journal of the American Society on Aging (2008); "Spiritual Cartography: Mapping the Huayen Mind" in Humanity and Religion in the Age of Science (Nagata, 2010); "Spirituality of Asia and Oceania" in Asian & Oceanic Religious Cultures Encyclopedia (Greenwood Press, in print). "Unarigami, Sacred Feminine Voices in Ry?ky?an Polity" in Religion and State (Peter Lang, in print). An ordained Pure Land Buddhist Rev. Nakasone received the Sarlo Excellence in Teaching Award from the Graduate Theological Union. Students and colleagues contributed essays to Memory and Imagination, Essays and Explorations in Buddhist Thought and Culture (Nagata, 2010), a festschrift that commemorated his completion of one life cycle (60 years) according to the Chinese zodiac. An accomplished sho-(calligraphy) artist, he has exhibited in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, France, and most recently Thailand. Dr. Ronald Y. Nakasone Title: Mapping the Ascent to Enlightenment For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ofosu Jones-Quartey (Sumano) To be annnounce Ofosu Jones-Quartey (Sumano) Title: Skillful Means and the 21st Century Buddhist Artist For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Will Yaryan Name : Dr. William Yaryan Email Address : drwillajahn@gmail.com Current Position : Lecturer, English, translation, Linguistics, at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Buddhist University, Wangnoi, Thailand Education : Ph.D in American environmental history, M.A. in European intellectual history, B.A. in philosophy, all from University of California at Santa Cruz, USA Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Secretary for Buddhism and the environment panels at Vesak 2011 and Vesak 2010; member of Little Bang Sangha, Bangkok, and Everyday Dharma Sangha, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. Dr. Will Yaryan Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Title: "Big Tent" Buddhism: Searching for Common Ground Among Western and Asian "Buddhisms" For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Justin Whitaker Name : Justin Whitaker Email Address : Buddhistethics@gmail.com Current Position : PhD Student and Adjunct Lecturer Education : BA in Philosophy and MA in Buddhist Studies Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Justin S. Whitaker received a BA (with Honors) in Philosophy from the University of Montana, and an MA (with Distinction) in Buddhist Studies from the University of Bristol, England. He is presently a candidate for the PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London where his research focuses on the relationship between Buddhist and Western ethics, notably the work of Kant. He has extensive experience teaching Buddhist Studies and Philosophy as an Instructor and Teaching Assistant at the University of Montana. He has taught Buddhism at The University of Montana and Buddhist Philosophy for Antioch Education Abroad, based in Bodh Gaya, India. In 2009 he studied Buddhism and traveled through eastern and central China and in 2010 he attended the world Youth Summit at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan. He has presented papers at several academic conferences including "Meditation's Ethics: Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and Buddhist Metta-Bhavana" at the American Academy of Religion International Conference in Montreal. Justin Whitaker Ph.D. Candidate, Goldsmiths, University of London Title: Warnings from the Past, Hope for the Future: The Ethical-Philosophical Unity of Buddhist Traditions For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Jinabodhi Bhikkhu Name : Dr. Jinabodhi Bhikkhu (Mahathero) Email Address : jinabodhi@yahoo.com Current Position : Professor Department of Oriental Languages (Pali & Sanskrit), University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Founder President - Buddhist Research & publication Centre-Bangladesh, Chittagong. Education: Ph.D in Pali Calcutta University M. A. in (Pali) Chittagong university B. A.(Honrs.)in Pali Chittagong university Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Participation In The International Seminars 1. IABU Conference, International Association of Buddhist University & Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, 13 to 16 Sep 2008. 2. United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2008, Vietnam Buddhist University, 12-17 May 2008. 3. Bangkok, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Thailand, May, 24-28, 2004. 