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Deccan Herald
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Dalai Lama reincarnation: Contest over the soul of Tibet
As the 14th Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday on July 6, all eyes are on his expected announcement on his reincarnation. He, himself, stated that the 15th Dalai Lama would be found in the 'free world'. China, which 'liberated' Tibet in 1951 with a military invasion, on the other hand, declared its intention to select the next Dalai Lama through a 'golden urn' lottery process. Beijing hopes to create some confusion among the Tibetans on the issue of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. It had done the same in the case of Panchen Lama, the second-highest monk after the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism. China expects the move will also pave the way for its unbridled influence over Tibet. Earlier, in 1995, when the Dalai Lama recognised Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama, China put him under house arrest and, instead, selected Gyaltsen Norbu for the position through a "golden urn" process. Gyaltsen Norbu today occupies important political positions in communist China. He is a member of the standing committee of China's People's Political Consultative Conference and the vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. He is also seen touring Tibet and meeting political leaders of Lama @90: The monk who still scares the since President Jiang Zemin's time, stated that it will resort to the "golden urn" process in the case of the 15th Dalai Lama as well. Moreover, in August 2020, the Tibet Forum Meeting – one of the highest decision-making bodies in communist China – declared 'sinicisation' of Tibetan Buddhism to convert all aspects in Tibet into Han Chinese practices with socialist interpretations, despite the promises of it made in the 1951 17-point agreement for the autonomy of Tibetans. The Dalai Lama would not like to see Chinese-induced chaos destroying the Tibetan identity and way of life. In 2011, the Dalai Lama transferred his temporal powers to the popularly elected Sikyong (the prime minister). The exiled Tibetans, since then, took part in the elections of the Sikyong thrice, while Tibet under China had never witnessed popular elections. China's concern is also that, despite its seven decades of tight rule over Tibet since 1951 and assimilation policies, an estimated 97% of Tibetans in Tibet still revere the 14th Dalai Lama. China shudders to think of Tibet slipping from its tight embrace. Spiritually, the Dalai Lama's declaration on his 90th birthday is expected to be endorsed by the key head monks from Mongolia (the originator of the Dalai Lama institution) and those now living in India, Nepal, Bhutan and other countries. The Dalai Lama also has significant influence in the United States (which passed the Tibet Policy and Support Act of 2020 and Tibet Reciprocity Act of 2018), the European Union, Japan, Australia and other countries. Such a contest over the future Dalai Lama has ramifications for not only the Tibetan community but also to the trans-Himalayan belt. With its $19 trillion GDP, China intends to influence the region through infrastructure connectivity and military mobilisation, while the Dalai Lama wants to protect the soul of Tibet and his Lama says his successor to be born outside India, which had borders with Tibet historically, the Dalai Lama's succession creates uncertainties along the current borders, as the Galwan clashes in 2020 and the current full-scale border mobilisation indicate. India also has to factor China's 628 dual-use 'well-off society' villages in the border areas, as nearly 200 such 'villages' were constructed on the path of the Dalai Lama's flight in 1959. Besides, India is also aware of the irredentist Chinese claims on not only Tawang but also the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. India also has to cope with the fragile trans-Himalayan law and order situation. Despite heavy political and military pressure from China, India has vowed to protect and further the identity of the Tibetans living in India and termed the 14th Dalai Lama as a "spiritual" leader. New Delhi is likely to stick to its position in the case of the 15th Dalai Lama too..(The writer is a Professor of Chinese Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University)
Korea Herald
30-03-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
BFA's 10th Religious Sub-forum Highlights Global Digitization Project of Buddhist Scriptures
