Year 12 and 13 Philosophy and Ethics students attended an inspiring A-Level Buddhism conference at Bristol University. The event featured a series of lectures and workshops led by esteemed scholars, providing students with valuable insights into Buddhist thought and practice.
The day commenced with a thought-provoking lecture by Professor Rupert Gethin, who explored Abhidharma philosophy and challenged students to reconsider their understanding of the world. Following this, students selected from a variety of engaging workshops, each offering a unique perspective on Buddhist traditions.
One such workshop, led by Dr. Rita Langer, facilitated a debate on the extent to which Buddhist monastics should be socially engaged. Students from the Academy participated in discussions with peers from other schools, examining the role of the monastic sangha in contemporary society.
Another workshop focused on Shakyo calligraphy, where students practiced the traditional art of sutra copying. Using authentic calligraphy tools and techniques, participants carefully transcribed Buddhist verses, creating beautifully crafted Kanji characters.
For those interested in meditation, sessions were offered on different meditative practices. Soho Kim guided students through Korean Seon meditation, while Professor Rupert Gethin introduced them to Samatha meditation, providing practical experience in mindfulness and concentration techniques.
Dr. Benedetta Lomi led an intriguing session on the use of Koans in Zen Buddhism, encouraging students to transcend dualistic thinking. Questions such as "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" prompted deep reflection on the nature of perception and understanding.
In the second session, Dr. Hannibal Taubes delivered a compelling lecture on Madhyamaka philosophy. He elucidated Nāgārjuna’s insights into dependent arising (pratītyasamutpāda) and the concept of emptiness (śūnyatā), demystifying these complex ideas and their significance in Buddhist thought.
The afternoon concluded with an engaging talk from Venerable Pelwatte Dhammananda Thero, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. He provided valuable insights into monastic life, addressing questions such as whether Buddhist monks can use mobile phones (yes, with mindful boundaries), the challenges of monastic practice, and perspectives on the fear of death.
Overall, the conference was an intellectually stimulating and enriching experience. Students left with a deeper appreciation of Buddhist philosophy and its relevance in the modern world, making it a truly memorable and thought-provoking day.
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