2^nd Annual Buddhism in China Program

July 1 to July 22, 2010

Sites Visited:

• The Great Buddha City in Wuxi 无锡 (photos & introduction)
• Wutai Shan 五台山/ Mount Wutai (photos & introduction)
• Foguang Temple of Wutai County (photos & introduction)
• Qiaojia Dayuan/ Qiao Family Compound (photos & introduction)
• Zhen Hai Temple 鎮海寺 (photos & introduction)
• Daming Temple 大明寺 (photos & introduction)
• Xuan Kong Si/ Hanging Temple (photos & introduction)
• Yingxian Wooden Pagoda of Fogong Temple (photos & introduction)
• Huayan Temple (introduction)
• Chong Shan Temple (photos & introduction)
• Gaomin Temple 高旻寺 (photos & introduction)
• Qixia Temple 栖霞寺 (introduction)
• Yungang Grottoes 雲崗石窟 (photos & introduction)
• Dajue Temple 大覺寺 (photos & introduction)

Introduction

Sponsored by the Woodenfish Project and in collaboration with faculty of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, the Buddhism in China program offers graduate students the opportunity for direct and intensive engagement with important historical centers of East Asian Buddhism in Jiangsu, Beijing, and Shanxi, including Mount Wutai and the Datong grottos. Through regular seminars conducted by scholars of East Asian Buddhism specializing in the field of Huayan Buddhism and guided tours of temples, archeological sites, and other historical locations, participants will study the history and culture of Buddhism in China. Special attention will also be given to introducing participants to potential sources and avenues for research and to promoting interaction with Chinese scholars.

Itinerary

Eligibility and Selection

Eligible applicants will be graduate students currently enrolled in MA or PhD programs in Western universities who have primary research interests in Chinese Buddhism or related fields (e.g., Buddhism in other Asian nations, other Chinese religious traditions, Asian philosophy, Buddhist art history, Chinese history, etc.). Faculty are also welcome and encouraged to participate. While proficiency in spoken and written Chinese is desirable, it is not a necessary condition for eligibility for participation in the program. Seminars and site introductions will be given in Mandarin Chinese and interpreted into English by bilingual scholars, thus allowing full accessibility for all participants regardless of language background. For participants with proficiency in Mandarin, the program is also designed to provide opportunity for language exercise in sustained academic interaction with Chinese scholars and graduate students.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with admission determined within one 
or two weeks after submission of application. Applications will be accepted until the final deadline of April 30, 2010. However, as only 30 individuals (including both students and faculty) will be admitted to the 2010 program, applicants are highly encouraged to apply early in order to improve the likelihood of their admission.

Accommodation

Housing, meals, (breakfast and lunch – participants will be free for dinner arrangements), bus transportation, and tuition within China are funded by a scholarship from the Woodenfish Project in association with Foguang Shan and will be provided to participants for the duration of the program. Participants, both the graduates students and the faculty, are responsible for their own international airfare and domestic train travel within China.

College credit

Students may if they wish receive college credit for the program through the University of the West (Los Angeles).  The associated course is REL 638 Seminar in Chinese Buddhism: Philosophy and Practice (download the syllabus) for 3.0 credits and the fee for enrollment is $300.00 per credit ($900.00 total).  Participants are able to enroll in this course and upon completion of the program may be able to transfer the credits from the University of the West to the academic institution they attend.  Enrollment in a credit course is not required to participate in this program.  This option is provided for those participants who wish to also earn college credits for their time.  Upon completion the student will receive a letter grade for the class.  Please check with the academic institution/department you attend beforehand to see if it will accept the credits.

Additional Information

For further information about the Buddhism in China series, please visit the Buddhism in China page.

Student inquiries and applications may be sent by e-mail to Geoffrey Goble, program coordinator, at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Interested faculty should contact Ven. Dr. Yifa directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it