The Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies (GCBS), Belgium’s first academic centre for Buddhist studies, was established in 2007 at Ghent University within the Department of Languages and Cultures. Buddhological research in Ghent continues a long tradition of expertise tracing back to the early 20th century, with the works of Prof. Dr. Louis de La Vallée Poussin (1869–1938). Researchers have enthusiastically explored a broad range of Buddhological fields since then, and today GCBS members and affiliates engage in diverse interdisciplinary as well as highly specialized research projects.
The GCBS fosters the research and study of philosophical, doctrinal and socio-cultural aspects of Asian Buddhist traditions. We focus in particular on Abhidharma, Vinaya and Buddhist linguistics, as well as Buddhist philosophy, Chan Buddhism and material culture. As an international forum, the GCBS organizes lecture series and symposia—platforms for the presentation and exchange of research methodologies and findings. Through initiatives such as the ‘Permanent Education in Buddhism’ (open to anyone holding an M.A.), we strive to make academic discourse broadly accessible and to inform the public about current trends in Buddhological research.
The GCBS strongly emphasises cooperation with other institutions and has established many bilateral agreements and Socrates programs abroad.
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