Buddhism: A Historical and Practical Vision

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About The Book

Buddhism: A Historical and Practical Vision is a stunning tapestry of wisdom created by the joint dedication and hard work of young Vietnamese Buddhist monks and nuns scholars who are studying at Buddhist universities in India, have explored the legacy of Buddhism in depth.

This gathering fills in as a stage for young Buddhist monastic research scholars to exchange information, bits of knowledge, and encounters connected with Buddhism. It encourages dialogue and investigates its potential for addressing contemporary challenges and promoting well-being and harmony while fostering a deeper appreciation for Buddhism's teachings, history, art, and social contributions.

About the Author

Dr. Bhiksunī Giới Hương (world name Śūnyatā Phạm) was born in 1963 in Bình Tuy, Vietnam and ordained at the age of fifteen under the great master, the Most Venerable Bhikkhunī Hải Triều Âm. In 1994, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Literature from Sài Gòn University. She studied in India for ten years and in 2003, graduated with a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Delhi, India. In 2005, she settled down in the United States and in 2015, she earned a second Bachelor's Degree in Literature at the University of Riverside, California.

Currently, she is pursuing a degree in the Master of Arts Program at the University of California, Riverside and works as a lecturer at the Vietnam Buddhist University in HCM City. She favors quietly reflecting on Dharma, and that leads her to write, as well as translate, Buddhist books and lyrics for music albums on her Bảo Anh Lạc Bookshelf.

In 2000, she established Huong Sen Temple, Bình Chánh, Sài Gòn, Việt Nam. In 2010, she founded Huong Sen Temple in Perris, California, USA, where she serves as abbess.

Foreword

Our immense pleasure is to present to you this remarkable conference book Buddhism: A Historical and Practical Vision. Inside these pages lies a stunning tapestry of wisdom created by the joint dedication and hard work of young Vietnamese Buddhist monks and nuns scholars who have explored the legacy of Buddhism in depth. From exploring the compatibility and integration of Mahāyāna Buddhism's teachings with realistic political theory on leadership and the introduction Buddhist philosophy and the establishment and significance of Buddhist universities in the United States, each paper stands as a testament to the vibrant diversity and enduring relevance of Buddhist thought. Among the thought-provoking papers, you will discover insightful investigations into the practical theory of impermanence as a means to enhance one's own living experience. Additionally, a critical interpretation of Nibbana from Dr. Ambedkar's perspective in the Indian Engaged Buddhist Movement sheds light on Buddhist philosophy's profound social and transformative dimensions. The geographical maps of Mahayana Sutras in India offer captivating insights. into Buddhist scriptures' historical and spatial dimensions, providing a deeper appreciation of the interplay between geography and spiritual teachings.

Furthermore, the papers on Gandhara Buddhism unveil the artistic expressions and cultural significance of this ancient tradition while exploring its links to the rise of North Buddhism. The conference book also delves into the embodiment of the Bodhisattva ideal in various aspects of life, from personal growth and transformation to the engaged spirit of the Bodhisattva in contemporary society. Papers exploring the Buddhist revival movement in India, including the contributions of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and Alexander Cunningham, shed light on the efforts to rejuvenate Buddhism in its birthplace. As we navigate the intellectual landscapes presented within these pages, we encounter profound insights into the teachings of the Buddha, including the importance of generating bodhicitta on the path of the Bodhisattva and the Buddha's teachings on gratitude to one's parents. The significance of skillful means in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) and the role of ancient Mahayana Buddhist monuments in Andhra Pradesh are also explored deeply.

In-depth contributions to historical narratives, geographical discoveries, and revivalist movements have shaped Buddhism in India, both past and present. This serves as a testament to Buddhism's enduring vibrant dynamism, with papers woven into its rich tapestry.

May these pages hold insights and revelations that lead us to a more compassionate, interconnected, and insightful world.

May "Buddhism: A Historical and Practical Vision," the conference book, shine as a beacon of knowledge, illuminating the path to wisdom, and providing transformative inspiration to all who strive to deepen their comprehension of the Buddha's teachings.

