What we do > Dialogue

Dialogue with Buddhism

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The Buddhist Studies and Dialogue Group of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific believes in the value of dialogue with Buddhism and seeks to evoke a keener interest in this area among younger Jesuits.

Specifically, the objectives of the group are to promote the in-depth study of Buddhism; facilitate Buddhist-Christian dialogue on academic, spiritual and practical levels; encourage the study of Ignatian Spirituality as it relates to Buddhism; and offer support, friendship and fellowship among Jesuits engaged in Buddhist studies and dialogue. In annual workshops organised in collaboration with the Jesuit Conference of South Asia, participants present scholarly papers, engage in fruitful discussions with Buddhist monks and believers, and visit temples and other historical sites.

Buddhism, in its various forms, realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world; it teaches a way by which men, in a devout and confident spirit, may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination.

Nostra Aetate, 1965

In 2016, the group published its first book, “The Buddha and Jesus: An anthology of articles by Jesuits engaged in Buddhist Studies and Interreligious Dialogue”, to encourage younger people to study Buddhism. Other publications have followed since then.

In addition to the annual workshop, the Buddhist Studies and Dialogue Group also runs the East Asia Theological Encounter Program (EATEP) to supplement the theological formation of young Jesuits.

EATEP focuses on Asian contextual theology, inculturation of the Catholic faith and interreligious dialogue, and includes an immersion experience in Buddhist meditation. It is held in July every other year in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or other parts of Asia.