Chinese Zen Studies · Volume 1

Author: Wu Yansheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: China Zen Studies is a major academic journal sponsored by the Hebei Zen Studies Institute. Under the advocacy of Venerable Jinghui and with the support of Chinese Zen Buddhist scholars, it was actively prepared for a year and published by Beijing Zhonghua Book Company in June 2002. The first issue contained 750,000 words, featuring 45 research papers by Chinese Zen scholars (including those from Hong Kong and Taiwan) and 13 book reviews. The papers covered topics such as Zen theory discussions, Zen thought and history, comprehensive studies of Zen and other schools, Zen language and literature, contemporary Zen studies, and reviews and prospects of Zen research, making valuable explorations in various fields of Zen studies. Venerable Jinghui, Vice President of the China Buddhist Association and Director of the Hebei Zen Studies Institute, as well as the founder of China Zen Studies, pointed out that as history enters the 21st century, Chinese Zen and Chinese Zen studies have even broader development space. Promoting the essence of Zen, glorifying Zen culture, and advancing Zen studies are the aims of China Zen Studies. As a window showcasing the academic standards of Zen studies in the Chinese-speaking world, China Zen Studies will become a platform for scholars both at home and abroad to exchange ideas and collaborate. It will strive to promote and elevate the academic level of Chinese Zen studies and serve as a bridge connecting the East and the West. Professor Wu Yansheng, the editor-in-chief of China Zen Studies, introduced the process of establishing the journal and its editorial direction. He said that to further strengthen dialogue and exchange with the international academic community, China Zen Studies will, while continuing to strengthen fundamental theoretical research, focus on the following three aspects of research in the future: First, publishing advanced achievements by scholars from Japan and other regions in early Zen history research; Second, increasing comparative studies of Zen and other religions to align with the global focus on interfaith dialogue and contribute to establishing a globally recognized, academically rigorous, and universal ethics; Third, reflecting the practical concerns of Zen studies and enhancing contemporary and modern Zen research.