Exploring Digitization of Buddhist Scriptures at BFA's 10th Sub-forum
Exploring Digitization of Buddhist Scriptures at BFA's 10th Sub-forum
The BFA (BFA) Annual Conference 2025, held on March 28, welcomed a notable gathering at the Sub-forum on Religious Harmony and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations. Focusing on the innovative theme "Countless Dharma Doors Converge in a Square Inch," the forum aimed to investigate the future of digitizing Buddhist scriptures. This event saw the participation of 12 renowned monks and cultural researchers from six nations, creating a rich tapestry of dialogue dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and preservation of Buddhist texts.
Chairing the event was Venerable Master Yin Shun, a prominent figure in the Buddhist Association of China and President of the Buddhist Association of Hainan Province. His leadership signified the forum's commitment to uniting efforts worldwide to promote the development and preservation of Buddhist culture through advanced technology and international cooperation.
Decade of Achievements
Reflecting on the journey of the BFA Religious Sub-forum over the past ten years, Master Yin emphasized its foundational goal of fostering a global community interconnected through a shared destiny. The sub-forum has been pivotal in enhancing religious harmony and encouraging intercultural dialogue. The incorporation of digital technology has proven especially beneficial, allowing for significant achievements in preserving and providing access to Buddhist teachings.
Particularly noteworthy is the compilation of the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms and the digital translation of pivotal Buddhist classics in the economically vibrant Pan-South China Sea region. As such initiatives gain momentum, they elevate the level of involvement from various stakeholders such as government entities, religious organizations, and educational institutions.
The South China Sea Buddhist Academy, recognized as an influential international Buddhist educational platform, has taken strides forward by training 106 international students from countries like Laos, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Nepal. This endeavor has been crucial in bolstering global cooperation towards the digitization of Buddhist scriptures.
The Role of Technology
Digitization advocates like Ven. Guang Quan, Deputy Secretary General of the Buddhist Association of China, highlighted the importance of digital transformation in disseminating Buddhist culture globally. Guang spoke about the remarkable progress made by the Hangzhou Lingyin Temple, which has pioneered the creation of an AI-based OCR engine tailored for ancient texts and established platforms aimed at digitizing classical literature.
Ongoing projects actively pursue digitizing significant Buddhist canons such as the Jingshan Canon and the Yongle Northern Canon, breathing new life into age-old texts through technology. The integration of digital tools aims to further connect civilizations, enriching the dissemination of Asian Buddhist wisdom.
Bhikshu Huimin, leading efforts at the Comprehensive Buddhist Electronic Text Archive Foundation (CBETA) in Taiwan, shared insights on the Electronic Buddhist Text Initiative (EBTI). This initiative elucidates the progression from merely developing digital archives to a comprehensive engagement with digital humanities, underlining the evolution in the sphere of Buddhist literary heritage.
Hong Xiang, a research assistant from the University of Hong Kong's Centre of Buddhist Studies, emphasized how digital enhancements are revolutionizing the collection and verification processes for the treasured Dunhuang manuscripts. He stressed the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure effective preservation and global resource sharing within Buddhist texts.
Promoting International Collaboration
The discourse also ventured into the collaborative dimensions of digitization, particularly accentuating the contributions from Japanese and Korean Buddhist traditions. KAWANAKA KOKYO, representing Japan's Jodoshu, introduced the Digitization of Zōjō-ji's Three Great Buddhist Canons project, advocating for widespread collaboration in digitizing Buddhist scriptures for a more peaceful and harmonious global future.
Similarly, JONG-RIM, from the Tripitaka Koreana Research Institute, emphasized the ongoing digitization efforts in Korea to develop a comprehensive Tripitaka. His proposal includes crafting a digital lexicon of Buddhist concepts and terms to enhance understanding and accessibility.
Additionally, involvement from the South China Sea Buddhist Friendship Circle was highlighted, with Ven. PHRAPROMMASITH (Thongchai Sukkayano) stressing Thailand's commitment to preserving Buddhist cultural heritage through international collaboration aimed at enhancing access to Dharma texts.
Looking Ahead
The concluding remarks by Ven. YAN JUE, President of the Buddhist Association of China, encapsulated the essence of the forum. He reiterated that Buddhist scriptures constitute a shared cultural legacy. The digitization challenge, he stated, is both a technical endeavor and a broader cultural duty. He reaffirmed the Chinese Buddhist community's dedication to fostering global partnerships with academic and Buddhist spheres to further the digitization efforts, promising an enriched understanding and wider dissemination of Buddhist teachings.
Hence, through these collective efforts and discussions, the Sub-forum marks a significant step forward in bridging cultures and preserving a vital aspect of global spiritual heritage.
Topics People & Culture）
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