Introduction to our Center
Greetings from the Center Director
The Research Center for World Buddhist Cultures (RCWBC) was established in April 2015. The purpose of the Center is to contribute to society through academic research based on Buddhism in accordance with the founding spirit of Ryukoku University, so as to fulfill the important mission given to higher education institutions.
We believe that “World” in the Center’s name means “for all the citizens of the world.” In other words, the basic idea underlying all research conducted at the Center is to explore how Buddhism can contribute to everyone.
With the world currently facing a global crisis, we hope that Buddhist knowledge can point the way to a solution. To meet these expectations, the Center conducts research through a three-division system, comprising the Basic Research Division, the Applied Research Division, and the International Research Division. At the same time, the three divisions collaborate to develop projects that will collectively advance research and contribute to education.
We also hope that our research will bear fruit so that the Center can play a part in the university’s long-term strategic plan. “Ryukoku Strategic Plan 400,” which is being undertaken up to the year 2039, the 400th anniversary of our founding, aims to realize the ideal vision of our university.
We appreciate everyone’s guidance and encouragement.
April 2024
Naohito Fujiwara, Director
Research Center for World Buddhist Cultures (RCWBC)
Overview of the Research Center for World Buddhist Cultures (RCWBC)
The Research Center for World Buddhist Cultures comprises three divisions: the Basic Research Division, the Applied Research Division, and the International Research Division. Together, these divisions mutually and organically collaborate to advance our research.
1) Basic Research Division (Doctrinal, Historical, Cultural, and Philological Research)
The Basic Research Division is organized into five permanent research groups as well as time-limited research based on specific research grants. Topics include doctrine and doctrinal research; historical and cultural research; and research on rare books from the university and other manuscripts and classical texts from around the world.
(1) Integrated Research Division for Shinran and Pure Land Buddhism
(2) Integrated Research Division of Silk Road Studies
(3) Integrated Research Division for Classical Canons
(4) Integrated Research Division for Tripitaka
(5) Integrated Research Division for Various Issues Related to the History of Japanese Buddhism and Shin Buddhism
(6) Specific Research Grants
2) Applied Research Division (Responding to Social Issues and Investigating the Contemporary Significance of Buddhism)
The Applied Research Division has one permanent research group and a world-pioneering research grant project. Based on Buddhist thought, the Division confronts the suffering of the modern world (on topics including education, medical care, Vihāra activities, grief care, human rights protection, the building of a non-violent and peaceful world, bioethics, and environmental protection). It also applies Buddhist teachings to engage in research that leads to practices for alleviating social difficulties.
3) International Research Division (International Communication and Exchange of Researchers)
The International Research Division continues the work of the Buddhist Texts Translation Section, which was a specially designated research project of the Research Institute for Buddhist Culture. At the same time, it promotes the translation and publication of Buddhist texts and books based on new concepts and ideas. The Division is responsible for international communications for the Center as a whole through the publication of our E-Journal. It also deals with the logistics of hosting international symposiums and with extending invitations to foreign researchers. The Division also collaborates with various overseas religious research institutions to promote interfaith dialogue and exchange; conduct research on interfaith education in a religiously pluralistic society; foster young researchers with an international perspective; and promote international exchange among researchers.