ABOUT
Event
Overview
A Symposium Exploring the Future of Buddhism
The Tzu Chi Global Symposium for Common Goodness will convene under the theme "Applied Buddhism and the Contemporary Bodhisattva Path: Envisioning the Future of Buddhism." This upcoming event will bring together Buddhist scholars, religious practitioners, and humanities experts from seven countries and regions worldwide. Through academic paper presentations, roundtable discussions, and an immersive exhibition, the forum will explore the contemporary interpretation of applied Buddhism, the spirit of the Bodhisattva Path, and Design Thinking After Buddhism. Co-organized by the Tzu Chi Foundation and Harvard FAS CAMLab (Cognitive Aesthetic Media Lab), the symposium aims to foster new dialogues and broaden horizons for the future of Buddhism through rigorous academic exchange.
9 Presentation Sessions
3 Roundtable Discussions
Close to 50 Scholars from 7 countries and regions
Journey to Enlightenment Immersive Exhibition
EXHIBITION TOUR
Tour
Groups
Journey to Enlightenment: A Multimedia Exhibition on Buddhist Cultural Heritage unfolds across three international venues, inviting audiences to engage with Buddhist history, philosophy, and contemporary practice through immersive media and public programming. We invite visitors to follow updates from both CAMLab and the Tzu Chi Foundation for the latest information, and to join us in this cross-cultural journey—from ancient sites of awakening to contemporary expressions of compassion in action. For more information: https://camlab.fas.harvard.edu/exhibition/journey-to-enlightenment/
01
CAMLab Cave (Harvard FAS)May – August 2026
Lower Level, 485 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
02
Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall, HualienMay 10 – December 15, 2026
703, Sect. 3, Zhongyang Rd, Hualien, 970, Taiwan
03
National Science and Technology Museum, KaohsiungAugust 1 – November 1, 2026
720, Jiuru 1st Rd, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
PROGRAMME
3-Day Programme
5.7Thursday
Applied Buddhism and the Bodhisattva Path
8:30
AM · 50 min
Opening CeremonyGroup Photo
Opening Remarks
1. Representative of Harvard University 2. Jing Si Monastic Representative 3. Representative of Harvard CAMLab 4. Representative of Tzu Chi Foundation 5. Stephen Teiser, Princeton University 6. Parimal Patil, Harvard University
9:20
AM · 25 min
Keynote
Contemporary Interpretations of Buddhism: The Significance of Applied Buddhism
Keynote Speech I
Rey-Sheng Her
9:45
AM · 20 min
Break
Break
10:05
AM · 25 min
Keynote
Buddhist Responses to Epidemics—Past, Present, and Future
Keynote Speech II
Stephen Teiser
10:30
AM · 115 min
Paper Session
Philosophical and Ethical Foundations of the Bodhisattva Path
Session I
Jiade Shao
Jonathan Gold
Yinggang Sun
Parimal PatilModerator
Wen-liang Zhang
Upāya Without Closure: Coercion, Trauma, and the Contemporary Bodhisattva Path
Jonathan GoldPrinceton University
The Theoretical Implication and Contemporary Significance of the Buddhist Concept of Equality
Jiade ShaoNanjing University
Tathāgatagarbha Thought and the Contemporary Bodhisattva Path
Wen-liang ZhangRenmin University of China
The Maitreya Bodhisattva Cult in Gandhara and Its Influence on East Asian Civilization
Yinggang SunZhejiang University
Discussants Justin Ritzinger, Lina Verchery
12:25
PM · 75 min
Break
Lunch Break
1:40
PM · 115 min
Paper Session
Buddhism, Health, and Ethics of Care
Session II
Pierce Salguero
Mayfair Yang
Yu-chen LiModerator
William McGrath
Elise Anne DeVido
From the Buddha's Physician to the Medicine Buddha
William McGrathNew York University
Beyond Mindfulness: Buddhism & Health in the US
Pierce SalgueroPennsylvania State University
Chasing the Sarus Cranes: Buddhist and Hindu Multispecies Assemblages in Lumbini
Mayfair YangU.C. Santa Barbara
Animals Repaying Debts of Gratitude in Tzu Chi Teachings
Elise Anne DeVidoTzu Chi University
Discussants Brooke Lavelle, Janet Gyasto
3:35
PM · 20 min
Break
Break
3:55
PM · 125 min
Roundtable
Studies and Practices of Applied Buddhism
Roundtable I
Rey-Sheng Her
Pierce Salguero
James RobsonModerator
Brooke Lavelle
Wen-liang Zhang
Monica Sanford
Debbie Lee
Andrew Her
7:00
PM · 60 min
Dinner
Dinner
(by invitation only)
Harvard Faculty Club
VENUE
Event Venues
01
Student Organization Center at Hilles (SOCH)
Main venue for academic presentations, forums, and networking events.
Hilles Library, 59 Shepard St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States↗02
Harvard CAMLab Cave
Venue for the "Journey to Enlightenment" immersive exhibition.
Lower Level, 485 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States↗03
Harvard Adolphus Busch Hall
Venue for the Journey to Enlightenment exhibition opening ceremony.
Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA↗04
Harvard Art Museums Calderwood Courtyard
Venue for the Under One Sky concert.
32 Quincy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States↗SPEAKERS
Distinguished Speakers
Distinguished scholars and practitioners from around the world, sharing contemporary Buddhist wisdom and vision.
Handbook
議程手冊