Buddhistdoor International to Co-host Interfaith Forum at HKU
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Public Forum: “Verses of Love: Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic Poets on Embracing ‘the Other.’”
Date: 14 March 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Venue: 2/F, Cheng Yu Tung Tower, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong
Speakers: Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, Dr. James D. Frankel, and Dr. Ho Wai Yip
Co-hosts: Buddhistdoor International (BDI); Anatolia Cultural & Dialogue Centre (ACDC); Centre of Buddhist Studies (CBS), The University of Hong Kong
REGISTER AT EVENTBRITE HERE
REGISTER AT EVENTBRITE HERE
This public forum, “Verses of Love: Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic Poets on Embracing ‘the Other,’” will explore the common values found in Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian poetry.
As the world grapples with urgent crises of sectarian conflict and religious fundamentalism, and questions of tolerance and harmony, it is critical that different religions come together in a spirit of hospitality, openness, and sharing. The guests will focus on their tradition’s respective poetic literature. Nyingma master Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche (Khen Rinpoche) will draw on the wisdom of the medieval Indian scholar-monk Shantideva. He will be joined by Dr. James D. Frankel, who will share his perspective on the famed Rumi. Finally, Dr. Ho Wai Yip will discuss the ideas of St. Francis of Assisi within the historical and global context of Christian activism, in what is sure to be an evening of fascinating discussion.
The speakers’ individual presentations will be followed by a moderated dialogue and an open floor discussion.
SPEAKERS
Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche is a meditation master in the Nyingma lineage of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. He received his education and training for 10 years from the age of 14 at Larung Gar in Serta, eastern Tibet, with his teacher, the great Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, who is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest Dzogchen masters of the 20th century. In 1990, Rinpoche completed the studies, practice, and meditation training required for the khenpo degree, the highest degree of Buddhist study and practice. He was later invited to America, and in 2011 established the Pristine Mind Foundation (previously known as Atiamrita), leading weekly events and weekend retreats.
James D. Frankel, a native New Yorker and practicing Muslim, is an associate professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. A specialist in the history of Islam in China, his scholarly interests emphasize the comparative history of ideas, and religious and cultural syncretism. Dr. Frankel has lived in China and traveled extensively in Asia and Europe, meeting with scholars and religious leaders of Muslim minority communities. He teaches and researches in the areas of Islam, comparative religion, Chinese religions, religious fundamentalism, and mysticism.
Ho Wai Yip is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd). A former Sir Edward Youde Fellow, he has also taught at the City University of Hong Kong, the University of Macau, and Hong Kong Shue Yan University. As a Christian sociologist in Islamic Studies, his research focuses mainly on Muslim societies and future Christian-Muslim relations in China.
CO-HOSTS
Buddhistdoor International (www.buddhistdoor.com) is a multimedia platform providing English-language content on Buddhist teachings, arts, and culture for a global audience. Based in Hong Kong since 2006, it publishes news, features, and commentary on issues pertinent to the Buddhist heritage. It is supported by an in-house staff of journalists and editors as well as contributors around the world.
Anatolia Cultural & Dialogue Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural and religious harmony in Hong Kong. Its aim is to build strong and lasting friendships and to promote mutual respect and understanding between the citizens of Hong Kong and those of Turkish background and origin. It strives to inform people in Hong Kong about Turkish history and culture by bringing them together in open dialogues, seminars, classes, and other activities.
The Centre of Buddhist Studies at The University of Hong Kong offers a broad range of Buddhist Studies courses at postgraduate research (MPhil/PhD), master’s, and undergraduate levels. The degrees are awarded through the Faculty of Arts. Its courses cover social application, Indian Buddhism, Chinese Mahayana, Buddhist canonical languages, and more, and are taught by a team of renowned Buddhist scholars from around the world.
Source: enews.buddhistdoor.com (Feb. 13, 2015)