Vipassana Meditation

369 Pages·2017·24.11 MB·English

The International Association of Buddhist Universities
Celebrating the Endeavors of a Decade
2007-2017
6-8 May 2017/2560
Mahachlalongkornrajavidyalaya University
Thailand
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Preface
The International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) was founded
during the UN Day of Vesak celebrations at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok
in 28 May 2007/ 2550 by Buddhist universities as well as secular universities
engaged in Buddhist studies from more than twenty nations and regions. It is
“an international forum for institutes of Buddhist higher education to network,
understand and benefit from the richness and variety of the multinational Buddhist
tradition”.
Before that, there have already been “excellent international organizations
which bring Buddhist scholars together; but those organizations, for example,
the IABS and the AAS, bring together Buddhist scholars only at the individual level”.
So, the IABU is the first “global forum that brings entire institutions together.
As such, it provides new challenges as well as opportunities to those involved.”
Challenges - there are still difficulties in networking or in maintaining it for effective
collaboration between members and the IABU; so far, the IABU has been orientated
as a conference-based organization. It can and should grow outside the conference
setup as well. That said, there have also been positive developments, as many
geographically favourable individual member-institutions have been working together,
the kind of cooperation which could have not otherwise been possible. Some of
those joint efforts are evidenced in the MoUs in this volume.
By and large though, just as it was born of our collective efforts during
the UN Day of Vesak celebrations, the IABU has grown from strength to strength,
together with the UN Day of Vesak, by serving as its academic arms, for the last
ten years, mostly organizing academic panels and discussions. The two major pilot
projects of the IABU, namely the Common Buddhist Text (CBT) and the Union
Catalogue of Buddhist Texts (UCBT), are ideas originated from the UNDV annual
gathering of worldwide Buddhists. The CBT project was undertaken by the IABU
and sponsored by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) and it has
now been successfully concluded. The first edition in the English medium is published
and launched during this IABU conference. The UCBT, however, is still an ongoing
undertaking; and just as in the case of the CBT, its success will depend on the strength
of the IABU.
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In its ten years of existence, the IABU has held three international conferences,
all at MCU. The first in August 2008 had Buddhist ethics as its theme while
the second one, held in 2012 in conjunction with the UNDV, focussed on Buddhist
philosophy and praxis. This 3rd IABU conference is organized to update the IABU
family of the development of Buddhist mindfulness meditation practices within and
beyond traditional boundaries and to also aspire ourselves to engage in it more in moving
forward what has become a global interdisciplinary endeavour. The theme is formulated
as “Mindfulness: Traditions and Compassionate Applications”. We bring all three
major schools of Buddhism, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, together; they focus
on three aspects: texts, meditation traditions and contemporary applications.
It has been 2600 years since the enlightenment of our great teacher,
Gotama Buddha, and for the 3rd IABU Conference, we discuss what most of his
followers believe and have confirmed: that mindfulness, being more mindful of and
compassionate to ourselves and our environment, is best for our civilizations.
In addition to the academic side, the IABU also dedicates its efforts to
reorganizing itself for more efficient coordination. So, the first day, 6 May 2017,
will be devoted to brainstorming among administrators. In the organization workshops,
the following should be arranged for discussion:
(a) curriculum development,
(b) meditation practice in the curriculum,
(c) IABU members and their roles,
(d) quality assurance/ quality control, and
(e) MoUs that have been signed between members since 2007.
The second day, 7 May 2017, will focus on the main theme of mindfulness
and its traditional and contemporary applications. 26 thematic papers on those ideas,
including two keynote speeches, will be presented.

