Professor Hsin-Hui Wang, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Fu Jen Catholic University, led an academic delegation to Dharma Realm Buddhist University in California, USA, from April 18 to 22, 2026. She was accompanied by Father Hsiao-Yung Ku, Professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Director of the Chinese Studies Center of *Huayi Journal* and the University Archives. The visit encompassed nature-based learning, interfaith dialogue, classroom observation, and academic exchange, aiming to further advance cross-cultural and interreligious engagement.
On the first day (April 18), the delegation visited Redwood Vihara, where they engaged in self-reflection and contemplative practice in a natural setting. Immersed in the forest environment, participants explored questions of life, existence, and inner cultivation, embodying the Eastern humanistic tradition of introspection and self-cultivation.
On the second day (April 20), the delegation visited Instilling Goodness Elementary School and Developing Virtue Secondary School for Girls, interacting with students and observing educational practices centered on moral and character development. At noon, Father Ku participated in an interfaith dialogue event at Dharma Realm Buddhist University titled *“Interfaith Circle – Finding Friendship Across Traditions.”* Engaging in dialogue with Buddhist monastics, he explored themes of spiritual care and the meaning of life across religious traditions. The event highlighted the potential for mutual understanding and respect among religions and further deepened East–West intellectual exchange.
On the third day (April 21), Dean Wang attended university classes that included Chinese classics, the Bible, and Buddhist scriptures. The university adopts a “Great Books” dialogical teaching approach, in which students engage with primary texts before class and participate in in-depth discussions through questioning and dialogue during class. Faculty members contribute as co-discussants rather than delivering one-way lectures. This pedagogical model fosters students’ intellectual potential, confidence, and critical thinking, reflecting the core values of humanistic education.
Following the class visits, Dean Wang delivered a lecture titled *“What Is ‘Ren’? — Rethinking Its English Translations and Its Meaning in the Analects.”* Drawing on textual analysis of the *Analects*, she examined how Confucius articulates the concept of *ren* in different contexts and critically reflected on common English translations such as *virtue*, *humanity*, and *benevolence*. She argued that *ren* should not be understood as a singular concept, but rather as a multi-dimensional moral framework that emerges through practice and human relationships. The lecture received enthusiastic responses and sparked engaging discussions with the audience.
On the fourth day (April 22), Dean Wang met with administrators and faculty members of Dharma Realm Buddhist University to discuss future collaboration. Topics included summer programs for students, academic exchange in Chinese and Western cultural studies, and potential cooperation in teaching and research. Both institutions expressed strong interest in establishing a long-term and concrete partnership.
This visit not only strengthened the academic connection between the College of Liberal Arts at Fu Jen Catholic University and Dharma Realm Buddhist University, but also underscored the vital role of the humanities in fostering cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue. Both institutions look forward to deepening collaboration and advancing the development of global humanistic education.
