Panel 1: Economics

This panel aims to promote exchange of ideas between conventional economic studies and Buddhist Economics. We invite you to send your original research abstracts/papers on these interdisciplinary studies for both approaches. We are particularly interested in the integrated study of Buddhism and the following fields of economics: Economic Prosperity and Happiness, Economic Globalization, Behavioral Economics, and Competitive Market Economics. We also welcome research enhancing mutual understanding between Buddhist Economics and conventional economic theories. Papers related to, but not limited to, the following themes are welcomed:
1.Economic Prosperity and Happiness
2.Economic globalization
3.Behavioral economics
4.Market (competition) economics

Panel 2: Public Governance and Management

Buddhism and public administration have much in common regarding related issues and methods of practice, concerning individual moral behaviors, group norms, leadership and management styles, and public policies within civil societies. Master Sheng Yen launched social movements such as the Five Fourfold Spiritual Renaissance Campaign, the Six Ethics of the Mind, and Protecting the Four Environments, all of which actually fall into the domain of public administration. Buddhism teaches people to apply compassion and wisdom, reflecting the balance of pursuing both public interests and professionalism emphasized in public administration. This panel calls for papers related to, but not limited to, the following topics:
1.Buddhist Dharma and Civil Ethics
2.Buddhist Dharma and Public Policy
3.Buddhist Dharma and Leadership & Management
4.Buddhist Dharma and Organizational Behavior
5.Buddhist Dharma and Public Human Resources Management

Panel 3: Finance, Accountancy, and Business Administration

It is a prevalent phenomenon in the business world that the focus of corporate finance, accounting, and business management is on pursuing profit and increasing shareholder value, while sustainability, social responsibility, business ethics, wealth equality, and shared prosperity are much neglected. In other words, the principles of fairness and benevolence toward stakeholders are often ignored or of less concern. Thus, business owners tend to be near-sighted and only go after short-term profits, causing harm to the economy, environment, and society. This session seeks to introduce Buddhist ideas and Master Sheng Yen’s philosophy of “protecting the spiritual environment” into financial practices. Through panel discussion we want to show that by incorporating the concepts of social responsibility, cause-and-effect, sustainability, and shared prosperity, financial practices can true wealth bring forth economic growth and create good for society. This panel calls for papers related to, but not limited to, the following topics:
1.Corporate Social Responsibility
2.Accounting Ethics
3.Corporate Philanthropy
4.Sustainable Finance
5.Responsible Finance
6.Corporate Sustainability
7.Wealth Management
8.Social Enterprise

Panel 4: Sociology

Panel Theme: Sociology of Contemporary Buddhism and Master Sheng Yen’s Thought
This panel highlights the sociological study of contemporary Buddhism and Master Sheng Yen’s thought, as well as his effort to establish Dharma Drum Mountain as a modernized Buddhist organization. We are particularly interested in the sociological meanings of Master Sheng Yen’s conception of Chinese Chan Buddhism, the sociological significance of his teaching methods of Chan practice, and his ideal to “build a pure land on earth.” This panel call for papers related to, but not limited to, the following topics:
1.Sociology of Chinese Chan Buddhism and the Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan Buddhism
2.Sociology of Master Sheng Yen’s call for “building a pure land on Earth”
3.Sociology of Chan practice at Dharma Drum Mountain as taught by Master Sheng Yen
4.Sociology of Master Sheng Yen’s educational undertakings and strategies
5.Sociology of Buddhist Modernism