The Robert H.N. Family Foundation Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies (also called “HCBS,” “Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies” or “Ho Centre”) at the University of Toronto promotes excellence in research and teaching of Buddhist Studies at the University. Housed administratively within the Department for the Study of Religion, the Centre supports Buddhist Studies at all three University of Toronto campuses, continuously strengthening the position of the University as a leading North American institution in this subject area.
The Ho Centre’s programs and events explore the way Buddhist traditions have grown and developed, how they have been understood and transformed, and how we can think about them with discipline in our religiously plural environment. We study the development of Buddhist beliefs, practices, and doctrines as they intersect with the history of peoples and cultures right up to the contemporary world. We also study Buddhism and its connections with social issues, ethics, philosophical questions, and personal psychological considerations. Our location in one of the most religiously diverse cities in the world is an important resource and responsibility as we facilitate intellectually informed and publicly-minded conversations on Buddhism through research, teaching, university networks, public events, and community engagement.
The Ho Centre affirms its allegiance to the University’s Statement of Institutional Purpose, which includes a commitment to foster an academic community in which the learning and scholarship of every member may flourish, with vigilant protection for the rights of freedom of speech, academic freedom and freedom of research as described in the University’s Statement on Freedom of Speech. Our support for equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, teaching, and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, as defined in the University’s Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Excellence.
The Ho Centre endorses and promotes values of open, respectful discourse and exchange of ideas from the widest variety of intellectual, religious, class, cultural, and political perspectives. We unconditionally reject all forms of bigotry, discrimination, hateful rhetoric, and hateful action, whether directed toward one’s race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship, political views, socioeconomic status, or immigration status. We discourage and defend against the bullying and harassment of vulnerable members of our community targeted for aspects of their identity (such as race, gender, gender identity, disability, etc.). We commit to offering positive support to all of our colleagues, students, and community members.
Those who are involved in the governance and management of the Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies affirm their commitment to uphold the mission and principles of the Ho Centre, both in letter and in action. We pledge to work with all interested members of our community to take action in this direction and to defend these principles.
