Dharamshala: On 11 September 2024, monastic scholars of Tibetan Buddhism based in Taiwan, alongside monks and practitioners from the Theravada tradition and Han Buddhism, convened in Taipei to discuss the promotion of Buddhism and to launch the Tibetan translations of texts based on the four practices of Bodhidharma, a 6th-century South Indian monk traditionally recognised as the founder of the Zen branch of Mahayana Buddhism in China.

Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche and Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, Representative of the Office of Tibet, graced the event as distinguished guests.

The conference, organised by the Taiwan-based International Tibetan Buddhist Study Institute, began with a welcome address from the association’s President, Dzongsar Khenpo Tsewang Rigzin. He provided an overview of the association’s initiatives and highlighted the positive outcomes of collaborative efforts among the three Buddhist traditions in Taiwan. He urged members of all traditions, as followers of the Buddha, to unite in advancing Buddhist teachings in alignment with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s commitment to promoting inter- and intra-religious harmony.

Additionally, the President praised Khenpo Tsering Tashi, the translator of Bodhidharma’s texts, for his willingness to undertake this significant translation work, drawing on his extensive experience in translating Buddhist texts into Tibetan from various languages.

In his keynote address, Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa expressed his appreciation for the International Tibetan Buddhist Study Institute’s efforts in fostering inter-religious harmony and for unifying the celebration date of Buddha Jayanti in Taiwan. He emphasised the importance of translating Chinese scriptures and its potential impact on enhancing mutual understanding and harmony between local Buddhists and Tibetan Buddhists in Taiwan. He also offered the Office of Tibet’s support for future collaborative endeavours.

The event was also addressed by special guest, Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche, and other distinguished guests, including Master Shi Ming-Kuang, the Abbot of Haiming Temple; Master Jiantuo, the Abbot of Yanjue Zen Forest; and Master Renrong from Delin Monastery.

Thereafter, the guests jointly inaugurated the newly translated book, followed by Khenpo Tsering Tashi and Professor Zhao from Hsuan Chuang University’s panel discussion on the book.

The International Tibetan Buddhist Study Institute has been organising various Buddhist dialogue conferences over the years to promote greater understanding, awareness, cooperation, and collaboration among the three Buddhist traditions. As an organisation based in Taiwan, it particularly emphasises the importance of maintaining relationships with Chinese Buddhist friends in Taiwan, fostering mutual respect, appreciation, and learning.

This year’s edition of the forum also discussed a project to provide detailed commentaries on the collected works of seventeen Indian pandits (great masters) of Nalanda University in seventeen languages, utilising modern technology and skills.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Taiwan