Pluralism in the Buddhāvataṃsaka Sūtra

Speaker: Bhikshu Shi Deng-Rong (Online, Joining from Taiwan)

Mon 25 May | 7.00-8.30pm AEST

Location: Online (Zoom link below)

Cost: Free

The Buddhāvataṃsaka Sūtra is an expansive composite work that serves as a cornerstone of Mahayana thought and Chinese Buddhist philosophy. Traditionally revered as the first teaching delivered by the historical Buddha following his enlightenment, this text was so highly valued in ancient China that it was translated into three distinct versions.
This lecture focuses on two pivotal elements: the diverse paths of the Bodhisattva and the spiritual pilgrimage of Sudhana. Within these narratives, a profound pluralism emerges—both in cultural and soteriological contexts. This philosophical shift represents a groundbreaking departure from early Buddhist thought, transitioning the practitioner into a vast, interconnected "multiverse of Buddhas."

About the Speaker: Bhikshu Shi Deng-Rong is a PhD researcher at National Taiwan University, specializing in Chinese Buddhism, Buddhist Cultural Philosophy, and the intersection of Buddhism and Gender. Born in Mainland China and raised in Los Angeles, California, he was ordained in Taiwan under the guidance of the renowned Venerable Master Chao-Hwei. His work seeks to bridge traditional monastic practice with contemporary academic inquiry.

Online event: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive session online by clicking on this link to access the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83506489824?pwd=cmpNQ1ljSmFVYURLWVN1dWllYUN1dz09

Meeting ID: 835 0648 9824| Passcode: 718905

Alternatively, you can dial in from your telephone (call charges apply): +61 2 8015 6011