DHARAMSHALA: A 5-day research methodology workshop for an in depth study of the Tibetan Buddhist canons is underway at the Central University of Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. The workshop is being held as part of the Department of Religion and Culture’s efforts to encourage in depth study of the Tibetan canons on the direction of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the bi annual conference of the leaders of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion in 2011.

16 Buddhist scholars from the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion are participating in the workshop. The workshop is organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration in collaboration with the Central University of Tibetan Studies, Sarnath.

Senior Buddhist academicians, including Geshe Ngawang Samten, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Tibetan Studies and Geshe Yeshe Thabgay, a senior professor of the university, are presiding the workshop.

On the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Department of Religion and Culture started the study of Buddhist cannon programme. It has established 55 seats for scholars from the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion and provides scholarships for 11 merit scholars for 4-year academic course.