The Conference ‘Vernacular Buddhism in Asia and Europe’ was awarded by the city of Tartu

On February 6, 2024, the Institute of Cultural Research was honored with the award from Tartu city for the outstanding organisation of the conference ‘Vernacular Buddhism in Asia and Europe’ (conducted by the Centre for Oriental Studies and Department of Estonian and Comparative Folklore). The thanking ceremony took place at the Alexela Loomelava. The organising teams of the best 2023 conferences were awarded with diplomas and gifts by the mayor of Tartu, Urmas Klaas.

The organising team is deeply happy and grateful for the honourable recognition of the conference ‘Vernacular Buddhism in Asia and Europe’ to the city of Tartu and deliver congratulations and thanks to all participants and everyone related to the organisation of such a successful discussion platform! Special thanks for the fruitful joint work to our colleagues-co-organisers Mart Tšernjuk (Estonian Oriental Society, UT Asia Centre) and Yushuang Yao (Fo Guang University). We are full of humble pride and looking forward to new cooperation, events and achievements!

The conference took place on 4–6 May 2023, at the University of Tartu and was dedicated to the memory of Linnart Mäll (June 7, 1938 – February 14, 2010). The conference leads to the recognition and continuation of the academic and intellectual traditions related to Buddhism and Oriental Studies in Estonia at the University of Tartu and at the Centre for Oriental Studies, which will be 70 years old in 2026.

Organisers: University of Tartu; Estonian Oriental Society; University of Bern; École pratique des hautes études; University of Vilnius; Fo Guang University

Main organisers: Institute of Cultural Research (UT).