Special Edition | Buddhism and Society Dialogues

Buddhism and Society Dialogues Series with Lama Padma Samten and guests
Special Edition
February 28 (Saturday), at 8 AM (BRT), online

Versão em português
Version in English

In this first episode of the year, Lama Padma Samten will specially welcome the Head of Department and Professor from Gautam University, India, to present the School of Buddhist Studies and Civilization. Plínio Marcos will also be present, a researcher in Philosophy and Religious Studies, with a degree in Buddhist Studies, whose research focuses on the foundations of Chinese thought.

The questions that will guide the guests are: How can people be encouraged to study and deepen their understanding of Buddhism? How can Buddhism be relevant in addressing the concrete situations of individuals and society in the present moment, both in Asia and in the West?

“A globally acclaimed integrated academic and research institution that fosters a vibrant community of intellectuals and entrepreneurs endowed with character, creativity, competence, and commitment, capable of inspiring meaningful transformations to ensure the holistic growth and development of society.”

"A globally acclaimed integrated academic and research institution that creates a vibrant community of intellectuals and entrepreneurs endowed with character, creativity, competence and commitment, who can inspire meaningful transformations to ensure holistic growth and development of the society."

Know More https://www.gbu.ac.in/about/vision

School of Buddhist Studies and Civilisation

"Buddhist Studies & Civilization is the academic study of Buddhism which applies especially to the modern academic field and is distinct from Buddhist philosophy or Buddhist theology. Buddhism is a growing force in the world. In recent years there has been a tremendous upsurge of interest in the religious studies, particularly in America and Europe. We have also seen a worldwide increase in academic interest in the relationship between science and Buddhist teachings. As a consequence of this development, interest in and study of Buddhism is no longer restricted to believers and religious academics but has attracted wider participation by people in many other fields and religious backgrounds. This has in turn produced an even richer pool of talent and knowledge that will enrich serious Buddhist studies. In line with this trend, the School of Buddhist Studies & Civilization of Gautam Buddha University was established in 2011 to promote the study of and research into all aspects of Buddhism and its relevance to the world of today."

Know More https://www.gbu.ac.in/school/sobs

Associação Buda

“A missão da Associação Buda é promover a construção do conhecimento e ensino do budismo e da ciência budista, bem como do cristianismo, enquanto estudo religioso e acadêmico, através da teologia, com atuação em projetos voltados à educação, tanto em solo nacional, quanto internacional de modo a permitir o engajamento em parcerias que visem a promoção do estudo, ensino e debate acadêmicos, bem como ajuda humanitária nacional e internacional.”

Know More https://buda.org.br/

In the series “Buddhism and Society Dialogues ”, Lama Padma Samten leads conversations with guests and also shares reflections on Buddhism and socially relevant themes such as Education, Interreligious Dialogue, Economy, Contemporary Culture, Psychology, Science, Ecology, and Indigenous Peoples, among others. Learn more here →

Lama Padma Samten is a physicist from UFRGS; Alfredo Aveline taught at the university for 20 years. An environmental activist, he founded CEBB (Bodhisatva Center for Buddhist Studies) in 1986 and left his academic career to devote himself to spirituality. In 1996, he was ordained as a Buddhist Lama by his master, Chagdud Rinpoche, a Tibetan and founder of the Temple of Três Coroas. Today, Lama Padma Samten devotes himself to science, spirituality, and the ecological movement.

Guests

Dr. Chintala Ventaka Sivasai currently works as Head of Department and Assistant Professor at the School of Buddhist Studies and Civilization, and as Director of International Affairs at Gautama Buddha University, in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He has over 25 years of experience teaching postgraduate, master’s and doctoral students. He worked as a translator for the discourses of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Kalachakra 2006 in Amravati (A.P.). His areas of specialisation include Buddhist Ethics, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Psychology, Buddhist Education, Socially Engaged Buddhism, Bioethics, Engineering Ethics, Human Values, and Society. He is a life member of the Indian Philosophical Congress and the Indian Society for Buddhist Studies.

Plínio Tsai is a Brazilian researcher and author in the fields of Philosophy and Religious Studies, recognized for his work in interfaith dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences from UNICAMP, a master's degree in Philosophy from UEL, and degrees in Law (UNISAL) and Theology (UCDB), as well as a bachelor's and master's degree in Buddhist Studies from the University of Kelaniya (Sri Lanka), with proficiency in Pali and Sanskrit. Founder of the BUDA Association and a member of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) legal advisory group since 2013, he is a full professor in the Graduate Program in Religious Studies at the Methodist University of São Paulo (UMESP), where he also teaches undergraduate courses in Theology, Administration, and Law.

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Date: February 28, 2026, Saturday
Time: 8 AM (BRT)
Location: CEBB Akanishta Temple

.Practice of Generosity

The practice of Dana Paramita - perfection of generosity - makes it possible to continue the teachings from the time of the Buddha. The six paramitas - generosity, morality, peace, constant energy, concentration and wisdom - inspire the practice and are the generative and sustaining basis of the CEBB Sangha's centers for study, meditation, hospitality and initiatives for education, environmental protection, Pure Lands and the Culture of Peace.

Your registration and participation do not depend on any financial contribution. If you wish and are able to contribute, please feel free to decide the amount. Your contribution will support CEBB Caminho do Meio.