Titles and Speakers:
"Pure Land” Buddhism and Sarvastivada - by Professor Charles Willemen
Bodhisattva Ideal In Theravada Buddhism- by Professor Toshiido Endo
Cyclic Existence & Theory of Dependent Origination - by Professor Kapila Abhayawansa
The “Round” Doctrine of Tian Tai and Its Significance in Modern Times - by Dr. Fa Qing
Textual Evidence to Prove Buddha's Omniscience - by Professor Tilak
The Spread of the Buddha’s Teaching in Tibet and Beyond - by Dr. Lozang Jamspal

Program: Kindly refer to attachment below

**IBC Convocation Seminar Program (English Session on 5th Floor)
◆8.00 am-9.00 am - Registration and Breakfast at Ground Floor
◆9.00 am-9.30 am - Opening Ceremony and Group Photo Session
◆9.30 am-10.25 am - Session # 1:"“Pure Land” Buddhism and Sarvastivada" by Professor Charles Willemen
◆10.25 am-11.20 am - Session # 2:"Bodhisattva Ideal In Theravada Buddhism" by Professor Toshiichi Endo
◆11.20 am-12.15 am - Session # 3:"The Spread of the Buddha's Teaching in Tibet and Beyond" by Dr. Lozang Jamspal
◆12.15 pm-1.25 pm (70 minutes)- Lunch at Canteen on Ground Floor)
◆1.25 pm-2.20 pm - Session # 4:"Textual Evidence to Prove Buddha's Omniscience" by Professor Tilak Kariyawasam
◆2.20 pm-3.15 pm - Session # 5:"The “Round” Doctrine of Tian Tai and Its Significance in Modern Times" by Dr. Fa Qing
◆3.15 pm-3.45 pm - Tea Break
◆3.45 pm-4.40 pm - Session # 6:"Cyclic Existence and the Theory of Dependent Origination" by Professor Kapila Abhayawansa
◆4.40 pm-5.00 pm - Wrap up by Sister Wong Ping Ling
◆5.00 pm- Seminar Close

News:

PENANG – JULY 8, 2012 – In conjunction with the 5th Convocation Ceremony, International Buddhist College will be holding a Seminar in both English and Chinese medium at Than Hsiang Temple in Penang on 4th August, 2012. This event will be graced by abbot of Than Hsiang Temple, Venerable Wei Wu. The participants will have the privilege of listening to experienced and renowned Buddhist scholars like Professor Dr. Charles Willemen, Professor Dr. Toshiichi Endo, Professor Dr. Kapila Abhayawansa and Dr. Fa Qing.

Below is the introduction of the Seminar speakers:-

Professor Charles Willemen of Belgium holds a PhD in East-Asian Studies (University of Gent, Belgium). He studied Latin, Greek, Chinese, Japanese and Sanskrit. He specialises in Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma and Literary Chinese. He was assistant, visiting professor and professor at the universities in Belgium, China, Canada, Japan and Thailand and has presented his research papers in China, US, Canada, Western Europe, India and Japan. He is currently the Rector and teaching professor of International Buddhist College, Thailand.
English Title:"“Pure Land” Buddhism and Sarvastivada"
Chinese Title:"净土佛教与说一切有部"

Professor Toshiido Endo of Japan holds a PhD from Kelaniya University, Sri Lanka and is a visiting professor at the Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong and at IBC. He is also a Professor at the Post Graduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya. His specialisation is Early Buddhism, Pali Commentarial Studies, Sri Lankan Buddhism and Japanese Buddhism.
English Title:"Bodhisattva Ideal In Theravada Buddhism"

Prof. Kapila Abhayawansa is specialised in Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Vinaya, Western and Indian Philosophy. He obtained a Master of Philosophy (Banaras Hidu University, India) and a Doctor of Philosophy (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka). He was a lecturer and Head of Department of Buddhist Culture at the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya. Furthermore he was a visiting lecturer at various universities in Sri Lanka and abroad. He has published more than fifteen academic books and more than a hundred academic articles. Currently he is Dean of the Faculty of Religious Studies and resident professor at the International Buddhist College.
English Title:"Cyclic Existence & Theory of Dependent Origination"

Dr. Fa Qing from China received his PhD from Calgary, Canada in 2001. He was invited to teach at the Than Hsiang Buddhist Research, Penang. In 2003 he was assigned to Hadyai to assist in the establishment of the International Buddhist College. Being a senior lecturer he is also the Head of Library and Information Technology and is responsible for the management of the E-learning Project of the college.
English Title:"The “Round” Doctrine of Tian Tai and Its Significance in Modern Times"
Chinese Title:"天台宗的“圆融”思想及其现实意义"

The International Buddhist College panel speakers in their respective fields of knowledge and experience will enlighten participants and expose Buddhists to the academics of Buddhist studies. This year’s Seminar promised another interesting event and we hope to see suggestions put forward by the participants and exchange of public views and ideas. In this outreach to strengthen Buddhist studies, it is hope that this educational programme will transform Buddhist followers to be as knowledgeable, confident and as devoted in serving the Buddha sasana.

The Seminar will be conducted in both English and Chinese medium. The main objective is to enhance the understanding of Buddhism amongst all traditions of Buddhist community through the papers presenters. This meaningful event will help to provide a good opportunity in promoting International Buddhist College for the lecturers to interact with each others, thereby keeping abreast an up to date knowledge of the latest academics as part of Buddhist development.

As Buddhists educationists, community leaders and members of the Sangha and anyone who has the progress and interest of Buddhism at heart, you are cordially invited to join this Seminar.

As most of you may be aware, the International Buddhist College was set up in 2004 as the seat of advance Buddhist learning with opportunities for Buddhist studies at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It offers students a unique opportunity for a comprehensive study of Buddhism from a non-sectarian point of view through promoting knowledge and understanding from different traditional practices and developing mutual respect and working together in a Buddhist community.

The college has two different campuses, one in south Thailand and one in north east Thailand. The Korat campus is based at Pak Thong Chai (Nakhon Rachasima Province) and the Sadao campus is located close to Khlong Ngae (Songkhla Province). The programs in Buddhist studies are mainly based at the Korat campus and the programme in Early Childhood Education together with Buddhist studies are based at the main campus in Sadao.

The chairman of the International Buddhist College, Ven Wei Wu has emphasized largely on the importance of Buddhist education which plays an important role in the propagation of Buddhism amongst the Buddhist community. His noble aim is to focus on Buddhist education to promote the Buddha dharma towards the welfare and happiness of many. And as a result of his hard work and dedication, we have seen positive impact and marked progress in the development Buddhist education but we still have a long way to go from here. International Buddhist College wish everyone a beneficial and enjoyable Seminar with joyful days ahead.

Seminar Details
Date – 4 th August (Saturday), 2012
Time – 9.00 am to 5.00pm
Venue – English session, Than Hsiang Temple, 5th Floor
Chinese session, Than Hsiang Temple, Ground floor
Fees: RM60/person inclusive of breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and seminar kit.
20% discount is available for group registration of 10 persons
Members of the Sangha will receive full sponsorship.
Closing date: 30 July 2012. Please register early to avoid disappointment.

Those interested in the seminar can contact Sis Chiew Suan Bee HP: 012-4296075 email: sbee.chiew@gmail.com or Than Hsiang Temple at 132, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. Tel: 604-6414822; Fax: 604-6421896

Payment:
By cash, cheque, or transfer money to account and inform by email or fax.
Account name: THAN HSIANG TEMPLE
Account no. : 4-4807333-18
Bank: Public Bank Berhad

***Registration Form attached below***