A.Purpose

To promote scholarly research on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching of Humanistic Buddhism, catalyze interdisciplinary conversations and innovative perspectives on the study of Buddhism, and foster exchanges and collaborations between religion and academia; as well as preserve historical records of the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism and to cultivate educators of Humanistic Buddhism, the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism (hereafter FGSIHB) establishes the Visiting Scholars and Students Program. The program provides resources and assistance and accepts applications from scholars and students of universities and independent research institutions who aim to conduct research on the study of Humanistic Buddhism.

B.Research Scope

Suggestions for research theme (but not limited to):

1. Analysis of the writings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun
2. The Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism through Architecture
3. The Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism through Music
4. The Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism through Arts
5. Humanistic Buddhism and Life and Death
6. The Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism through Literature
7. Humanistic Buddhism and Life Chan
8. Dharma Services and Rituals of Fo Guang Shan
9. Dialogues Between Humanistic Buddhism and Other Faiths
10. Developments of Fo Guang Shan

C.Criteria for Appointment

1. Visiting Scholars: Individuals holding positions as full-time or adjunct assistant professors or above at universities, or full-time lecturers with at least two years of experience, or assistant researchers (or equivalent positions) or above at research institutions.
2. Visiting Fellows: Doctoral students and candidates in good standing at their university.

D.Application Documents

1. Application for Visiting Scholars and Visiting Students (Form VSS-1)
2. Curriculum Vitae (Provide your own copy or fill out Form VSS-2)
3. 1 Letter of Recommendation
1. Visiting Scholars: Written by department or university supervisor
2. Visiting Students: Written by the head of department or academic supervisor.
3. Visiting scholars invited by the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor of FGSIHB are exempt from submitting a letter of recommendation
4. Visiting Scholars and Visiting Students Agreement (Form VSS-3)
5. Proof of Highest Academic Degree, Current Employment or Enrollment Certificate, and other relevant supporting documents
6. Additional documentations for non-Taiwanese-applicants: proofs of financial support, medical insurance, and accident insurance for the duration of the program

E.Application Dates

Applications are accepted twice a year, from June 1st to June 30th and from September 1st to September 30th. The application process will take one month, and an interview will be scheduled.

F.Admission Quota

Two individuals will be accepted per term. Application by a research team will be handled separately.

G.Duration of Visit

1. Free accommodation (designated dormitories) and vegetarian meals will be provided. Participants are responsible for research, transportation, and insurance expenses.
2. Participants are welcome to attend academic events organized by FGSIHB and may borrow books and utilize office equipment within the building.
3. The minimum duration of residency is one week, with a maximum of six months. Extension requests may be considered for special circumstances.
4. Necessary assistance will be provided for research purposes, including facilitating contacts with various departments within Fo Guang Shan.
5. If interviews with Fo Guang Shan departments are required for research purposes, applicants must fill out the Field Research Interviewee Consent Letter (Form VSS-4).
6. Participants are required to deliver at least one academic lecture presenting their research findings during their stay at FGSIHB.
7. Upon conclusion of the visit, participants must submit their research findings in electronic format to FGSIHB for reference. When presenting at academic conferences or formal publications in the future, participants should acknowledge the assistance provided by FGSIHB and submit electronic copies to the Institute for reference.

H.Other

1. Contributions to Humanistic Buddhism: Journal, Arts and Culture are welcome. For submission guidelines, please visit the official website of FGSIHB: https://www.fgsihb.org/periodicals/about/solicitArticles/?__locale=en
2. Non-Taiwanese applicants are advised to refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying: https://www.boca.gov.tw/mp-2.html
3. For matters not covered herein, please refer to other relevant regulations of FGSIHB.

I.Application Acceptance/Contact Information

Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism

Contact Person: Venerable Zhi Tong

Email: institute@fgsihb.org

Tel: +886-7-6561921 ext. 2462

Address: Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, No. 153, Xingtian Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City 840, Taiwan