International Sirpur Bhikkunis and Upasikas Dhamma Discourse – Call for Paper

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The organizers of Sirpur Conclave are pleased to invite Papers for the Third international Buddhist conclave and cultural festival and First Conclave on Bhikkhunis and Upasikas Dhamma discourse from experts/authors/researchers/scholar scheduled to be held at Sirpur Dhamma Site on 8 to 10 February 2020 in Mahasammund District of Chhattisgarh State, India.

Importance of Sirpur Dhamma Site:

The conference will be held at Sirpur, a place of high academic value. Sirpur is the world’s largest Buddhist monuments site/sprawl located at the Mahasammund District of Chhattisgarh State, in India. The architectural features of Sirpur include Buddhist Stupas, over 700 Buddhist mounds, 100 Viharas and Chaityas, about 100 Buddha sculpting and sacred Relics of the Buddha spread over a periphery of 10 kilometers. Historical, architectural and textual evidence of Sirpur (Sripur: ancient name) and Chhattisgarh (Dakkhin Kosal: ancient name) is plenty. The antiquity of Buddhism in Sirpur and Chhattisgarh State dates back to the life time of Buddha itself 2500 years ago. Sacred Buddhist text ‘avadaansatak’ mentions three months stay of the Buddha in south Kosal when a condition of war emerged between the king Prasenjit of north Kosal and the king of south Kosal. Buddhist Monk Emperor Asoka re-established the Buddhist link to this land by building numerous stupas, chaityas, viharas and such other structures.

So far as the relation of Chhattisgarh with Buddhism is concerned it is categorically described by the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Yuan Chuang (Hiouen Tsang) who visited in 639 A.D. He informed that after travelling 1800 or 1900 Li (i.e. 300 or 317 Miles) toward north-west from capital of Kalinga he reached kia-sa-lo (kosala). He also mentioned that Asoka had built stupa and other buildings. According to him famous Buddhist monk and philosopher Nagarjuna was living in a vihara here.

The Arang stone inscription of Panduwamsi king Bhavadeva Ranakesari mentions that he had reconstructed an Abode of Buddha which was earlier erected by King Suryaghosa in memory of his dead son. This inscription clearly records that Bhavadeva Ranakesari was himself a follower of the Buddha.

In retrospect a study of Buddhist remains in Chhattisgarh (South Kosal ancient name) reveals Buddhist establishment flourished and Buddhist art activities continued up to 13th century A.D.in this area.
There is a valley of information about Sirpur and Chhattisgarh that seeks further academic attention by scholars, researchers, archeologists, explorers and travelers.
Sirpur is still laying largely unexcavated and unexplored and requires extensive academic documentation to bring it on the fore-front along with other Buddhist heritage sites included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as the proposed Buddhist Circuit in India.

The organizers believe that the Buddhist scholars’ who have expertise, knowledge and experience in this field of critical issues and upliftment related to bhikkuni (female buddhist monk) and upasikas (females Buddhist followers) may submit their papers so that right path be followed in this regard. The theme of 3rd international conclave on bhukkunis and upasikas has been deliberately put with the consensus of intellectuals of Buddhism.
So we need the guidance and path-breaking ideas to lead their research on various aspects of bhikkunis and upasikas.
The conclave/Conference deliberations will be on the following theme and allied topics:
Buddhist Heritage – An Outstanding Universal Value for Humanity

1. Buddhism – Basics
2. Buddhist Heritage in india and central asia
3. Dimensions of Buddhism – Religion, Culture, Art and Architecture
4. Sirpur: Buddhist Heritage
5. Buddha and his Dhamma – Social Equality and Individual Emancipation.
6. Deliberation/analysis on eight Gurus Dhamma & relation by anti buddha dements.
7. Deliberation on maha prajapati conversation with Buddha.
8. Deliberation on Annanda conversation with Buddha for Parvajja of female & inclusion in sangha.
9. Points to be indicated by upasikas related to Dhamma.
10. Values of buddha & his dhamma by Babasaheb
11 Critical issue of varshavaas by bhikkunis & buddha teaching.
12. Dhamma & upasika present status.
13. Women liberalisation by Buddha.
14. Buddha & Bhikkhuni sangha.
15. Status of bhikkhuni in ancient times comparable to present context
16. Strength/ratio of bhikkhuni in ancent time vis a vis present context reasons to reaction.
17. Why do we need bhikkhunis ordination.
18. is it true that women have bad kamma and can not get enlightened ???
19. Is theravada Monks accepts bhikkhunis?
20. If bhikkhunis were ordained Buddhism would die after 500 years? (needs comparative study of buddha teaching on bhikkhunis)
21. Bhikkunis are forbidden from teaching the bhikkus needs delibration of Buddha teaching.
22. Can bhikkuni of Mahayana sect give ordination to Theravada bhikkhunis
23. If there are bhikkhunis in a vihara, there is a chances of passion will be aroused?

Note: The theme and sub-theme are not exhaustive; the author/researcher/scholar can select any topic relevant with the theme and the sub-theme.

Important Dates:

  • Submission of abstract: 25th December, 2019
  • Confirmation of abstract: 30th December, 2019
  • Submission of Full paper and registration (Both soft and hard copy of all): 5th January, 2020
  • Sirpur International Buddhist Conclave: 8 to 10 February 2020

Venue:

Sirpur, Mahasammund District, Chhattisgarh State, India

Arrival Time for Bhikkhunis/ Bhikkus/ Scholars
Date 7th February afternoon or 8th February 2020

Guidelines:

The abstract should not exceed 300 words

The Paper should not exceed 1500 words (exclusive of foot notes)

Duration of each presentation: 15 to 20 minutes including discussion and question – answer session.

Co-authorship is permitted with a maximum of two authors only

Citation style:

Bluebook 20th Edition
For scholars from abroad: Once touching down India all travelling fare from anywhere in India to the site of event (to and fro) including meals and suitable (continental) accommodation will be covered.

For scholars from India: All travelling fare from home station to the site of event (to and fro) including meals and suitable (continental) accommodation will be covered.

How to reach Sirpur:

Nearest Airport: Raipur 75 Km from Sirpur
Nearest Railway Stations: Raipur 80 Km from Sirpur
Nearest Bus Stations: Raipur 80 Km from Sirpur

For more information regarding Conclave please contact the following

Help desk contact numbers:

1. +91 8055060937
2. +91 9936794216
3. +91 75094 11961
4. +91 98269 92402
Email id: buddha.sirpur@gmail.com
Thanks … with joined palms and Metta…

Org. Secy.
Sirpur Nagarjuna Foundation