Newsletter - Indian Council of Philosophical Research

participated and presented the papers on Texts, Tradition
and Practice on Buddhist Meditation. Two special
panel discussions on Buddhaghosa (Theravada tradition)
and Dogen (Mahayana, Zen Buddhist tradition)
were organized. Mr. Samir Somaiya gave a very befitting
Presidential Address. Valedictory Address was
given by Ven. Ashin Nyanissara. The papers presented
in this Conference will be edited by Ven. Khammai
Dhammasami and Prof. Charles Willemen.
The conference was followed by a field tour to
Buddhist caves at Karla, Bhaja and Bhedse.
Workshop
International Workshop on Dissident Streams in Spirituality
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady
Workshop on full swing
The Department of Philosophy, Sree Sankaracharya
University of Sanskrit, Kalady has conducted a
two-day international level workshop on ‘Dissident
Streams in Spirituality’ during 29-30 April 2010, with
the sponsorship of Indian Council of Philosophical
Research, New Delhi. The present workshop has been
conducted as the fifth-one in a series lf Seminars
being held by the Department for exploring the specificity
and creativity of intellectual/cultural expression.
The domain of religious/spiritual practices are taken
here as one among the different spheres of intellectual
engagement and activity of the people. Therefore the
question of creativity of the religious/spiritual domain
of intellectual practice is presumed to be accounted in
terms of its conversancy with the life situations of the
people of specific regions and cultures. Seven spiritual
practitioners/activists, besides thirty three academic
scholars including five delegates from abroad participated
in the programme. Some college teachers and
research scholars were also invited as discussants.
About 50-75 people participated in the two-day workshop
including local participants besides students and
teachers of the Department. Participants were selected
on the basis of their interest in the topic, which was
shared through the internet interactions. The theme
note was circulated widely to people all over the world,
and many actively responded to the issue, and wanted
to participate in the workshop, though practical matters
made it impossible. Some scholars participated making
their own financial arrangements. The pre-workshop
discussion on the theme over the internet, participants
at the workshop listening keenly in fact, has turned
Participants at the workshop listening keenly
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