[Reader-list] International Seminar on Buddhism and Buddhist Heritage of Gujarat and India - Call for Papers - Jan 2010

[Chintan]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Priyanca Vaishnav


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rajan Barrett <rajanbarrett at yahoo.co.in>
Date: 2009/7/9


  *International Seminar on Buddhism and Buddhist Heritage of Gujarat and
India*

*(January 15 and 16, 2010)*

* *

* *

*CALL FOR PAPERS*





Buddhism, that propagates the doctrine of *karma*, had made wider changes in
the social and cultural scenes of ancient Asia in general, and South Asia
and Southeast Asia in particular. In India, at its very beginning, its
revolt against the *Brahmanical* supremacy and denial of the complex
*Vedic*rituals made it easily acceptable to the greater population.
The subsequent
periods witnessed several ups and downs for this religious sect under the
patronage of several rulers. The region denoted as the present day political
state of Gujarat, in its past welcomed Buddhism, which flourished along with
Jain and Brahmanical cults ever since the days of Ashoka, the Mauryan
emperor. Large number of archaeological evidence in the form of
inscriptions, *stupas*, *chaitya* *grahas*, *viharas*, sculptures and images
from various parts of Gujarat stand as a testimony to the wide spread of
Buddhism in Gujarat. Accounts of Chinese travellers, Hiuen-tsang and I-tsing
suggest that both *Hinayana* and *Mahayana* were practiced in Gujarat.
Although such a rich heritage of Buddhism is present in Gujarat, many of its
attributes and its wider impact on the society of Gujarat needs to be
brought to limelight. This can only be achieved by situating Gujarat in the
map of the Buddhist world. Therefore, the Government of Gujarat in
collaboration with the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara is
organising an international seminar which will highlight the Buddhist
traditions of India in general and Gujarat in western India in particular.
The proposed international seminar on Buddhism aims at (i) appreciating the
Buddhist past of Gujarat through a series of discourses on its archaeology
and history, (ii) highlighting the contributions of Buddhism and its
philosophy to the culture and society of Gujarat, (iii) promoting
documentation and research on Buddhist materials and places in Gujarat, and
(iv) conserving and preserving Buddhist sites and pilgrimage centres in
Gujarat..



The international seminar will focus on four major themes; *(i) the
archaeology and history of Buddhism, (ii) the Philosophy of Buddhism, (iii)
Conserving the Buddhist Heritage and (iv) Developing Buddhist Tourism in
Gujarat.*



Along with the International Seminar and scientific deliberations, we also
plan to have philosophical lectures by spiritual leaders and an exhibition
of development and decline of Buddhism in India and Gujarat.. The venue of
the seminar, *the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda* has the unique
fortune of preserving the holy relics of Buddha. The International
Conference will be on *January 15 and 16, 2010*. The conference will be
followed by field visits and tours to archaeological sites of Buddhist
influence in Gujarat.



You are requested to send abstract of your papers/articles based on any of
the aforesaid themes so that it can be included in the programme. We will
appreciate if you kindly send the abstract by *July 31, 2009*.



We are sure that you will find participation in the seminar not only of
academic significance but also will give you an opportunity to put
philosophical, religious as well as tourist flavour.



Financial support will be given to a limited number of speakers from India
and abroad, however all possible local hospitality will be extended to all
participants by the organisers.













Professor Ramesh Goyal (Convenor)

Vice Chancellor

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Vadodara

goyalrk at rediffmail.com

Dr. K. Krishnan (Co-ordinator)

Department of Archaeology and Ancient History

Faculty of Arts

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Vadodara

krishnan_msu at yahoo.com