Huafan University Connects with Sri Lanka for Research Exchange in Chinese Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism

Huafan University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sri Lanka National Buddhist Sangha Council to establish two centers and offer courses. This initiative aims to introduce palm-leaf manuscript production techniques and invite Buddha relics to Taiwan, fostering research exchange between Chinese Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism, and establishing Taiwan as a cooperation base for Theravada Buddhism.
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  • 📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 13:57
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Central News Agency

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chih-chung, Taipei, May 8) Huafan University today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Sri Lanka National Buddhist Sangha Council to establish two centers and offer courses. This initiative aims to introduce palm-leaf manuscript production techniques and invite Buddha relics to Taiwan, fostering research exchange between Chinese Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism.

Huafan University issued a press release stating that Mugunuwela Anuruddha, Secretary-General of the international Buddhist organization "One Buddha One World," led a five-member delegation from Sri Lanka to Huafan University yesterday (May 7) to participate in the "International Buddhist Cultural Exchange Forum," where they received a warm welcome from faculty and students.

Anuruddha, who is also the Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka National Buddhist Sangha Council, represented the council in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Huafan University to jointly establish the "Center for Mind and Consciousness Science Research" and the "Buddhist Scripture Translation Center."

Anuruddha pointed out that Taiwan and Sri Lanka have similar populations and areas. Although their cultures are different, their people all have kind hearts. This visit to Taiwan not only witnessed the profound energy of the Taiwanese Buddhist community but also deeply felt that Huafan University has long been committed to integrating humanities, arts, technology, and Buddhist teachings, making it the most ideal platform for promoting international Buddhist academic cooperation.

President Li Tien-jen of Huafan University stated that Huafan is the only comprehensive university in Taiwan based on Buddhist culture, with the world's only Department of Buddhist Arts. The "Center for Mind and Consciousness Science Research" will promote research on happiness through mindfulness and meditation awareness. The initial plan is to offer non-credit workshops, and then further develop credit programs in the future. The "Buddhist Scripture Translation Center" will disseminate Chinese Mahayana Buddhist scriptures in multiple languages to the Theravada Buddhist system, promoting research exchange.

In addition, Sri Lankan temples engrave Buddhist scriptures on palm leaves to create "palm-leaf manuscripts," which are the most representative carriers of scriptures in Theravada Buddhism. Huafan University also reached a consensus with "One Buddha One World" to introduce the production techniques and collection of palm-leaf manuscripts, and to invite Buddha relics from Sri Lanka for veneration, making Huafan a cooperation base for Theravada Buddhism in Taiwan.

Master Da Hui, co-founder of "One Buddha One World" and abbot of Taiwan's Guangxiu Zen Temple, stated that "One Buddha One World" was established in Sri Lanka in June last year, with monks from 23 countries participating, many of whom were national representatives. They hope to promote the unity of the three major Buddhist traditions: Chinese Mahayana, Tibetan, and Theravada. He thanked Huafan University for facilitating this exchange and jointly promoting the spread of Buddhist teachings worldwide. (Edited by: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150508

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