4. International Conference on Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Bangkok, Thailand. 5. 2nd SSEASR Conference on Syncretism in south and Southeast Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, May, 24-27, 2007. 6. International Seminar at International Association of Buddhist Universities, Bangkok, Thailand-2008. 7. International Conference in Vietnam- 2008. 8. The 5th World Buddhist Summit, Yangon, Myanmar-2007. 9. VESAK DAY 2007, in conjunction with 60th Birthday of his Majesty the King of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, May, 26-29, 2007. 10. VESAK Celebration in Bangkok, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Bangkok, Thailand, May 06-10, 2006 11. ATBU Conference, Sitagu Sayadaw Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2004. 12. The Association of Buddhist University,(Sitagu International Buddhist Accademy), Mandely, Myanmar.-2009 13. Went to China of the delegates with Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Govt of the people's Republic of Bangladesh in the year 2010. 14. Inauguration Ceremony of Shwedagon Pagoda Replica and International Buddhist Conference in Indonesia in the year of 2010 (29 October to 31 October ) . List of books Published through Buddhist Research & Publication Centre – Bangladesh 1. Buddha Bandana- by Bhikkhu Silachar Shastri Edited in Maghi Purnima-2005. 2. Shibali Charita- by Visuddhananda Mahathera Edited in Chaittra Purnima-2006. 3. Praggyer Pratthusay-Edited in 2006. 4. Punarjarma (rebirth)- by Dr. Arabinda Barua Edited in 2005. 5. Saddhamma Nitee Monjoree-Edited in 2005. 6. Prof. Munindra Rachanabolee- Edited in 2006. 7. Mahamanab Buddha (vol-I &II)- by Prof. Ranadhir Barua-2007 8. Jinalankar (Bengali) Translated by Sumangal Barua-2008 9. Buddha Bandana (Bengali)-by Prof. Shilachar Sastri, Edited in-2009 Dr. Jinabodhi Bhikkhu Title: Theravada and Mahayana: Parallels, Connections and Unifying Concepts For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Chaisit Suwanvarangkul Name : Dr. Chaisit Suwanvarangkul Email Address : chaisit.suwanvarangkul@otago.ac.nz Current Position : Visiting Lecturer, University of Otago, New Zealand Education : Kyoto University Kyoto Japan MA, Buddhist Studies Department, Faculty of Letter University of Delhi Delhi India Doctor of Philosophy, Buddhist Studies Department, Art faculty Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Conference Papers: -"Dharmadhãtu in Avatamsaka Sütra" NZARS&AABS, Queenstown, Dec 7-9, 2011. -"Pratityasamutpãda and Dharmadhãtu in Early Mahãyãna Buddhism" 16th Conference of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, Dharma Drum Buddhist College, Taiwan, June 20-25, 2011. -"From Mahãparinibbãna Sutta to Mahãparinirvãna Sütra in Early Mahãyãna Buddhsim" DIRI, Sancta College University of Sydney, Australia, Aug 28-29, 2010. -"On the body in Buddhism: the Dharmakãya" New Zealand Association for the Study of Religion, Princes Gate Hotel, Rotorua, July2-4, 2008. -"Chu Hen Fun Betsu Ron ni Okeru Engi to Ku Shou ni tsuite" The Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies, Rissho University, Tokyo, 1994. Publications Dr. Chaisit Suwanvarangkul University of Otago, New Zealand Title: Pratïtyasamutpäda and Sunyatä in Mädhyantavibhäga For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    CT Kohl Name : Christian Thomas KOHL Email Address : ctkohl@gmail.com Current Position : Lecturer at Tibet Institute. Rikon. Zurich Education : Philosophy of Science. Free University of Berlin Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Christian Thomas Kohl is lecturer in history and philosophy of physical sciences at Tibet Institute, Rikon, Zurich (http://www.tibet-institut.ch). He has studied the history and philosophy of sciences at the Universities of Paris and Berlin and in 1973 he graduated in political science. He tries to follow the approaches of Edwin Arthur Burtt and Alfred North Whitehead. His core areas of research are the metaphysical foundations of quantum physics. He has also studied Indonesian and Indian music and was promoting music from India, Pakistan and China. Since the 1980s, he has been interested in the philosophy and history of Indian Buddhism. Since 1990, he has been working as a lecturer of history of sciences and languages in Switzerland and France. During the past three decades he has worked on 'reconciling' the fundamental principles of quantum physics and Buddhist philosophy. His home university is the University of Education, Freiburg (https://www.ph-freiburg.de). Recent Publications Books: Christian Thomas Kohl, Buddhismus und Quantenphysik: Die Wirklichkeitsbegriffe Nagarjunas und der Quantenphysik, Windpferdverlag, Aitrang 2005, 302 p. http://www.amazon.de/Buddhismus-Quantenphysik-Die-Wirklichkeitsbegriffe-Nagarjunas/dp/3893856013 Journal Articles: Christian Thomas Kohl, 'Buddhism and Quantum Physics: a strange parallelism of two concepts of reality', Contemporary Buddhism, Vol.8, No 1, May 2007 (69-82) http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14639940701295328 Christian Thomas Kohl, 'Buddhism and Quantum Physics', The Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies, Number 9, 2008 (45-62) http://www.iijbs.org/images/iijbs_part9.pdf Christian Thomas Kohl, 'Buddhism and Quantum Physics', Concepts of Physics, Vol. V, No. 3, 2008 (517-519) http://merlin.fic.uni.lodz.pl/concepts/www/V_3/517.pdf Christian Thomas Kohl, 'Buddhism and Quantum Physics', Buddhist Himalaya, Vol.9. Combined Issue 2001-2007 http://www.niem.com.np/buddhisthim/buddhism_quantum.pdf Conferences: Christian Thomas Kohl, Buddhismus und Quantenphysik: Zwischenr?ume, 30. Orientalistentag, University of Freiburg, September 24-28, 2007: http://orient.ruf.uni-freiburg.de/dotpub/kohl.pdf Christian Thomas Kohl, Buddhism and Quantum Physics: A Contribution to the Dialogue between East and West, 3. World Conference on Buddhism and Science, Bangkok, Thailand, December 2010 http://www.crs.mahidol.ac.th/eng/conferencepapers.htm Personal website: http://ctkohl.googlepages.com CT Kohl Title: Pratityasamutpada in Eastern and Western Modes of Thought For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Bimalendra Kumar Name : Prof. Bimalendra Kumar Email Address : bimal_bhu_60@yahoo.co.in Current Position : Head, Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu Uiversity, Varanasi-221005(U.P.), India. Education : M.A.(Pali & Buddhist Studies), M.Phil., Ph.D.(Delhi University) Buddhist Projects/Experiences : He has five books to his credit namely, Theory of Relations in Buddhist Philosophy, Gandhavamsa(A History of Pali Literature), Perspectives of Tibetan and Buddhist Studies, Patthanuddesadipani and Dhatuvamsa. Dr. Bimalendra Kumar Dept. of Pali & Buddhist Studies, Banaras Hindu University Title: Problem Of Hetu & Paccaya In Abhidhamma Philosophy For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ven. Dr. Medawachchiye Dhammajothi Thero Name : Ven. Medawachchiye Dhammajothi Thero Email Address : dhammajothi@yahoo.com Current Position : Senior lecture Education : Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Ven; M. Dhammajothi obtained the first class pass for his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura. He gained the Master of Arts degree as well as the Master of Philosophy degree, from the Postgraduate Institute of Pãli and Buddhist Studies, of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and obtained his Doctoral Degree from the Department of Philosophy, University of Nanjing, in China. Ven: M. Dhammajothi is a Senior Lecturer in the Pãli and Buddhist Studies Unit, of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is also a visiting lecturer in the Buddhist and Pãli University and also in the Postgraduate Institute of Pãli and Buddhist Studies, of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, Though his specialty is in Pãli Language and Theravada Buddhism, he also engages in research activities in Mahayana tradition as he can work in Sanskrit and Chinese Languages. Ven. Dr. Medawachchiye Dhammajothi Thero Senior Lecturer, Päli and Buddhist Studies University of Colombo Title: The Philosophic Links between 'Anatta' and 'Vijnäna' For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu Name: Ven.Assoc.Prof. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu Name as shown in passport: Tran Ngoc Thao Organization: Vietnam Buddhist University Position: Deputy Rector Education: D.Phil., in Philosophy Language: English, Chinese, Vietnamese E-mail: thichnhattu@yahoo.com Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu, born in Saigon in 1969, became a novice in 1984, under the spiritual guidance of the late Most Ven. Thich Thien Hue at Giac Ngo Temple and received full ordination in 1988. He is the founder of Buddhism Today Association, Editor-in-chief of Buddhism Today Magazine and abbot of Giac Ngo Temple. He has extensively given public Dharma talks to Vietnamese communities in Vietnam, America and Australia. He is committed to propagate Buddhist