By Yen Feng

SCHOLARS of Buddhism could find themselves with a wealth of new resources come next year.

The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Iseas) yesterday said it will set up a centre for research into Buddhism following a $1 million donation from the Singapore Buddhist Lodge.

Iseas, a think-tank located at the National University of Singapore, said the centre will be the first of its kind here. It will aim to broaden research into Buddhism in Asia.

Mr K. Kesavapany, director of Iseas, said religious extremism has co-opted the popular face of many religions. Getting back to 'the essence' of faiths could help combat that trend.

'Just look at what happened in Mumbai,' he said. 'Buddhism, with its message of peace, tolerance, harmony and unity, is one bulwark against such divisiveness.'

The man in charge of the centre is Dr Tansen Sen, a New York-based professor who will relocate to Singapore. Dr Sen is well-regarded for his research into Buddhism in the United States, China, Japan and India. He has penned several books and articles about the religion and its influence on Asian societies.

In addition to beefing up the institute's library and editing research documents, Dr Sen is also expected to lead a three-day conference next February that will involve more than 40 Buddhism scholars from around the world.

The conference, which will cost Iseas an estimated $300,000, is closed to the public. But Mr Lee Bock Guan, chairman of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, said it will open the door for a more meaningful, international dialogue about the religion.

'How Buddhism affects other countries, and what devotees in other societies are doing to cultivate its understanding - that is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn,' said Mr Lee.

About 43 per cent of Singaporeans say they are Buddhists, according to census data from 2000.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 11 Dec, 2008.