Taipei: The Centre for Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Xuanzang University in Taiwan held a meeting on 16 March to discuss the establishment of two courses related to Tibetan languages and Buddhism in the Department of Religion and Culture, and to discuss faculty and course offerings.

The conference chaired by Ven. Master Chao Hwei (Director of Tibetan Buddhism Research Centre, Hsuan Chuang University) was attended by Representative Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, Deputy Director Chen Ming Ru of Tibetan Buddhism Research Centre, Hsuan Chuang University, Implementation Manager Chen Tai Xuan (CEO of Tibetan Buddhism Research Centre, Hsuan Chuang University), Geshe Jamphel Choezin (Buddhist teacher at the OOT ), Geshe Ha Shin Rinpoche (research student), Geshe Trinley Gyatso, Geshe Wangchuk (a former student of the university), Geshe Dhargyal from Taichung Buddhist Association, Chairman Li Yen Zhong, Director of the Gangjong Publication Lai Yu Ning and the Office of Tibet’s Chinese Secretary Lee Pi Chao.

The participants focused on placing basic Tibetan Language, Tibetan Buddhist studies, Tibetan Cultural studies, etc., with Tibetan Monk scholars as instructors during the meeting.

The proposals were later presented to the principal, who expressed his support, saying the university would be the first to begin teaching Tibetology and Tibetan Buddhist studies.

Since the approval of Tibetan Buddhist studies at Hsuan Chuang University, several monks have received a researcher’s degree and a few further acquired PhD from reputed universities in Taiwan.

Following the conference, participants mourned the demise of the founder of the University, Liao Zhong, who passed away on 9 March.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Taiwan