ON LOVE AND COMPASSION

ENCOUNTER TERESIAN MYSTICISM AND INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE:

Chan/Zen Buddhism and Carmelite Spirituality

 ON LOVE AND COMPASSION

 

International Centre of Teresian and Sanjuanist Studies (CITeS), “University of Mysticism”

The Centre of Buddhist Studies of The University of Hong Kong

In times of divisions amongst cultures, interreligious dialogue has become an urgent need. In light of this, the International Centre of Teresian and Sanjuanist Studies (CITeS) in Ávila, Spain, announced in 2016 its intention to conduct a series of interreligious encounters, placing Carmelite spirituality in dialogue with other religious traditions. The first of these events, “1st. World Encounter Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue Theravāda Buddhism and Teresian Mysticism: Meditation and Contemplation Pathways to Peace”, took place in Ávila from the 27th to the 30th of July 2017 and was organized by CITeS in collaboration with the Centre of Buddhist Studies (CBS) of The University of Hong Kong (HKU). Following the success of this event, CITeS decided on a second congress, the “2nd World Encounter Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue. Chan/Zen Buddhism and Carmelite Spirituality: on Love and Compassion”, which will take place in Ávila, from 26th to 30th of July 2022, and will also be jointly organized by CITeS and CBS.

CITeS would like to extend a most cordial invitation to our brothers and sisters of the Chan/Zen school of Buddhism to participate in the event. It is the earnest wish of CITeS to deepen the mutual understanding of both traditions’ beliefs and practices. It must be emphasized that there is absolutely no wish to deny the differences between the two traditions or attempt to reduce them to a common denominator. Instead, the dialogue will be conducted in the spirit of equality, deep respect, openness and wish for cooperation. The aim is to foster genuine engagement, enhance mutual growth, and explore ways of cooperation to approach the pressing social and environmental concerns of today and help improve the welfare of mankind.