Planning for Buddhist Culture Research
I. Planning Ideas
(1) In-depth Exploration of Buddhist Art
Comprehensive research on various forms of Buddhist art, including sculpture, painting, architecture, and music. Analyze the artistic characteristics, stylistic evolution, and cultural connotations of different regions and periods. For example, study the artistic features and cultural background of Buddhist grottoes in Dunhuang, China, and the development of Buddhist temple architecture in Japan. Explore the mutual influences and exchanges between Buddhist art and local cultures in different regions, as well as its role in conveying Buddhist philosophy and values.
(2) Buddhist Festivals and Rituals
Documentation and research on Buddhist festivals and rituals practiced in different regions. This includes the origins, development, procedures, symbolic meanings, and contemporary transformations of these festivals and rituals. For instance, investigate the celebration of Vesak in countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand, and the rituals of Tibetan Buddhist festivals. Analyze how festivals and rituals reflect Buddhist doctrines and their social functions in community building and cultural transmission.
(3) Buddhism in Daily Life
Examination of the influence of Buddhism on everyday life, including clothing, food, housing, transportation, and social customs. For example, explore the impact of Buddhist dietary precepts on vegetarian cuisine, the role of Buddhist meditation practices in daily life, and the influence of Buddhist concepts on family and social relationships. This research will reveal how Buddhism is integrated into daily life and its role in shaping lifestyles and values.
(4) Interaction with Other Cultures
Study of the historical and contemporary interactions between Buddhism and other cultures, such as its encounters with indigenous beliefs and philosophical systems in different regions. For example, analyze the integration of Buddhism with Confucianism and Taoism in China, and with Shinto in Japan. Explore how Buddhism has adapted to different cultural contexts and the resulting cultural syntheses and innovations.
(5) Modern Transformation and Innovation
Focus on the modern transformation and innovative development of Buddhist culture. This includes how Buddhist culture adapts to modern social environments, the use of modern media and technology for its dissemination, and its responses to contemporary social issues. For example, investigate the emergence of modern Buddhist movements, the use of the internet and social media for Buddhist propagation, and the application of Buddhist concepts in fields like mental health and environmental protection.
II. Introduction to Buddhist Culture Research
(1) Research Objectives
The primary goals of Buddhist culture research are to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the rich and diverse cultural expressions of Buddhism, to explore its profound philosophical ideas and values, and to reveal its role and influence in human civilization. This research aims to promote the preservation and inheritance of Buddhist culture, facilitate its adaptation to contemporary society, and enhance cross-cultural communication and mutual understanding.
(2) Research Content
- Buddhist Art: Study of the forms, styles, techniques, and cultural backgrounds of Buddhist art. This includes the analysis of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, murals, and decorative arts, as well as the exploration of the spiritual symbolism and aesthetic values embodied in these artworks.
- Buddhist Festivals and Rituals: Documentation and analysis of the procedures, symbolic meanings, and social functions of Buddhist festivals and rituals. This involves studying the role of festivals and rituals in religious practice, community building, and cultural transmission.
- Buddhism in Daily Life: Investigation of the influence of Buddhist concepts and practices on everyday life. This includes the study of Buddhist customs and traditions in different regions, and the role of Buddhism in shaping lifestyles, values, and social norms.
- Buddhist Culture and Other Cultures: Study of the historical and contemporary interactions between Buddhist culture and other cultures. This involves analyzing the mutual influences, integrations, and innovations between Buddhism and other religious and cultural traditions.
- Modern Buddhist Culture: Exploration of the modern transformation and innovative development of Buddhist culture. This includes the study of modern Buddhist movements, the use of modern media for Buddhist propagation, and the application of Buddhist concepts in addressing contemporary social issues.
(3) Research Methods
- Field Research：Conduct field surveys in different regions to collect firsthand data on Buddhist culture. This includes observing Buddhist practices, interviewing Buddhist practitioners, and documenting Buddhist festivals and rituals. Field research will provide a deep understanding of the living traditions and practices of Buddhist culture.
- Literature Review：Systematic review of historical and contemporary literature on Buddhist culture. This includes the study of Buddhist scriptures, historical records, academic papers, and books. Literature review will help to establish a theoretical foundation for the research and provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical development and current status of Buddhist culture.
- Comparative Study：Compare Buddhist culture across different regions and periods, as well as with other cultures. This will help to identify similarities and differences, understand the unique features and universal values of Buddhist culture, and explore its adaptability and flexibility in different cultural contexts.
- Interdisciplinary Research：Combine methodologies and perspectives from multiple disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, history, and philosophy. This will provide a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Buddhist culture and reveal its complex relationships with other aspects of human society.
(4) Expected Outcomes
Social Application：Apply the findings of Buddhist culture research to address contemporary social issues, such as mental health, social harmony, and environmental protection. This will demonstrate the practical value of Buddhist culture in modern society and contribute to social progress and development.
Academic Outcomes：Publication of academic papers, books, and reports on Buddhist culture research. These publications will contribute to the academic field of Buddhist studies and provide valuable references for researchers and scholars.
Cultural Heritage and Innovation：Through research, promote the preservation and inheritance of Buddhist culture, and explore its innovative development in contemporary society. This will help to maintain the vitality and relevance of Buddhist culture.
Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning：Facilitate the exchange and mutual understanding of Buddhist culture between different countries and regions. This will enhance cross-cultural communication and promote global cultural diversity.