Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple yesterday announced that it will cooperate with local universities to launch a series of research projects on China's Buddhist cultural heritage. The temple, home to two jade Buddhas, has set up a research fund to sponsor the projects.
Fudan, Jiao Tong, Tongji universities as well as East China Normal University and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music signed an agreement with the temple to organize research teams for five projects. They include studies on China's ancient temples, the relationship between the Buddhist tradition of setting animals free and the environment, as well as Buddhist art and music, the abbot Shi Juexing said.
"Our researches will not only focus on the philosophy but also our Buddhist cultural heritage," said Zhao Dongming, a professor with the Center of Religion and Society Research at East China Normal University.
Liu Hong, a professor with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, said the conservatory will focus on researching Buddhist music.
The temple sent 10 senior monks to study singing at the conservatory last year for a three-year stint. They will lead the monk choir at the temple, performing for visitors.
Meanwhile, the temple yesterday announced that it will donate 200,000 yuan ($30,000) annually for a scholarship to the School of Philosophy of Fudan University.
The temple also launched a cultural week yesterday that includes a music performance by monks and free lectures on Buddhism, health and science.
