# Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong **Wikidata**: [Q135228771](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135228771) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centre-of-buddhist-studies-university-of-hong-kong ## Summary The Centre of Buddhist Studies (CBS) is a research institute at the University of Hong Kong dedicated to the academic study of Buddhism. Established in 2002, it operates as a specialized organization within Hong Kong, which is part of the People's Republic of China. The centre serves as the university's primary unit for conducting systematic research and generating new knowledge in the field of Buddhist studies. ## Key Facts - Founded in 2002 - Located in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China - Parent organization: University of Hong Kong - Classified as a research institute - Primary field of work: Buddhism - Also known by aliases: CBS, HKU - Official website: https://www.buddhism.hku.hk/ (available in Chinese and English) - VIAF ID: 135240747 - HKCAN ID: 9811111136203406 - Library of Congress Authority ID: no2006094523 (cataloged as "University of Hong Kong. Centre of Buddhist Studies") ## FAQs ### What is the relationship between the Centre of Buddhist Studies and the University of Hong Kong? The Centre of Buddhist Studies operates as a research institute under the University of Hong Kong, serving as its parent organization. This affiliation positions the centre within one of Hong Kong's premier higher education institutions. ### What languages does the Centre of Buddhist Studies use for its operations? The centre's official website provides content in both Chinese and English, reflecting the bilingual context of Hong Kong and facilitating access for both local and international scholars. ### When was the Centre of Buddhist Studies established? The centre was founded in 2002, making it a relatively recent addition to the University of Hong Kong's research infrastructure dedicated to religious and philosophical studies. ### What type of organization is the Centre of Buddhist Studies? The Centre is classified as a research institute, meaning its primary purpose is to conduct research rather than provide general undergraduate education. Research institutes exist specifically to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation. ## Why It Matters The Centre of Buddhist Studies represents a significant institutional commitment to the academic study of Buddhism within Hong Kong's higher education landscape. As a dedicated research institute, it provides focused scholarly attention to Buddhist philosophy, history, and practice without the competing demands that characterize general religious studies departments. Its establishment in 2002 reflects growing academic interest in Buddhist studies as a distinct discipline worthy of specialized research infrastructure. The centre's position within the University of Hong Kong connects it to broader academic networks while its location in Hong Kong—a meeting point between Chinese Buddhist traditions and international scholarship—provides unique research opportunities. By concentrating resources and expertise purely on Buddhist studies investigation, the centre enables deep engagement with primary sources, comparative analyses, and interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of one of the world's major religious and philosophical traditions. ## Notable For - Dedicated research institute focused exclusively on Buddhist studies - Strategic location in Hong Kong, bridging Chinese Buddhist traditions and international academia - Bilingual operation in Chinese and English, facilitating cross-cultural scholarship - Formal recognition in major library cataloging systems including the Library of Congress and VIAF - Part of the University of Hong Kong, a leading research university in Asia ## Body ### Organizational Classification and Purpose The Centre of Buddhist Studies functions as a research institute, a distinct organizational form in the academic landscape. Unlike university departments that balance teaching and research missions, research institutes exist primarily to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation. This classification distinguishes the centre from think tanks (which focus on policy-oriented research), scientific societies (which are membership-based organizations), and general research centers (which may be sub-units within larger organizations). ### Location and Institutional Affiliation The centre is located in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It operates under the University of Hong Kong as its parent organization, integrating the specialized research capabilities of the centre with the broader academic resources and reputation of one of Asia's leading universities. This affiliation provides access to university infrastructure, academic networks, and credentialing authority. ### Digital Presence and Accessibility The Centre maintains an official website at https://www.buddhism.hku.hk/ that serves as its primary digital interface. The site provides content in both Chinese and English, ensuring accessibility for local Hong Kong audiences, mainland Chinese scholars, and the international academic community. This bilingual approach reflects Hong Kong's unique position as a bridge between Chinese and Western scholarly traditions. ### Library and Cataloging Recognition The Centre of Buddhist Studies has been formally recognized in multiple library and knowledge organization systems: - **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2006094523 (cataloged under the name "University of Hong Kong. Centre of Buddhist Studies") - **VIAF (Virtual International Authority File)**: 135240747 - **HKCAN (Hong Kong Chinese Authority)**: 9811111136203406 These identifiers enable consistent cataloging of works associated with the centre across libraries and databases worldwide, facilitating scholarly citation and attribution. ### Historical Establishment The centre was established in 2002, representing a relatively recent institutional development in Buddhist studies research. This founding date places it within the early 21st-century expansion of specialized academic research units dedicated to religious and philosophical studies in Asian universities.