teachings through education, cultural activities and charitable programs in order to benefit the individuals and the society at large. QUALIFICATION - Four year Diploma in Buddhist Studies (HCM City School for Buddhist Studies, 1992). - B.A. in English (Ho Chi Minh Normal University, 1994). - M.A. in Philosophy (Delhi University, 1997). - D.Phil. in Philosophy (Allahabad University , 2001). ACADEMIC POSITION - 2009 to date: Deputy Rector of Vietnam Buddhist University (VBU) - 2006 to date: Chairman, Department of Buddhist Philosophy, VBU. - 2006 to date: Editorial Board Member of Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Project. SANGHA POSITION - 1992 to date: Abbot, Giac Ngo Temple. - 2002-2008: Deputy secretary, Central Department of International Buddhist Affairs, VBS. - 2002-2012: Executive member, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) at HCMC. - 2008-2012: Vice chairman and Secretary, Department of Buddhist Missionary, VBS at HCMC. - 2009-2012: Vice chairman, National department of International Buddhist Affairs WORK EXPERIENCE - 1988 to date: Author of more than 30 books on Buddhist Philosophy. - 1991-1994: Editorial Member of Hue Quang Buddhist Encyclopedia (9 volumes). - 2004 to date: Coordinator, Curriculum Committee, Vietnam Buddhist University - 2002-2007: Deputy Secretary of Vietnam Buddhist Research Institute - 2002-2007: Department of Buddhist Culture Secretary, VBS at HCMC - 2002-2007: Director, Buddhist Music Association. - 2006-2007: Deputy Secretary of UN Day of Vesak, Bangkok, Thailand - 2008: IOC Secretary of 2008 UN Day of Vesak, Hanoi, Vietnam - 2009-2010: Representative member of UN Day of Vesak, Bangkok, Thailand - 2009-2010: Advisor, the 11th Sakyadhita International Conference, HCM, Vietnam - Nov 2010: Secretariat member, Organizing Committee of the Sixth Buddhist Summit, Hanoi, Vietnam - Aug 2010: Secretary of Organizing Committee of National Buddhist Conference for 1000 Years Anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi - Holding an extensive teaching experience at Vietnam Buddhist University, the Advanced School for Dharma Propagation, and several Buddhist Teacher Training Schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria Vung Tau province, and Can Tho province. He has imparted a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Buddhism and Dharma teaching methodology to thousands of Monastic Dharma-teachers-to-be over the last few years. - Dharma Teacher for general public at different Temples such as Giac Ngo Temple, Hoang Phap Temple, Xa Loi (Buddha's Relics) Temple, An Quang Temple, Pho Quang Temple, Duc Quang Temple, Giac Nguyen Temple and provincial Temples as well as in Australia and America . - Organizer of various Buddhist arts, paintings and calligraphy exhibitions as well as Buddhist cultural performances including dances, drama, and music. - As a social activist, he has rendered a helping hand to unfortunate people in the rural areas of Vietnam, providing relief and charity including supporting orphanages, care for the elderly, and financial support for the poor, conducting free eye operations, providing free medical-care mobile clinics to victims of natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu Deputy Rector, Vietnam Buddhist University, HCM, Vietnam Title: Nature Of Citta, Mano And Vinnäna For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Dion Peoples Name: Dr. Dion Peoples Email Address: dion2545@hotmail.com Current Position: Lecturer, Faculty of Buddhism & Graduate School, MCU; Manager, International Association of Buddhist Universities Education: BA – International Studies (University of Oregon); MA – Thai Studies (Chulalongkorn University); PhD – Buddhist Studies (Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University) Buddhist Projects/Experiences: 2002 Monkhood, Wat Patumwanaramrajavihara, Bangkok 2006-Present: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University - Special English Class for Graduate Students in 2006; Part-time Special Lecturer – Faculty of Buddhist Studies since 2007 - Courses: Intro to World Religions; Abhidhamma-pitaka Course; History of Buddhism; Research and Literature in Thai Buddhism; Religions and Professional Development; Religions and Sociology; and for the International Masters of Arts Program: Doctrines of the Suttanta-Pitaka 2007-Present: International Association of Buddhist Universities, Secretariat Manager 2007-Present: United Nations Day of Vesak International Organizing Committee Member 