I. Planning Ideas
(1) In-depth Research on Core Buddhist Ideas
Explore core Buddhist concepts such as dependent origination, Madhyamaka, Yogācāra, karma and rebirth, compassion and wisdom. Analyze their theoretical meanings, historical development, and interpretations across different Buddhist traditions, highlighting their foundational role in Buddhist thought.
(2) Comparative Research on Buddhist Thought
Compare Buddhist thought with major philosophies and religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Taoism. Conduct comparative analyses in ontology, epistemology, ethics, and soteriology to identify similarities and differences. Explore Buddhism’s unique features and universal values, and the potential for dialogue and mutual learning with other traditions.
(3) Interdisciplinary Research on Buddhist Thought
Combine theories and methods from philosophy, religious studies, psychology, sociology, and cultural studies to conduct interdisciplinary research on Buddhist thought. Explore its applications in various fields, such as Buddhist psychology’s contributions to modern psychotherapy and Buddhist social thought’s enrichment of sociological theory.
(4) Modern Interpretation and Application of Buddhist Thought
Focus on the application and interpretation of Buddhist thought in modern society. Examine how it responds to contemporary issues like environmental protection, peace and non-violence, social justice, and mental health. Study its innovative development in modern society to provide Buddhist-inspired solutions to these problems.
(5) Research on the Dissemination and Influence of Buddhist Thought
Investigate the dissemination routes, methods, and influences of Buddhist thought across different historical periods and regions. Analyze how it interacts with local cultures and its profound impact on culture, society, and ideas.
II. Introduction to Buddhist Thought Research
(1) Research Objectives
Buddhist Thought Research aims to deeply explore the rich connotations, theoretical system, and development of Buddhist thought, revealing its essence and value. Through interdisciplinary research methods, it promotes the exchange and integration of Buddhist thought with other disciplines, drives its modern interpretation and application, and contributes to human intellectual and cultural development and the solutions to contemporary social issues.
(2) Research Content
- Research on Core Buddhist Ideas: Delve into concepts like dependent origination, Madhyamaka, Yogācāra, karma and rebirth, compassion, and wisdom. Analyze their theoretical meanings and development across Buddhist traditions.
- Comparative Research on Buddhist Thought: Compare Buddhist thought with other major philosophies and religions to highlight its unique features and universal values.
- Interdisciplinary Research on Buddhist Thought: Combine theories and methods from multiple disciplines to broaden the research perspective and explore Buddhist thought’s applications in different fields.
- Modern Interpretation and Application of Buddhist Thought: Focus on Buddhist thought’s application in modern society and its insights into contemporary issues.
- Dissemination and Influence of Buddhist Thought: Investigate its dissemination and cultural impact, uncovering its dissemination laws.
(3) Research Methods
- Literature Review: Collect and analyze Buddhist classics, philosophical works, and historical documents to trace the development of Buddhist thought and uncover its theoretical depth.
- Comparative Analysis: Systematically compare Buddhist thought with other philosophies and religions to highlight its characteristics and advantages.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Integrate theories and methods from multiple disciplines for a comprehensive study of Buddhist thought and its connections with other fields.
- Empirical Research: Combine with modern society’s realities to investigate the application and impact of Buddhist thought through field research, case studies, and empirical analysis. Collect data to verify its effectiveness in solving social problems.
(4) Expected Outcomes
Cultural Dissemination: Enhance the domestic and international influence of Buddhist thought through various means such as publishing books, producing documentaries, and building websites, fostering cross – cultural exchange.
Academic Contributions: Publish high-quality papers, books, and reports to establish a theoretical framework for Buddhist thought research, providing a solid academic foundation for its advancement.
Theoretical Innovation: Propose new viewpoints and methods through interdisciplinary research and modern interpretation, enriching Buddhist thought’s theoretical content and promoting its innovative development.
Social Applications: Apply Buddhist thought to solve contemporary social problems, offering Buddhist-inspired solutions. Disseminate its wisdom through lectures, seminars, and training to promote social harmony.