QIONGHAI, China, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sub-forum on Religious Harmony and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations took place at the BFA (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 on March 28. The sub-forum focused on the theme "Countless Dharma Doors Converge in a Square Inch: A Discussion on the Future of Digitization Project of Buddhist Scriptures." The gathering brought together 12 eminent monks and cultural researchers from six countries and regions to explore the current state and future of digitizing Buddhist scriptures. Chaired by Venerable Master Yin Shun, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, and President of the Buddhist Association of Hainan Province, the event aimed to advance the preservation and development of Buddhist culture through international collaboration. BFA's Decade of Progress: A Solid Foundation for the Future Yin Shun, reflecting on the ten-year journey of the BFA Religious Sub-forum, noted its steadfast commitment to the foundational goal of building a global community united by a common destiny. The sub-forum has been instrumental in promoting religious harmony and fostering cross-cultural dialogues, while also enhancing international cooperation in the fundamental domains of religion, culture, education, philanthropy, and healthcare. A notable achievement of the sub-forum has been in the area of digital preservation and accessibility of Buddhist teachings. It has effectively used digital technology to compile the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms and has facilitated the digital translation of Buddhist classics across the economically important Pan-South China Sea region. Furthermore, it has proposed initiatives to raise the digitization of these texts as a major national concern. The South China Sea Buddhist Academy, China's premier international Buddhist educational platform targeting Southeast Asia, has made significant contributions by educating 106 international students from several nations, most notably from Laos, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Nepal, and, by doing so, playing a crucial role in the international effort to digitize Buddhist scriptures. Ven. Guang Quan, Deputy Secretary General of the Buddhist Association of China and President of the Buddhist Association of Zhejiang Province, noted the crucial role of digitizing Chinese Buddhist scriptures in enhancing the international dissemination of Buddhist culture. He highlighted the accomplishments of Hangzhou Lingyin Temple in this area, including the development of an AI-based OCR engine for ancient books, production and tool platforms for digitizing ancient books, and a Buddhist scriptures reading hub. Building on these advancements, efforts are underway to digitize Buddhist canons, citing, in particular, the Jingshan Canon, the Yongle Northern Canon and the Siji Canon. Guang Quan's initiatives aim to further the interconnection of civilizations through digital technology, breathing new life into Asian Buddhist wisdom in the digital realm. Bhikshu HUIMIN, President, Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation (CBETA) Taiwan, China, reflected on the establishment of the Electronic Buddhist Text Initiative (EBTI). He provided an overview of the current status of global Buddhist text digitization, highlighting its evolution from digital archives (DA) to digital humanities (DH). Additionally, he unveiled the groundbreaking concept of Artificial Intelligence and Brain-Computer Interface (AI - BCI) for the digitization of Buddhist culture. He stressed that the transition of Buddhism from traditional scriptures to cloud-based platforms represents not only the future of Buddhism but also a new civilization where mindfulness and technology merge. Hong Xiang, Research Assistant at the Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong, highlighted the transformative impact of digital technology on the collation and proofreading of the Dunhuang manuscripts, starting from the digitization project. He noted that the preservation of the Dunhuang manuscripts, which embody the essence of a multi-faceted and symbiotic civilization, demands interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, he advocated for global resource sharing in the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. Zhu Cuiping, Editor-in-Chief of Zhonghua Book Company GuLian (Beijing) Digital Media Tech Co., Ltd, China, pointed out that the digitization of Buddhist scriptures is an enormous undertaking that requires a collaborative effort among the government, religious organizations, universities, research institutes, and publishing entities. She called for the initiation of a global initiative to compile Buddhist literature to drive the worldwide project of digitizing Buddhist scriptures. International Cooperation: Jointly Advancing the Global Digitization Project of Buddhist Scriptures The sub-forum placed particular emphasis on the contributions of Japanese and Korean Buddhism to the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. KAWANAKA KOKYO, Director-General of Administration of Jodoshu, Japan, presented the "Digitization of Zōjō-ji's Three Great Buddhist Canons" project. He urged all parties to collaborate in furthering the global effort to digitize Buddhist scriptures, with the aim of fostering a more peaceful and harmonious future for humanity. JONG-RIM, Honorary