Introduction

Within the realm of historical and applied perspectives, we board on an entertaining exploration over the pages of this conference book - Buddhism: A Historical and Practical Vision and structure the book by the provided topics in Call for Papers into four groups and one remarkable group.

First group: The Bodhisattva ideal applies in the real world

Among the influential papers, called "Mahayana Buddhism's Teachings and Realistic Political Theory on Leadership: Exploring Compatibility and Integration" by Thich Hanh Chanh digs into the possible compatibility and integration of Mahayana Buddhism's teachings on leadership with the framework of Realistic Political Theory. Despite their straightforward approaches, this research sheds bright on the chance of harmonizing these two realms within the realm of the regime. By encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and provoking benevolent reflection, in the article called "Self -Tranquillity Techniques: From Reality to Bodhisattva," written by Thich Nu Tam Lac, the idea of tranquillity is explored as an assert of intellect and spirit that carries comfort, independence from anxiety and a deep sense of internal harmony and stability. The paper emphasizes that tranquillity also advantages human beings but additionally empowers practitioners to prolong this quiet assert to others, embodying the extreme essence of a Bodhisattva. The roam of a Bodhisattva also accomplishes internal serenity while actively giving, helping, and augmenting fearlessness and harmony to those around them. Carrying on our path, we encounter the challenging paper" Embodiment of the Bodhisattva Ideal in Life's Journey" by Thich Nu Tue Man. This article explores the Bodhisattva Ideal and its application to the roam of life, seeking liberation in both the exhibit and the coming within contemporary Buddhism. It digs into how Bodhisattva practitioners embody the Bodhicitta, after routines as an example, the Six Perfections (pāramitās), and nurturing the Four Infinite States of intellect and No Self in their pursuit of enlightenment. "The Importance of Generating Bodhicitta on the Path of Bodhisattva" by Thich Nu Thuan Nguyen highlights the profound significance of nurturing Bodhicitta, the intellect of enlightenment, on the path of the Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. Bodhicitta serves the deep aspiration to accomplish Buddhahood for the profit of all sentient beings, encompassing both wisdom and compassion. It defines the extreme essence of a bodhisattva and represents a guiding force behind their selfless actions. Next, we investigate the insightful paper "Embodying the Bodhisattva Ideal in Daily Lives," authored by Thich Nu Khiem Ton. This paper inspects the relevance of the Bodhisattva Ideal in modern life within the Mahāyāna sect of Buddhism and enquires how human beings can embody this perfect in their daily experiences, nurturing kindness and altruism. It explores the practical implementation of the Bodhisattva path and inspects its part in addressing humanitarian crises, for example, environmental problems, social inequality, and domestic violence. Furthermore, the author offers practical tips and techniques for growing human qualities like empathy, kindness, and generosity, empowering individuals to embody the Bodhisattva ideal in their daily lives and actively contributing to addressing societal challenges. Thich Nu Tinh Hy carries the Bodhisattva from the realms of average life to the dramatic juncture with the presentation of the article "The Bodhisattva Ideal in Nāgānanda's work." This article explores the depiction of the Bodhisattva perfectly in the antique Indian drama "Nägänanda" or "Joy of the Serpents. "The play highlights crucial facets of the Bodhisattva perfect over the activities in Jimütavahana, attracting parallels to the narrative of Gautama Buddha's former life narratives. By digging into the Bodhisattva perfectly within this dramatic work, the paper sheds bright on the compassionate and selfless nature of bodhisattvas, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to the welfare of other people. As we advance, Thich Nu Dieu Tri presents us with the challenging article "Applying Skillful Means in the Fourth Industrial Revolution ". This paper inspects the relevance of Buddhism and the application of skillful means in the context of the fourth industrial revolution, also called Industry 4. 0. It explores how the idea of skillful means, as undertaken by Bodhisattvas, finds resonance in modern life and addresses the opportunities, challenges, and solutions connected with unifying the Bodhisattva ideals into our ever-evolving globe.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages