University for Life and Peace 2021 Winter School
Winter School 2021 of ULP is held online. Theme: Decision Making: How do we come to decisions, how do we enact them in view of the urge for ecological implementation? Basic Questions: We do know that the ecological crisis may end up as a disaster for human life on earth. We do have strategies and technological developments which might solve some major problems or minimize some of the worst consequences at least. But we hardly do act. Why? And who is “we”? Can we blame the governments only? Is human inertia a major problem? Or fear to change? What would be resources for decision making, individually and collectively? What does it mean for the institutional levels, and which kind of institutions are being challenged here? What is the difference between institutional and individual decision making? Action is urgent: How do we come to decision that will be made fast enough? What are appropriate and working motivations? What is the relationship between incentives and decision making? Which kind of incentives are useful to stimulate creativity and readiness for needed transformation?
LJM donated funds for pandemic protection, necessities, and more to residents in the Bago Region.
As the Covid-19 pandemic spreads worldwide, LJM has donated 8.3 million Burmese Kyat and 16.7 million worth of necessities for residents of the Bago Region. Mr. Chong-Ching Yang (Director of LJM’s University for Life and Peace in Myanmar), Mr. Tin San Myint (Dharmapala Committee in Myanmar) represented the donor while Mr. U Win Thein (Chief Minister of Bago Region) represented the recipient at the donation ceremony.
Sound of Peace Concerto in appreciating mother Earth was held.
The LJM New York Center, Global Family for Love and Peace (GFLP), Chan Space New York, and the School for Strings held an online “Sound of Peace Concerto” during the Covid-19 pandemic in appreciating mother Earth. Representatives from Christianity, Islam, Shinnyo tradition from Japan, and other groups recited or sang prayers for the wellbeing of mother Earth.
The official website for the University for Life and Peace was launched.
The official website for the University for Life and Peace (http://ulp.world/ ) was launched.
LJM held the 2020 Winter School of the University for Life and Peace at the International Chan Center in Yangon, Myanmar.
LJM held the 2020 Winter School of the University for Life and Peace at the International Chan Center in Yangon, Myanmar. Participants include professors from eight countries: the US, the UK, China, Myanmar, Malaysia, and more. As well, students from eleven institutes, which include Yale, Cambridge, Peking University, University of Yangon, Pariyatti Sasana University, and more, also joined the conference. The topic is “Healing the Earth – Transformative Action for Ecology and Technology”. By collaborating with the Human Science Center of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and academic teams from the University of Yangon, we are working on the integrative application of science for the wellbeing of planet Earth.
Consecrating ceremony for the Buddha statue of peace in Bago, Myanmar.
The Buddha statue of Peace from Mandalay was delivered to Bago on June 10th. It is placed on the site for the University for Life and Peace. Maha Kusala Yāma Monastery and Bago Regional Municipality held this ceremony together. The Region Chief Minister; representative from the Bago Sangha Committee; Master Miao Yong (Distinct Sponsors of Ling Jiou Mountain Committee); Master Da Liang (abbot of Jiguang Temple); Master Heng Ming, (Director of Maha Kusala Yama Monastery); Master Bao Shan, (assistant director of the Myan-Chan Meditation Center); Master Wen Xu, (Director of the Sacred Mountain Monastery); Professor Chen, Fu-Du Chen (Director of the preparation office of the University for Life and Peace); the local Dharmapala Committee; Brahma Voice Society; and many honorable guests were present. It was an auspicious ceremony to welcome the arrival of the grand statue.
Master Hsin Tao attended the award ceremony for the vice principal and met with the new staff bhikkhus in Naung Mon.
The Maha Kusala Yama Monastery Elementary School opened in July 2016. Kokang Class commenced in 2017. Pali Class commenced in May of 2018. In 2019, 150 new students enrolled. There are currently 463 students. Master Hsin Tao visited Naung Mon in April to attend the first day of class. He also joined the award ceremony for the vice principal and met with new staff bhikkhus. Master Hsin Tao gave teaching to all the faculty members, students, and parents. After the ceremony, Master Hsin Tao gave a teaching on the Ten Virtues the cultivation on compassion to the shramaneras.
Commencing the Winter School of the University for Life and Peace at the International Meditation Center of LJM.
The Winter School of the University for Life and Peace took place in Yangon, Myanmar. 35 Professors and graduate students from Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, China, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and more. The subject of this conference is: Resolving Ecological Crises with Contemporary Strategy. The academic program of the University for Life and Peace is designed by Dr. Michael von Brück (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich), Dr. Ernst Pöppel (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich), and Dr. Ovid Tseng (former Minister of the Ministry of Education in Taiwan). Graduate students were divided into groups and rotate to learn with these prestige scholars. Then, masters from LJM and bhikkhus from the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University offered in-depth discussion from different perspectives. There were components of academic study and field research. The program was intercultural and interdisciplinary. Master Hsin Tao worked closely with the professors, fellow masters, and bhikkhus. He joined the class every day to offer instruction and exchange ideas.
Ven. Master Hsing Yun blessed the initiative of the University for Life and Peace.
Master Hsin Tao visited Ven. Master Hsing Yun at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery on his birthday. As Master Hsin Tao mentioned about the project on the University for Life and Peace, the Venerable blessed and encouraged, “Take it slow with everything, success is in reach.”
Dr. Myo Thet from the Myanmar Trade Office in Taipei visited the preparation office for the University for Life and Peace.
Invited by Dr. Che, Fu-Du, Dr. Myo Thet, the representative of the Myanmar Trade Office in Taipei, visited the preparation office for the University for Life and Peace. She met with Master Xian Yue, Master Heng Ming, Master Jing Nian. They exchanged ideas for this project and it was a pleasant meeting.
Think Tank conference for the University for Life and Peace took place in Austria.
The Think Tank conference for the University for Life and Peace was held in Reichersberg, Austria. Master Hsin Tao joined the meeting with Dr. Michael von Brück and Dr. Ernst Pöppel. Dr. Ovid Tseng, Chen, Fu-Du, and fellow scholars attended the meeting virtually. The conference focused on the academic program for the institute. The name, “University for Life and Peace”, was finalized as the official name.
Scholars of education from Taiwan joined the advisory committee for the University for Life and Peace.
Dr. Ovid Tseng is an old acquaintance of Master Hsin Tao. They met when he was still the Minister of Education in Taiwan. He took part in the international conference of the MWR and the Peace Movement. Now, he's dedicating many efforts in the planning of the University for Life and Peace. He invited Chen, Te-Hua (former Vice Minister of Education); Ma, Shiang-Ping, (Principal Deputy Director); Dr. 李如蕙 (Academia Sinica), and others. They met with Master Hsin Tao and assumed the role of the advisory committee for the University for Life and Peace.
Officially operating the preparation office for the University for Life and Peace. LJM is honored to have Dr. Chen, Fu-Du as the Director.
The preparation office for the University for Life and Peace began its operation. Dr. Chen, Fu-Du is appointed as the Director of this office. Dr. Ovid Tseng invited Dr. Chen to attend the conference in Yangon. That’s how the connection between Dr. Chen and LJM was made. In the beginning of 2018, Master Hsin Tao invited Dr. Chen to be the Director of this preparation office with the responsibility of planning and overseeing the development of the institute. Dr. Chen commenced his duty on March 1st.
Purchasing 600 acres of land in Bago, Myanmar as the designated site for the University for Life and Peace.
The University for Life and Peace will help to stimulate the development of nearby areas. The institute also focuses on ecology and spirituality. The 600 acres of land in Bago will be the Bago campus for programs on religion, ecology, organic agriculture, eco-tourism, etc. Another campus will be in Yangon with science programs related to national development.
The State Chief Minister of Yangon visited Master Hsin Tao and offered full support for the development of the University of Life and Peace.
H. E. U Phyo Min Thein, the State Chief Minister of Yangon, has a lot of respect for Master Hsin Tao. He visited and learned about the project on the University for Life and Peace. The minister then offered full support for the initiatives of the university.
The Concerto for Life and Peace was held in Kaohsiung and Taipei. The initiative for the University for Life and Peace was announced publicly.
On October 8th and 10th of 2017, we held the Concerto for Life and Peace at the Kaohsiung Municipal Social Education Center and Taipei International Convention Center respectively. The theme is about “Love Earth for a moment, the Mind and the World are at peace”. With enjoyable music and the Four-step Technique of Ling Jiou Mountain’s Peace Meditation, everyone aspired the intention to love Earth. Master Hsin Tao also introduced the initiative on the University for Life and Peace. A new lifestyle was encouraged to love Earth, love peace.
The second Think Tank conference for the University for Life and Peace was held in Myanmar.
The second Think Tank conference for the University for Life and Peace was held in Myanmar on September 27th and 28th. On the 30th, attendees visited the shramanera school and the designated site for the university in Naung Mon. Since the last Think Tank conference was a great success, more scholars and experts joined the second event. Participants include: Bhaddanta Kumara (Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University); 蘇卡明達尊者 (abbot of the Loi Tain Kham Temple in Shan State); Professor Ashin Ketu (Aung-Da-Gon Pariyatti Education Center in Yangon); Dr. Michael von Brück (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich), Dr. Ernst Pöppel (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich); Dr. Lawrence E. Sullivan (former Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard); Dr. Cielito Habito ( Ateneo de Manila University); Dr. Lou Yulie (Peking University); and Dr. Ovid Tseng (former Minister of the Ministry of Education in Taiwan). Advisors from Europe, North America, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, and more, gathered to discuss the academic program and the distinct qualities of the university. They’ve agreed that “interdependent diversity” and “sustainability” are the core elements for future planning. 2019 Winter School would take place in January 2019. Professors and graduate students from related fields are invited. The program for the Winter School combines ecology and spirituality. The interplay of these two is the primary subject for research study. Master Hsin Tao explained, “The purpose of this conference is to remind all of us to start from ‘spirituality’. A holistic learning system on life and peace is built on the backbone of ‘love Earth’. This is an extensive meeting from the first Think Tank. We are here to draft the outline for the university academic program.”
Master Hsin Tao headed to Vatican City to meet with Pope Francis. He expressed the wish for Catholics to join the endeavor of the University for Life and Peace.
Master Hsin Tao headed to Vatican City to meet with Pope Francis. Through this encounter, Master expressed his vision for the University for Life and Peace. Later, he visited Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the President of PCID, and invited him to join the plan for the university. Master Hsin Tao expressed, “For years, LJM has had frequent and friendly exchange with the Catholics. When I read the Laudato si’, the second encyclical from Pope Francis, I was deeply touched by the shared belief in loving Earth.”
The first Think Tank conference for the University for Life and Peace was held in Regensburg, Germany.
The first Think Tank conference for the University for Life and Peace took place in Regensburg, Germany. This was an international advisory conference with scholars from different fields. The exchange with Master Hsin Tao was exceptional. The focus of the conference was to heighten the sense of globalization. All the planning for the university should be pioneering with sustainable prospects. Dr. Michael von Brück moderated the conference. The attendees were prestige professionals and professors in biology, economics, medicine and ethics, philosophy, sociology, international law, and more. Dr. Lawrence E. Sullivan (former Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard); Karsai Gabor Zsolt, the CEO of LJM; Dr. Maria Reis Habito (International Program Director of the Museum of World Religions), and others also participated in this meeting.
Establishing the headquarter of the University for Life and Peace in Manhattan, New York.
To promote the University for Life and Peace to the international audience, LJM established a headquarter in New York. Plans include the promotion on the University for Life and Peace, as well as the project on making Naung Mon a multi-functional place.
Master Hsin Tao and Dr. Sullivan exchanged ideas on the University for Life and Peace.
Dr. Sullivan attended the 15th anniversary of the Museum of World Religions. Master Hsin Tao invited the professor to help with the future development of the University for Life and Peace. In every exchange with the professor, Master Hsin Tao would mention, “The University for Life and Peace is vitally important. I envision each academic program to be designated for the welfare of world peace. It is an institute that speaks for Earth and advocates actions for loving Earth. Warfare and overconsumption must be avoided.” Such belief resonates with Dr. Sullivan’s study on the integration of spirituality and ecology. Master continued, “Once the university is up and running, it will offer the world a new value and perspective. All of us should discuss the global matter with a collective effort despite religions, ethnicities, and countries. This should not be a one-man job but every global citizen. We are the advocates for global peace. Each member from every corner of the world is our partner. Every place is the working site for the same endeavor. Together, we work for ‘love Earth, love peace’.”
Master Hsin Tao attended the dedication ceremony on the merits of completing the school dormitory, roads, hydropower system and related facilities in Lashio, Myanmar.
Master Hsin Tao attended the dedication ceremony on the merits of completing the school dormitory, roads, hydropower system and related facilities in Lashio, Myanmar. Guests include: Bhaddanta Kumara (Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University); General Aung Than Htut of the Ministry of Defence; General Phong Myint (Shan State); Sai Mauk Kham (former president of Myanmar); Khin Maung Tun (Parliamentary Secretary), and many attended this ceremony. Master Hsin Tao spoke at the ceremony, “As Myanmar is opening up to the world, we must be ready to receive the political, economic, cultural, and global impact. While we are adapting to the trend, we must preserve our great tradition. The University for Life and Peace is a bridge connecting to the world. There will be an elementary school, secondary school, and a university. Based on the compulsory requirement of the Burmese government, the institute will extend further with an expansive global view.
Commencing the Maha Kusala Yama Monastery Elementary School in Naung Mon.
The long-awaited Maha Kusala Yama Monastery Elementary School in Naung Mon opened today. It had just received the first group of student. The opening ceremony took place on June 21st. Master Hsin Tao stated that prospective students are the seeds in propagating Dharma and peace in the future.
Initiating the plan in making Naung Mon a multi-functional place along with the university.
The initiative for the development in Naung Mon commenced today. This is a base for education, culture, religions, organic agriculture, healthcare services, charity, and more. From September 1st to 22nd, Master Hsin Tao traveled within Myanmar. He met with Khin Mang Thein, a prominent Burmese politician; Mr. Luo Xing Min, the advisor from the Kokang Culture Association; sangha committee in Burma; Chinese-Burmese representatives, and more. He gathered ideas and opinions from people of different backgrounds. Master Hsin Tao said, “Naung Mon will be an international bodhimanda of Chan. There will be healthcare services, orphanage, trade school, meditation center, and more. We will integrate organic agriculture, tourism, and spiritual practice to help the local development. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoist philosophies will also be introduced. A Kokang Culture Center will be in place to preserve local culture. We are a family here to share the same belief and goal. As we carry out many charitable projects every year, please join our activities of compassion. let's emulate the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha." Besides the above-mentioned development, a grand Buddha statue, the Guan Yin Temple, the Golden Pagoda, senior home, shramanera school, etc. will also be set up. Master Hsin Tao envisions the university and affiliated services to be multi-functional. The university is coming into shape along with the project in Naung Mon.
Master Hsin Tao invited Professor Michael von Brück to help in developing the courses and programs for the University for Life and Peace.
Dr. Michael von Brück (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) is a renowned scholar with respectable influence and connections in the academia. Under the calling from Master Hsin Tao, Dr. Michael von Brück joined the initiative of the university in planning the course and future development.
Master Hsin Tao named and finalized the institute, “University for Life and Peace”.
Master Hsin Tao discussed further preparation for the University for Life and Peace with fellow students: Master Liao Yi, Master Heng Ming, Shi-Chang Xu, Bao-Qi Zhu, Yi-Long Wei, Ju-Fang Song, Ling-Ling Weng, Yu-fang Lai, and more. Master finalized and announced the name of the institute, “University for Life and Peace”.
Master Hsin Tao discussed the concept of interdependent diversity and the state of Avatamsaka with Professor Michael von Brück.
Master Hsin Tao, Professor Michael von Brück and Professor Ernst Pöpple, held a dialogue where they talked about the worldview described in the Avatamska Sutra. The cosmic understanding and the concept of interdependent diversity from the sutra are rather comprehensive and holistic. Western science and Buddhism share a lot of commonalities on life, power of the mind, and the memories within nature, etc. Master stated, “The principle of interdependent diversity corresponds to the state of Avatamsaka. The essence of Avatamsaka sums up the authentic meaning of life. The University for Life and Peace is built based on this belief and understanding. It is an institute that manifests interconnectedness. It is a university that unites the shared belief of mankind.”
Developing the project of Avatamsaka Sacred Mountain.