2007-Present: Chief Editor and International Academic Seminar Organizer, IABU/UNDV Conferences, and panelist Interfaith Dialogues: August 2010: Conference sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation – a Dialogue with Buddhists on a Common Word addressing Structural Greed, hosted by Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand Non-Conference Publications: Dion Peoples: Attraction and Repulsion from a Scientific Buddhist Perspective, inside: The Chulalongkorn Journal of Buddhist Studies, Vol. 4, 2010 (Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Press, 2010) Dion Peoples: Chanting the Sangiti Sutta (Wangnoi: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Press, 2012) Dr. Dion Peoples Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Title:A Synchronistic Method of Higher Processes For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Asst. Prof. Dr. Dipti Mahanta Asst. Prof. Dipti Mahanta received her PhD in English from Tezpur Central University in 2004. Her doctoral thesis entitled "The Making of the Self: A Feminist Reading of Kamala Das" that was evaluated from the University of California, San Diego received critical appreciation from Indian feminist scholars like Prof. Aparna Dutta, Prof. Rosemary Marangoly and others. She has been a full-time faculty member at the Department of Foreign Language Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Khonkaen Campus since 1998. Also a visiting faculty at Khonkaen University and Mahamakutrajavidyalaya University, Esarn Campus she has taught various courses on English Conversation, Literature and Academic Writing at the graduate, post-graduate and doctoral level. Apart from writing books on English conversation for Buddhist monks, she regularly writes on various aspects of the culture of Northeast Thailand (Isaan). Her contribution to research in Theravada Buddhism includes the monograph "A critical study of the Mahachat Sung-sermon from Isaan" parts of which have been presented at many international conferences including the XVI Congress of the IABS. She takes a deep interest in the teachings of the Thai forest tradition monks and is presently undertaking the research project "Deconstruction deconstructed: A study of LuangphoChah in the light of Derridean philosophy". Asst. Prof. Dr. Dipti Mahanta Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Title: From Nägärjuna to Ajahn Chah: Buddhist deconstruction in theory and practice For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Angela Dietrich Name : Angela Dietrich Email Address : dankini2002@hotmail.com Current Position : educational consultant Education : PhD (Nepalese Culture), M.A. in Ethnology (emphasising South Asia), Certificate in Education Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Delegate to the International Buddhist Conference 2011 in Bangkok, extensive travel and residence in Buddhist countries, writing articles/essays on Buddhist topics, planning a book project on Buddhism Dr. Angela Dietrich Title: The Roots of Interbeing: Buddhist Revival in Vietnam For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Xiaofei Tu Name : Xiaofei Tu Email Address : mayumitu@gmail.com Current Position :Lecturer, Appalachian State University Education : M.Div. Harvard University, Ph.D. Syracuse University Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Zen Buddhism, Humanistic Buddhism Xiaofei Tu Title: Humanistic Buddhism: The 3.5th Yana? For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Shi Jingpeng Name: Shi Jingpeng Email Address: shijingpeng1984@gmail.com Current Position: Doctor of Religious studies, Renmin University of China(RUC). Education: 2003.9-2007.7 Shaanxi Normal University, Major in Economics; 2007.9-2009.6 Renmin University of China, Master of Religious studies, Major in Chinese Buddhism; 2009.9-Now Renmin University of China, Ph.D Candidate, Major in Chinese Buddhism; 2010.9-2011.9 Musashino University of Japan, Agreement Student. Buddhist Projects/Experiences: 2009.06 Master Thesis: On Fabao's Thoughts of Single Vehicle and Teaching Classification; 2009.12 On the Time Definition of Ta-sheng Ta-i Chang and Huiyuan's Issue Consciousness; 2010.05 Presentation of "On the difference of Single Vehicle between Param?rtha' and Xuanzang' Translation of Vasubandhu's Commentary of Mah?y?na-Sa?graha" in Cross-Straits Forum of Religion at Fu Jen Catholic University of Taiwan. Shi Jingpeng Renmin University of China; Musashino Japan Title: A Critical Study of Triune Vehicle of Mount Lushan Huiyuan For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Pallavi Jambhale Name : Dr.Mrs.Pallavi Nalawde Email Address :somaiya.buddhist@gmail.com Current Position :Lecturer, K.J.Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies, Mumbai, India. Education : M.A. Ph.D. Buddhist Projects/Experiences : • Persuaded Ph.D. in " Religious Practices in Deccan during 3rd C.B.C. to 5th C.A.D." for the Ph.D. under University of Mumbai. • Presently working on Research Project of K.J.Somaiya Centre Buddhist studies " Religious Practices in Deccan during 3rd C.B.C. to 5th C.A.D."Worked for the Research Project of K.J.Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies, (Project Subsidized by Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India ) Theragatha" –In 'Relevance of Teachings of Buddha as in early scriptures to the Contemporary Society' • Worked for Minor Research project of University of Mumbai on Research project - Contribution religious practices of Andhra Pradesh from 3rd C.A.D. to 5th C.A.D. with reference to Inscriptional Evidences. • Delivering lectures at University of Mumbai for M.A. in Ancient Indian Culture. • Delivering lectures at K.J.Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies for Diploma and P.G.Diploma in Buddhist Studies. Dr. Pallavi Jambhale K.J. Somaiya Center for Buddhist Studies Title: Mention Of Schools Of Buddhism In Inscriptions Of Deccan And Their Philosophical Influence - With Special Reference To Cetika Or Cetiya School And Aparsaila Or Aparseliya School. For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Asst. Prof. Hsiao - Lan Hu Name: Asst. Prof. Hsiao - Lan Hu. Email Address: hhu@udmercy.edu Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Religious Studies, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. Education: Ph.D. with distinction in Religion, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Buddhist Projects/Experiences: Dr. Hu does research in the philosophy and social history of early Buddhism, engaged Buddhism, liberation theology, religion and globalization, poststructuralist feminist theory, and peace studies. Her previous research on Buddhist-feminist social ethics under globalization won the Mellon Funds for Humanistic Studies from the College of Liberal Arts and Education at the University of Detroit Mercy in 2009. Her new book This-Worldly Nibb ãna: A Buddhist-Feminist Social Ethic for Peacemaking in the Global Community was published by the State University of New York Press in November 2011. She is now exploring the intersection of meditative practices, identity theories, and the bodhisattva ideal. Please visit http://liberalarts.udmercy.edu/faculty/religious_studies/hu-hsiaolan.htm for more information. Asst. Prof. Hsiao - Lan Hu Phd. Department of Religious Studies, and Women's Gender Studies Program University of Detroit Mercy, U.S.A. Title: Dharmic Views and Dharmic Practices. For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Donna M. Giancola Donna Giancola, PhD Associate Professor Philosophy Department Director, Religious Studies Program Email: dgiancol@suffolk.edu Education • PhD, Boston University • MA, Boston College • BA, Assumption College Publications Books World Ethics, co-author, Dr. Wanda Torres-Gregory, Simmons College. Wadsworth Publishing Co., June 2002. Women's Voice for Global Justice, Dr. Donna Giancola, Dr. Virginia Millhouse, Undine Pawlowski, JD., Anne York, Indiana University Press submitted July 2005. Special Programs and Activities Coordinated as Director of Religious Studies "The Burnings Times Re-Visited," Dr. Mary Daly, Invited Speaker, Spring, 2002. "Karma Yoga in the Baghavad Gita," Dr. Bina Gupta, Invited Speaker, Fall 2001. "Peace and Well Being" Religious Studies Speaker Series in conjunction with Simmons College. Speakers included Gordon Fellman, Jeffery Timm, and Victor Kazanjian, 1999- Spring 2000. "The Dancing Church." Lectures and video by Rev. Tom Kane, The Paulist Center, April 1999. "Judaic Culture and Society." Lecture series by Hebrew College Faculty at Suffolk University , Spring 1998. "The Earth, the Sky and Religious Practices." Lecture by Dr. Barbara Darling-Smith, November 1996. "Re-Calling the Outrageous Contagious Courage of Women." Lecture by Dr. Mary Daly, October 1995. "Fire from Heaven." Lecture by Dr. Harvey Cox, March 1995. "Krishan Consciousness." Lecture by the International Society for Krishan Consciousness, October 1994. Recommended Links: The Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy Dr. Donna M. Giancola Title: Buddhist Doctrines of Identity and Impermanence in the Western Mind For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Ricardo Sasaki Name : Ricardo Sasaki Email Address : ricardo@nalanda.org.br Current Position : Founder-director of the Nalanda Center for Buddhist Studies / Brazil Education : Psychologist Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Ricardo Sasaki started his Buddhist practice in the early 80's with Zen (Soto Zen and Korean Chogye) and Jodoshin (Pure Land), beginning at the same time studies in Psychology, Comparative Religion and Religious Symbolism in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Later on, he moved to USA in order to deepen his practice in Zen/Jodo, but while there a revealing encounter with the writings of Thai master Ajahn Chah made a turn in his focus towards Theravada School, further enhanced by an encounter with Venerable Maha Ghosananda and Satya Narayan Goenka. Starting to practice vipassana, eventually he moved to Thailand, to study under Ven. Ajahn Buddhadasa at Wat SuanMokkh, whom became his main teacher. Traveling through India, Nepal, Burma and Malaysia, he trained under various teachers in many traditions, and later received Dharma teacher accreditation from Aggamahapandita Rewata Dhamma Sayadaw as 'Dhammacariya Dhanapala', and later the title of 'Mahasadhammajotikadhaja' in Myanmar. Back to Brazil he started the Nalanda Buddhist Center in Belo Horizonte, now with other five affiliated groups in Brazil and one in Portugal. Besides working with Psychological Counseling and directing the Center, he is also dedicated to publish Buddhist books (translating and writing) and helping organizing retreats and meditation courses with foreign teachers. He has been teaching Buddhist philosophy and meditation in Brazil and Europe, as well as participating in a number of international congresses in the past years. In 1999 he began the establishment of Nalandarama Retreat Center, the first Theravada Center in South America exclusively dedicated to intense meditation retreats in the forest tradition. In 2005, he was part of the team of Buddhist teachers to found the Brazilian Buddhist Union (presently Foreign Affairs Director), congregating all the main Buddhist traditions acting in Brazil. He is also a Dharma teacher and a Lay Minister, as 'Ryushin Sensei', in the lineage of Rev. Gyomay Kubose in Mahayana tradition; and the Chief Editor of the Triratna Magazine - the official publication of the Brazilian Buddhist Union. Ricardo Sasaki Title: The Dõgen Zenji' s 'Gakudo yojin-shu' from a Theravada Perspective For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Peter Grossenbacher Name : Dr. Peter Grossenbacher Email Address : peterg@naropa.edu Current Position : Associate Professor at Naropa University Education : Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oregon Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Practitioner of Buddhist meditation since 1981; Teaches Buddhist Psychology; Teaches meditation in a variety of settings; Directs a program of research on meditation and contemplative spirituality that focuses on how teaching and learning are effective. Dr. Peter Grossenbacher Title: Cultivating Concord: A New Method for Inter-Lineage Contact For iPhone/iPad user: If you can't see all of this short bio's text, please use your two fingers to scroll inside this text area. SHORT BIOGRAPHY    Dr. Christopher S. Queen Name : Dr. Christopher Queen Email Address : christopher_queen@harvard.edu Current Position : Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University Education : B.A., M.Div., Ph.D. Buddhist Projects/Experiences : Christopher Queen has taught Buddhist Studies and World Religions at Harvard University for twenty years. His publications include Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist Liberation Movements in Asia; Engaged Buddhism in the West; Action Dharma: New Studies in Engaged Buddhism; and American Buddhism: Methods and Findings in Recent Scholarship. He is co-founder of the Dharma Chakra Mission, serving low-caste communities in and around Bodh Gaya, India; and past president of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Massachusetts. He is currently working on two books: "The Fourth Yana: The Rise of Socially Engaged Buddhism" and "The Passion of Ambedkar: How the Untouchables came to Buddhism." Dr. Christopher S. Queen Harvard University Title: Engaged Buddhism as a Unifying Philosophy