On 19 August, the Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies (GCBS) was pleased to welcome a student group from Nanjing University, led by Professor Shao Jiade (邵佳德), Deputy Dean of the School of Philosophy at Nanjing University.
Professor Ann Heirman, Head of the GCBS, gave a short lecture introducing her recent research and illustrating the methodology she applies in her work. In particular, she emphasized the importance of letting the sources speak for themselves, approaching normative sources critically, and making use of approaches and methodologies specific to the field.
Professor Heirman and Professor Bart Dessein also introduced the Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies and the research group East Asian Culture in Perspective: Identity – Historical Consciousness – Modernity, respectively. They highlighted the research opportunities available at Ghent University and the possibilities for international students to pursue their academic interests in a stimulating and international research environment.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the students to introduce themselves and share their individual research interests. The presentations were followed by a lively discussion, with questions and exchanges on Buddhist Studies, Chinese philosophy, and approaches to the study of East Asian cultures.
