On June 15th, two presentations delved into the theme of the Two Truths and Buddhist Education. The first presentation explored the involvement and spiritual development in Buddhist Education, delivered by Professor Jitsujo T. Gauthier, a Buddhist Chaplaincy expert from the University of the West. Following this, Professor Miroj Shakya, a Department of Religious Studies Professor and collaborator of the Sanskrit Tripitaka Digitization Project at the University of the West, presented a discussion on the impact of digital technology on Buddhist Education.
The speaker commenced his address with the quote, “Buddhism is an intellectual education, not a religion. We should not worship Buddha but should respect Buddha as a teacher. It is the Buddha’s teachings that help us leave suffering and achieve happiness.” This quote has profoundly influenced the Speaker’s faith in Buddhist education.
According to the Speaker, Buddhist education begins with the second verse of the Dhammapada: “The mind leads all dharmas, the mind is the master, the mind creates. If with a pure mind, speak or act, peace follows behind, like a shadow, never leaving the image.” This sutra illustrates that happiness originates from within, not from external sources.
Furthermore, the speaker offered numerous examples to demonstrate that true happiness emanates from internal sources. He underscored the integration of traditional Buddhist principles with modern educational approaches as indicative of the conventional truth. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of recognizing the ultimate truth alongside this conventional understanding. Ultimately, he concluded by affirming that Buddhist education encompasses the development of wisdom at both the ultimate and conventional levels.
After the speaker concluded his presentation, the audience engaged in a discussion, posing questions and sharing opinions on the topic for the speaker to address.
One of the questions raised by Monk Thich Nu Tien Lien pertained to the prerequisites for enrollment in the Buddhist Chaplaincy major at the University of the West, the required number of credits, and potential career prospects upon graduation. The professor responded by explaining that the curriculum for Chaplaincy comprises 72 college units. Graduates of the Buddhist chaplaincy program can pursue employment opportunities in various sectors, including schools, non-profit organizations, and even the military. He further elaborated that approximately 25% of graduates find employment in hospitals, another 25% in non-profit associations, 25% in the military, and the remaining 25% in other fields such as educational institutions.
Another question was posed by Thich Nguyen Tam, who inquired about the poet To Dong Pha and sought an explanation for the two verses: “The stream with its roar is a long and wide tongue. The majestic mountain is the awakened form of Buddha.” In response, the speaker provided a general interpretation, explaining that the poem illustrates the concept of Buddha’s nature and the truth of liberation.
Next on the agenda is the discussion topic titled “Spiritual Involvement and Development in Buddhist Education” led by Professor Jitsujo Gauthier, a Buddhist Chaplain from the University of the West. Professor Gauthier, an American practitioner in the Japanese tradition, was drawn to Buddhism in 2003 following her father’s passing from cancer. With over 17 years of Buddhist practice, she brings a wealth of experience to her presentation. The structure of her presentation comprises three main parts:
- Outlining Buddhist education in the information age.
- Providing an overview of Buddhist Chaplaincy.
- Presenting the Department of Buddhist Chaplaincy and the Doctor of Buddhist Studies degree offered to monks and graduate students at the University of the West.
Professor Gauthier pointed out that our society is currently inundated with information technology culture in numerous aspects. How do we adhere to the teachings and principles amidst the chaos of the information age? She emphasized that Buddhist education in this era can reshape our perception of temples, monasteries, Buddhist centers, and the Sangha. After Professor Gauthier concluded her presentation, the audience engaged in a discussion, posing questions and sharing insights related to the topic for her to address.
A Buddhist attendee posed a question: “Does the Buddhist Chaplaincy Department at The University of the West cover fundamental doctrines like Cause and Effect, Karma, and Merit?” Professor Gauthier replied, “The program primarily focuses on advanced vocabulary and is tailored for postgraduate and doctoral levels and above. It assumes that foundational concepts have been previously learned or acquired through practical experience.” Another participant, Buddhist Phuoc Ngoc, raised concerns about the relatively high tuition fees. “Are there any assistance programs available for retirees who wish to enroll?” Professor Gauthier assured, “As an accredited institution offering various degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, there are numerous government scholarship opportunities and financial aid options available. Retirees and other students can apply for these programs to alleviate the financial burden.”
Another inquiry came from the attendees, “Professor mentioned that some students focus on practical topics related to daily life. Is there a necessity to engage with young people in this regard?” Professor Gauthier responded, “Given the nature of this program, an approach geared towards practicality is indeed essential.” Additionally, she clarified that chaplains are not advocates of violence; their mission is to alleviate people’s suffering. Therefore, the approach is not contradictory to Buddhist principles. Empathy and compassion serve as indispensable qualities for chaplains to understand and share the emotions of others effectively.
Furthermore, “The Impact of Digital Technology on Buddhist Education” was presented by Professor Miroj Shakya, Professor of the Department of Religious Studies and collaborator of the Sanskrit Tripitaka Digitization Project at the University of the West. Professor Shakya delved into the profound influence of technology on Buddhist education in the digital era, highlighting both its positive and negative aspects. While new scientific advancements have undeniably expanded educational opportunities, transforming the study of Buddhism, scholars and students have yet to fully harness these technological resources. Therefore, there is a pressing need for more preparatory classes to equip students with the skills to effectively utilize technology in their studies.