Varanasi: The Tzu Chi Mahayana Buddhist Practice Centre was formally inaugurated at the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), on Friday. This is the first ever Buddhist Centre in India sponsored by any foreign Buddhist organisation. The Tzu Chi Foundation also announced 10 fully-funded scholarships for the students of Pali and Buddhist Studies.
Inauguration Ceremony
The centre was jointly inaugurated by BHU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, and Vice-President of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Pi Yu Lin, in the presence of Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof Sushama Ghildiyal. Established under the aegis of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, the centre is envisioned as a platform for the promotion of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, mindfulness, humanitarian values, and intercultural academic exchange.
Significance and Activities
The BHU VC termed the centre as a significant step towards strengthening global academic cooperation and preserving Buddhist heritage and values. The centre will undertake various academic and cultural activities, including the publication of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist literature, international conferences, workshops, lecture series, meditation programmes, and scholarly exchanges.
Lecture and Participation
Pi Yu Lin delivered a lecture on 'The Sutra on Infinite Meaning: A Lifetime of Infinite Dharma, Infinite Good - How Buddhism Responds to the Suffering and Division in Today’s World', explaining how Buddhist teachings of compassion, loving-kindness, and humanitarian service can address the suffering and divisions of the contemporary world. Hundreds of foreign students, monks, research scholars, and students attended the programme.