Chairman of Tripitaka Koreana Research Institute, Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, shared insights from the digitization efforts of the Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa Temple in Korea. He proposed the future goal of completing a comprehensive Tripitaka and developing a dictionary of concepts and terms utilizing digital technology. South China Sea Buddhist Friendship Circle: Fostering Digital Connections The sub-forum highlighted the role of the South China Sea Buddhist Friendship Circle in the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. Ven. PHRAPROMMASITH (Thongchai Sukkayano) Supreme Patriarchs, elaborated on Thailand's experience in safeguarding Buddhist cultural heritage. He urged international cooperation to facilitate the digitization of Buddhist scriptures, aiming to provide convenient access to anyone anywhere with an interest in reading and better understanding the Dharma. SANDI MARBHIVAMSA, Chairman of Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Myanmar, and Ven. (Dr.) KIRINDE ASSAJI, Chief Prelate (Malwatta Chapter) Sanghanayaka of Sri Lanka's Western Province, provided insights into the current state of Buddhism in their respective countries and the advancements made in the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. They both expressed a strong willingness to collaborate with Buddhist communities from other nations in these endeavors. Looking to the Future: Consultation, Collaboration, and Sharing Ven. YAN JUE, President of the Buddhist Association of China, concluded by emphasizing that Buddhist scriptures represent a shared cultural heritage of humanity. He noted that their digitization presents not only a technical challenge but also a cultural mission. He also underscored the commitment of the Chinese Buddhist community to the global governance principles of consultation, collaboration, and sharing. By partnering with Buddhist and academic communities worldwide, they aim to advance the digitization of Buddhist texts, share the outcomes of these efforts, and further disseminate the teachings and scriptures of Buddhism.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
BFA's 10th Religious Sub-forum Highlights Global Digitization Project of Buddhist Scriptures
QIONGHAI, China, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sub-forum on Religious Harmony and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations took place at the BFA (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 on March 28. The sub-forum focused on the theme "Countless Dharma Doors Converge in a Square Inch: A Discussion on the Future of Digitization Project of Buddhist Scriptures." The gathering brought together 12 eminent monks and cultural researchers from six countries and regions to explore the current state and future of digitizing Buddhist scriptures. Chaired by Venerable Master Yin Shun, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, and President of the Buddhist Association of Hainan Province, the event aimed to advance the preservation and development of Buddhist culture through international collaboration. BFA's Decade of Progress: A Solid Foundation for the Future Yin Shun, reflecting on the ten-year journey of the BFA Religious Sub-forum, noted its steadfast commitment to the foundational goal of building a global community united by a common destiny. The sub-forum has been instrumental in promoting religious harmony and fostering cross-cultural dialogues, while also enhancing international cooperation in the fundamental domains of religion, culture, education, philanthropy, and healthcare. A notable achievement of the sub-forum has been in the area of digital preservation and accessibility of Buddhist teachings. It has effectively used digital technology to compile the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms and has facilitated the digital translation of Buddhist classics across the economically important Pan-South China Sea region. Furthermore, it has proposed initiatives to raise the digitization of these texts as a major national concern. The South China Sea Buddhist Academy, China's premier international Buddhist educational platform targeting Southeast Asia, has made significant contributions by educating 106 international students from several nations, most notably from Laos, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Nepal, and, by doing so, playing a crucial role in the international effort to digitize Buddhist scriptures. Digital Empowerment: Advocating for the Chinese Adaptation of Buddhism Ven. Guang Quan, Deputy Secretary General of the Buddhist Association of China and President of the Buddhist Association of Zhejiang Province, noted the crucial role of digitizing Chinese Buddhist scriptures in enhancing the international dissemination of Buddhist culture. He highlighted the accomplishments of Hangzhou Lingyin Temple in this area, including the development of an AI-based OCR engine for ancient books, production and tool