LJM proposed the plan of the Avatamsaka Sacred Mountain, which includes: the construction at the main monastery; Golden Buddha site within the Sacred Mountain Monastery; four meditation centers and Dharma centers worldwide; the religion and cultural area within the Avatamsaka Sacred Mountain; and the WRU.
2005, 2nd Apr Master Hsin Tao received a donation of land from a village head in Naung Mon. A multi-functional Naung Mon began to come into shape.
A village head in Naung Mon was moved by Master Hsin Tao’s aspiration. He donated a piece of land that was intended to grow corn to LJM. Guan Yin Temple and an orphanage will be built on this land. Development on the Naung Mon farm will also start from here. Master Hsin Tao hopes to introduce advanced agricultural techniques from Taiwan. With an organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly method, more farmers could have a better. Not only can the economy improve, the program will also deliver the message of "love Earth". Furthermore, this project can offer educational opportunities for local youths. They can be trained with trades that are self-sufficient. As the farm develops, hydropower engineering and related facilities will also be in place. In addition, healthcare services and eco-tourism will also be introduced. The living quality of local people will improve significantly in many aspects.
Awarding the Seed of the Buddha Land Scholarship.
GFLP awarded the Seed of the Buddha Land Scholarship in Myanmar to support orphans, poor children, and young shramaneras to access to education.
Think Tank Committee of LJM held an advisory meeting for the WRU.
Think Tank Committee of LJM held an advisory meeting at the MWR. The subject being: The WRU’s vision and action. Participants include: Master Liao-Yi, Professor Chu, Shin-Min (National Chengchi University), Professor 蔡政文教授 (National Taiwan University) and so on.
Master Hsin Tao announced that the WRU being the second focus initiative of LJM at the Dharmapala Committee award ceremony.
At the award ceremony, Master Hsin Tao expressed, “Right after the establishment of MWR, LJM’s second mission is the WRU. This would require everyone’s hard work. We hope to revive the spirit of Nalanda and build an educational institute in nurturing talents. They will be teaching Dharma worldwide, promoting the vision of love and peace, and becoming the key to the prosperity of Buddhism.
Registering the Global Family for Love and Peace (GFLP), an NGO, at the headquarter of the UN in New York.
Registering the Global Family for Love and Peace (GFLP), an NGO, at the headquarter of the UN in New York. GFLP actively promotes dialogues between different religions, humanitarian aid, supports for the poor and orphans. Furthermore, the organization sets up kindergarten, conserves sacred sites, the Seed of the Buddha Land, the WRU, and more.
Opening the Museum of World Religions.
The MWR is located in Yungho, Taiwan. This is an unprecedented museum that exhibits artifacts of major religions. That exact day of opening was also named the “Day of Religious Harmony”. Leaders and representatives of different religions from 38 countries gathered to celebrate this remarkable opening and exchange with one another. The motto of the museum is to be respectful of every faith, be inclusive of every ethnicity, and be loving of every being. Besides exhibiting artifacts and the proper knowledge of different religions, the MWR delivers education on life. It inspires people to experience belief, spirituality, and a peaceful life on a deeper level. Master Hsin Tao said, “For people to benefit from religion, one must let go of a discriminative mind, be respectful, and strive for a common goal. This would require the spirituality of religions: mutual respect; great love for beings; love and peace; and environmental protection. The MWR values respect, inclusivity, and love. These are also the elements that constitute the University for Life and Peace.
Master Hsin Tao’s first public announcement on his third vision, the founding of the WRU.
Master Hsin Tao mentioned his “three visions” during teaching. The first vision is to establish the Museum of World Religions (MWR). The second vision is an organization with sustainable management. The third vision is to found the World Religions University (WRU).
Discussing the preparation for the WRU with fellow students and professors.
Master Hsin Tao met with fellow students: Master Fa Xing and Prof. Chen, Rui Gui of Tamkang University, to discuss the preparation for the WRU. He later discussed with Master Liao Yi and others about further details on the academic program, etc.
Setting up the World Religions Research Center.
LJM set out the preparation for the World Religions Research Center (WRRC), a division of the WRU.
Setting up the International Nalanda Chan School.
LJM set out the preparation for the International Nalanda Chan School, an early model for the World Religions University (WRU).