The third day, 8 May 2017, is when the IABU joins the International
Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) and the host _ the Kingdom of Thailand_ at
the UN Conference Centre for the Vesak celebrations to pay homage to the fully
self-awakened one, the Lord Buddha.
So far, the IABU has brought together Buddhist higher institutions from
different traditions as well as nations and regions who would otherwise have less
contact with each other. We have built and maintained unity for the past ten years
since its inception. Some concrete progress has been achieved. The next decade is
about developing the mother institution - the IABU itself, so that it can play a bigger
role in Buddhist education and research globally. For this to happen, we rely on each
every member-institution to contribute, certainly financially, or in any other way that
they can.
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I wish to thank all members of the Executive Council of the IABU,
its member-universities and colleges as well as the staff within the IABU Secretariat
for their devotion and for tirelessly organizing the affairs of the association. I am also
grateful to the many donors, financial sponsors and dedicated volunteers who return
year after year to support the IABU.
MCU has been privileged to witness and play an instrumental role in
developing and hosting successful academic conferences usually in conjunction with
the United Nations Day of Vesak, but this year the UN Vesak conference has relocated
to Sri Lanka. The ICDV maintains the tradition of hosting the UN Day of Vesak
celebrations, for a day, at the UNCC, no matter wherever the main celebrations take
place. Like in most of the previous years, MCU is honoured to be the gracious host.
As always, we are all very grateful to the Royal Thai Government for its
constant support, and are indebted to the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand for its
blessings, guidance and support.
We all truly celebrate the Buddha’s message of mindfulness in the hope his
compassionate words reach the hearts and minds of the many.
The Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit
Chairman, IABU and ICDV;
Rector, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
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Acknowledgement
The IABU would like to acknowledge the kind help rendered by
the Most Venerable Professor Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, Rector of Mahachula
longkornrajavidyalaya University; Venerable Professor Dr. Khammai Dhammasami,
the IABU Executive Secretary; Phrasrisasanabandit, Assistant to the MCU Rector
for Quality Assurance; Venerable Associate Professor Dr. Phramaha Hansa
Dhammahaso, Assistant Secretary of IABU & ICDV; Professor Dr. Peter Harvey,
Professor Emeritus, Sunderland University, UK; Dr. Egil Lothe, President of Norway
Buddhist Federation; Professor Dr. D. Phillip Stanley, Naropa University, USA;
Mr. Geoffrey Bamford, Trustee, Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, UK; Dr. Dion
Peoples, IABU Manager; Mrs. Naowarat Phurahong; Ms. Orawan Topathomwong;
Dr. Kamolphan Jangarun; Dr. Pintong Mansumitrchai (Chatnarat) and everyone
who has provided us assistance. This publication would not be completed without your
persistence, hard work and dedication.
We also would like to thank those who send their MoUs to us, namely
Venerable Wei Wu, International Buddhist College, Malaysia; Venerable Professor
Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Preah Sihanoukraj Buddhist University, Cambodia; Venerable
Ditthisampanno, Smaratungga Buddhist College, Indonesia; H.E. Janos Jelen,
Dharma Gate Buddhist College, Hungary.
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Table of Contents
Preface (3)
Acknowledgement (6)
Table of Contents (7)
Programs
- the Third International Association of Buddhist Universities (9)
Conference Program
- Tentative Symposia Schedule on 7th May 2017 (12)
Part I: the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) 1
Part II: the MoUs Signed between Members 13
Part III: the IABU Executive Council Meeting, 53
and Some of the IABU Projects
- the IABU Executive Council Meeting
- Common Buddhist Text
- Union Catalog of Buddhist Texts
Part IV: the Synopsis and Papers
Profiles of Authors 77
Keynote Speech on 6th May 2017, 107
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU),
Conference Hall, Ayutthaya
“An Introduction of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction,
Contemporary and Traditional Mindfulness, and an Overview
of New Trends of Bringing the Dharma and Science Together
in the World and in Hungary”:
Mr. Gabor Fazekas, Hungary
Speech on 8th May 2017, 121
United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC)
“Healthy Brain: Neural Dynamics of Vipassana Meditation Proficiency”:
Dr. Ratna Jyothi Kakumanu, India
Symposium Session 1: Texts
- Prof. Dr. Premasiri D. Pahalawattage, Sri Lanka 129
- Prof. Dr. G. A. Somaratne, Sri Lanka/ Hong Kong 139
- Dr. Fa Qing, China/Malaysia 153
- Prof. Dr. Le Manh That, Vietnam 165
- Prof. Dr. Tamas Agocs, Hungary 169
- Mr. Seth Evans, U.S.A./ Thailand 171
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Symposium Session 2: Meditation Traditions
- Most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw, Myanmar 179
- Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Rajapariyattkavi, Thailand 203
- Phra Bhavanaviteht (Luangpor Khemadhammo), OBE / 223
- Most Ven. Him Bunthoeun (Preah Sāsanamuni), Cambodia 225
(presented by Venerable Sin Savatsothea)
- Dr. Sarah Shaw, U.K. 237
- Shri Shyam Sundar Taparia, India 259
- Prof. Dr. Guang Xing, Hong Kong 261
- Ven. Prof. Dr. Jinwol Lee, South Korea 263
- Plum Village 269
- Bhiksuni Thich Nu Chan Khong, France
- Dr Ha Vinh Tho, Bhutan
- Mrs Lisi Havinh, Switzerland/ Vietnam
- Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi, Germany 277
Symposium Session 3: Contemporary Application of Mindfulness
- Prof. Padmasiri de Silva, Australia 285
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Talat Praveen, India 293
- Emeritus Prof. Dr. G.T. Maurits Kwee, Netherlands 295
- Prof. Galmangoda D. Sumanapala, Sri Lanka 319
- Dr. Neelam Oswal, India 321
- Dr. Ratna Jyothi Kakumanu, India 333
- Rev. Fuminobu Komura, U.S.A. 337
- Prof. Dr. Phillip Stanley, U.S.A. 339
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Programs
PROGRAM
The 3rd International AssociatiPonR oOf BGudRdhAistM Un iversities (IABU) Conference
The 3Trhd eImntee:r n“aMtiionndaflu Alnsessosc:i Tatriaodni otifo Bnsu danddh iCsto Umnpivaessrisoitniaeste ( IAApBpUlic) aCtioonnfse”r ence