platforms for digitizing ancient books, and a Buddhist scriptures reading hub. Building on these advancements, efforts are underway to digitize Buddhist canons, citing, in particular, the Jingshan Canon, the Yongle Northern Canon and the Siji Canon. Guang Quan's initiatives aim to further the interconnection of civilizations through digital technology, breathing new life into Asian Buddhist wisdom in the digital realm. Bhikshu HUIMIN, President, Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation (CBETA) Taiwan, China, reflected on the establishment of the Electronic Buddhist Text Initiative (EBTI). He provided an overview of the current status of global Buddhist text digitization, highlighting its evolution from digital archives (DA) to digital humanities (DH). Additionally, he unveiled the groundbreaking concept of Artificial Intelligence and Brain-Computer Interface (AI - BCI) for the digitization of Buddhist culture. He stressed that the transition of Buddhism from traditional scriptures to cloud-based platforms represents not only the future of Buddhism but also a new civilization where mindfulness and technology merge. Hong Xiang, Research Assistant at the Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong, highlighted the transformative impact of digital technology on the collation and proofreading of the Dunhuang manuscripts, starting from the digitization project. He noted that the preservation of the Dunhuang manuscripts, which embody the essence of a multi-faceted and symbiotic civilization, demands interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, he advocated for global resource sharing in the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. Zhu Cuiping, Editor-in-Chief of Zhonghua Book Company GuLian (Beijing) Digital Media Tech Co., Ltd, China, pointed out that the digitization of Buddhist scriptures is an enormous undertaking that requires a collaborative effort among the government, religious organizations, universities, research institutes, and publishing entities. She called for the initiation of a global initiative to compile Buddhist literature to drive the worldwide project of digitizing Buddhist scriptures. International Cooperation: Jointly Advancing the Global Digitization Project of Buddhist Scriptures The sub-forum placed particular emphasis on the contributions of Japanese and Korean Buddhism to the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. KAWANAKA KOKYO, Director-General of Administration of Jodoshu, Japan, presented the "Digitization of Zōjō-ji's Three Great Buddhist Canons" project. He urged all parties to collaborate in furthering the global effort to digitize Buddhist scriptures, with the aim of fostering a more peaceful and harmonious future for humanity. JONG-RIM, Honorary Chairman of Tripitaka Koreana Research Institute, Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, shared insights from the digitization efforts of the Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa Temple in Korea. He proposed the future goal of completing a comprehensive Tripitaka and developing a dictionary of concepts and terms utilizing digital technology. South China Sea Buddhist Friendship Circle: Fostering Digital Connections The sub-forum highlighted the role of the South China Sea Buddhist Friendship Circle in the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. Ven. PHRAPROMMASITH (Thongchai Sukkayano) Supreme Patriarchs, elaborated on Thailand's experience in safeguarding Buddhist cultural heritage. He urged international cooperation to facilitate the digitization of Buddhist scriptures, aiming to provide convenient access to anyone anywhere with an interest in reading and better understanding the Dharma. SANDI MARBHIVAMSA, Chairman of Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Myanmar, and Ven. (Dr.) KIRINDE ASSAJI, Chief Prelate (Malwatta Chapter) Sanghanayaka of Sri Lanka's Western Province, provided insights into the current state of Buddhism in their respective countries and the advancements made in the digitization of Buddhist scriptures. They both expressed a strong willingness to collaborate with Buddhist communities from other nations in these endeavors. Looking to the Future: Consultation, Collaboration, and Sharing Ven. YAN JUE, President of the Buddhist Association of China, concluded by emphasizing that Buddhist scriptures represent a shared cultural heritage of humanity. He noted that their digitization presents not only a technical challenge but also a cultural mission. He also underscored the commitment of the Chinese Buddhist community to the global governance principles of consultation, collaboration, and sharing. By partnering with Buddhist and academic communities worldwide, they aim to advance the digitization of Buddhist texts, share the outcomes of these efforts, and further disseminate the teachings and scriptures of Buddhism. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Buddhist Association of Hainan Province Sign in to access your portfolio
