The previous issue of our journal began publishing materials from the conference «Buddhism in a Changing World,» held as part of the II International Buddhist Forum «Traditional Buddhism and Modern Challenges» on August 12, 2024, in Ulan-Ude.
Let us recall that the forum was held on the eve of the celebration of the 260th anniversary of the establishment of the institution of Pandito Khambo Lamas as heads of the Buddhist church in Russia. The information letter from the forum’s organizing committee stated that «The Republic of Buryatia is one of the world centers of Buddhist culture, the center of Russian Buddhism, and plays an important unifying religious and cultural role in the spread of the Buddhist religion, in strengthening international cooperation among Buddhists, and in establishing ties with other countries through cultural exchange. It was noted that the goal of the forum was a comprehensive discussion of issues related to the development of Buddhism, Buddhist culture, philosophy, and practice. The mission of the forum is to develop scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation in the field of Buddhist education, Buddhist knowledge, and traditional practices between Buddhist religious, scientific, educational, and medical organizations in Russia and various countries.»
In this issue, we continue publishing materials from the conference «Buddhism in a Changing World.» Readers are offered reports presented in four sections: 1) «Buddhist Studies in Russia and the World: Experience, Problems, and Prospects»; 2) «Buddhist Sources and Philosophy of Buddhism»; 3) «History of Buddhism»; 4) «Science and Buddhism.» They are presented in three sections of this issue: «Philosophy of Buddhism»; «History and Contemporary Problems of Buddhism»; and «Textology and Source Studies.»