Theme: “Mindfulness: Traditions and Compassionate Applications”
Venue: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Wang Noi, Ayutthaya

and United Nations Conference Centre Bangkok, Thailand
Venue: MahachulalongkornPrarjoagvriadmya: l6atyh a– U 8nthi vMearsyi t2y0 (1M7 CU), Wang Noi, Ayutthaya
and United Nations Conference Centre Bangkok, Thailand

Program: 6th – 8th May 2017
F riday, 5 May 2017
Friday, 5 May 2017
- Arrival of participants at Airport Reception
All Day -- RAerrgiivsatrl aotifo pna artti cthipea Hntost ealt LAoirbpboyr t Reception
- IABU EXCO meeting
All Day - Registration at the Hotel Lobby
Saturday, 6 May 20- 1IA7 BU EXCO meeting
MSaathuarcdhauyla,l o6n Mgkaoyrn 2ra0j1a7v idyalaya University (MCU), Conference Hall, Ayutthaya

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Conference Hall, Ayutthaya
08:00 hours Arrival of participants at MCU Conference Hall
Opening Ceremony : arrival of His Holiness Supreme Patriarch of
08:00 hours Arrival of participants at MCU Conference Hall
Thailand
Opening Ceremony : arrival of His Holiness Supreme Patriarch of
- Report by The Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, the Rector of
09:00 – 09:30 hours Thailand
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and President of the
- Report by The Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, the Rector of
09:00 – 09:30 hours International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU)
- SMpaeheacchh buyla Hloins gHkoolrinnreasjsa vSiudpyraelmayea PUantriivaerrcshi toyf a Tnhd aPilraensidd ent of the
International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU)
W- Seplceoecmhe b Ay dHdirse sHs oblyin Teshse SMuporset mVee nP.a Ptrrioafr.c hD ro.f PThhraai lBarnadh mapundit,
09:30 – 10:15 hours Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and President of
Welcome Address by The Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit,
the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU)
09:30 – 10:15 hours Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and President of
Ktheey Innotteer nSapteieocnha lb yA Mssro.c Giaatbioonr Foafz Bekuadsd, hPirsets iUdennivt eorfs tihtiee sH (uInAgBarUia)n
Association of Mindfulness and Contemplative Practice Based Applications,
Keynote Speech by Mr. Gabor Fazekas, President of the Hungarian
on “An introduction of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction,
10:15 – 11:15 hours Association of Mindfulness and Contemplative Practice Based Applications,
contemporary and traditional mindfulness, and an overview of new
on “An introduction of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction,
10:15 – 11:15 hours trends of bringing the Dharma and science together in the world and in
contemporary and traditional mindfulness, and an overview of new
Hungary”
trends of bringing the Dharma and science together in the world and in
11:15 – 12:15 hours LHuunncghaeroyn”
1121::3105 –– 1132::0105 hhoouurrss GLuronucph ePohno to
1132::0300 –– 1153::0000 hhoouurrss DGirsocuups sPihoont oon IABU organizational matters
1153::0000 –– 1155::3000 hhoouurrss TDeisac/cuosfsfieoen borne aIAk BU organizational matters
15:00 – 15:30 hours Tea/coffee break
15:30 – 17:00 hours IABU General Meeting
15:30 – 17:00 hours IABU General Meeting
18:00 hours Return to Hotel
1198::3000 hhoouurrss RDeintunrenr to Hotel
19:30 hours Dinner
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