IBSC MCU Collaborates with Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Lao PDR to Enhance Education, Research, and Meditation Practice
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On February 15, 2025, at the headquarters of the Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Lao PDR, executives from the International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC) met with the Sangha and government representatives of Lao PDR to continue their collaboration on enhancing Buddhist education, arts, culture, and research exchange, as well as systematizing and developing teaching methods and Vipassana meditation practice.
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The representatives from the Lao Sangha and government, who form the operational team related to this work, include both monastic and lay individuals in key roles, as follows:
1) Ven. Athipatay Maytrichit, Permanent Sangha Supreme Cabinet, the Head of Headquarters of BFOL
2) Ven. Dr. Bounchan Chantthasith, Vice-Director Ongtue Sangha Teacher Training College
3) Mr. Bounthavy Phonetasine, Deputy Head of the Religions and Ethics Department, Lao Front for National Development
4) Mr. Khamngiem Sengsouriya, Deputy Head of the Religions and Ethics Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs
5) Ven. Kikeo Chanthanongsy, Deputy Director-General of the Committee for Sangha Education
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The Mekong Basin Buddhist Studies Center was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2009 under the operation of the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU), with Most Ven. Phra Brahmapundit as the Executive Chairman.
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The key objectives of establishing the Mekong Basin Buddhist Studies Center are:
1. To research and develop academic cooperation networks in Buddhism within the Irrawaddy-Chao Phraya-Mekong basin and their tributaries.
2. To disseminate Buddhist research findings in the river basin to academic circles, the public, and local communities, helping them recognize and take pride in their local wisdom.
3. To exchange and jointly develop Buddhist curricula for the river basin area.
4. To create and develop new Buddhist researchers who integrate knowledge of social sciences and humanities, with expertise in Buddhist stories and ways of life of people living in the mentioned river basins.
5. To serve as a central coordination center for exchanging scholars and Buddhist experts with research organizations and institutions both regionally and internationally.
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The International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) is firmly committed to serving as a bridge for Buddhist universities worldwide to enhance the academic quality of Buddhist studies and to broaden the understanding of the importance of this academic work in relation to other fields.
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This initiative aligns with the Association's objectives of supporting members and fostering cooperation and mutual support among members, ensuring maximum benefit for humanity, and promoting understanding of the value of the completeness and diversity of Buddhist traditions, customs, and cultures of various nations.