Meeting Buddhism: Buddhism and Its Teachings on Religious Harmony

Posted on 10/5/2014

Meeting Buddhism: Buddhism and Its Teachings on Religious Harmony

EVENT DETAILS

In this lecture, Ven. Jnan Nanda introduces the major basic teachings of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. He covers the Four Noble Truths, and the Three Universal Characteristics as the foundational teachings that shape Buddhism’s unique identity.

Although Buddhism talks about suffering, it doesn’t mean that Buddhism sees life as suffering. On the contrary, Buddhism, with the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths, discusses the way to end suffering and its root causes, which ultimately gives rise to unconditional happiness. The Four Truths, in relation to the theory of Dependent Co-origination, explain that when a phenomenon arises, it also ceases. The speaker also will elaborate on the Eightfold Path, the path leading to the end of suffering, in three aspects: virtue, concentration and wisdom. Ven. Jnan Nanda will then talk about the importance of the understanding of the Three Universal Characteristics to fully comprehend the doctrine of the Four Truths.

The talk also will include a discussion on social harmony, including interfaith harmony. In this section of the talk, the speaker will articulate the Buddhist attitudes towards other religions and its emphasis of co-existence to promote social harmony both in the general society and among the religious groups.

Jnan Nanda is a Bangladeshi Buddhist monk in the Theravada Tradition. He had his primary, secondary education in Sri Lanka. He obtained his Bachelor in Buddhist Studies from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka and MA in Buddhist Studies from the University of Hong Kong. Currently Jnan Nanda tutors ‘Reading Buddhist Sanskrit Texts’ at the Centre of Buddhist Studies, HKU, and is News and Media Analyst at Buddhistdoor International. He starts his PhD in July 2014 at the University of Hong Kong.

Presented By: Pearl Institute (Formerly known as Anatolia Cultural & Dialogue Centre) & Buddhistdoor International

Time: 10th of May 2014 – Saturday – 07.00 – 09.00 pm

Venue: 909 C C Wu Building, 302-308 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

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