Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia implemented the 2017 “Taiwan Academy Contact Point Spotlight Project" with a great success from October 9th to 13th, 2017 in Tallinn University of Estonia, National Library of Latvia and University of Vilnius of Lithuania respectively. Themed with "Island of Faith-Taiwan's Diverse Religious Culture and Civil Society", the Spotlight Project 2017 is aimed to introduce the evolution and development of Buddhism and the social involvement of Buddhist non-governmental organizations in Taiwan.
A series of lectures were presented by Professor Chen-Kuo Lin from the National Chengchi University of Taiwan, Professor Huimin Bhikshu from the Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts and Mr. Kaspars Eihmanis from the University of Latvia on the related topics. Professor Lin lectured on " The Role of Buddhism in Taiwan' Diverse Civil Society" and "The Hermeneutical Turn in Modern Confucian Understanding of Religiosity". Professor Bhikshu discussed about "An Examination of the “Matra” in Relation to Buddhist Meditation in the Yogacara School" and "The Role of Mindfulness in Hospice and Palliative Care in Taiwan". In addition, Lecturer Kaspars Eihmanis introduced " The Development of Theravada Meditation Tradition in Taiwan" and led audience for meditation. Participants to the three seminars engaged in fervent discussions and raised many questions, broadening their understanding of the vibrant development of religious culture in Taiwan's diversified democratic civil society. Representative Wu of the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia also made a presentation at the Latvian National Library titled “Buddhist NGOs' Participation in Taiwan's Civil Society and in International Context”and welcomed attendees with a warm reception.
The “Taiwan Academy Contact Point Spotlight Project" is dedicated to the promotion of international cultural exchanges and cultivation of a greater interest in and appreciation of Taiwan's culture worldwide. An array of enriching activities that promote Taiwan's culture and research on Taiwan are held in different countries each year.
Dr. Chen-Kuo Lin makes presentation at Tallinn University, Estonia
A scene from the seminar at Tallinn University, Estonia
Representative Wu delivers a speech at the National Library of Latvia
Professor Bhikshu makes presentation at the National Library of Latvia
Lecturer Kaspars Eihmanis makes presentation at the National Library of Latvia
Dr. Chen-Kuo Lin makes presentation at University of Vilnius, Lithuania
Professor Bhikshu makes presentation at University of Vilnius, Lithuania