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The Locus of Creative Interpretation
in Buddhist Thought and Culture
There is a need for Buddhist Studies in the 21st century to transcend traditional methodology, and to develop new methodology for the new era of globalization. Scholars of modern Buddhist studies should do their best to develop their research through the interdisciplinary studies with other fields such as literature, historical science, philosophies, Indian philosophies, religion, social and natural sciences, arts etc.
In order to achieve such goals, we need a locus for creative and diffuse studies in Buddhism, which are possible to achieve by assembling many scholars of various fields of Buddhism from around the world. Now it is time for us to share our tradition and contemporary practices with the world.
The International Association for Buddhist Thought and Culture (IABTC) was established in July, 2002. The goal of the IABTC is to promote the academic development of the history of Buddhist thought and culture and globalization of Korean Buddhism, through wide-ranging research in cooperation with other academic fields and international exchange of academic information.
The Association will engage in the following activities:
- Research projects, seminars and lectures related to the history of Buddhist thought and culture.
- Publication of an English language journal and research texts, scholarly exchange with other international organizations for Buddhism.
- Translation of Korean classical texts on Buddhism.
- Activities to promote the globalization of Korean Buddhism, and other activities deemed necessary for the accomplishment of the Association's object.
The IABTC will periodically issue an English language journal of International Journal of Buddhist Thought and Culture (IJBTC). We will support academic exchanges and sharing of information on Buddhist studies, and the dissemination of Korean Buddhism throughout the world, thereby giving rise to new attitudes and views in human thoughts and culture in the 21st century.
I would like to express our gratitude to all of the contributors and members of the editorial board and editorial staffs.
I wish that the Buddha's guidance be with us in accomplishing the goals of the Association.
Suk-ku Song
President of the IABTC
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