Seminar of Eastern Philosophies Researchers

The Seminar of Eastern Philosophies Researchers started in 2006.
The sessions are held every month (except July, August and Christmas holidays) the last Tuesday, in the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (room 327 or 318).

In November of 2018 the Seminar received award at the All-Ukrainian contest of philosophical startups for "development of a fundamentally new in Ukrainian conditions branch of philosophical studies" (organizers of the contest: H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ukrainian Philosophical Foundation, Academy of Public Administration of Ukraine, N.V. Panina Sociological Center).

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Review of the first sixty sessions of the Seminar (file in PDF – Ukr) (first published: April 2013; last edited: December 2015):
A.Yu. Strelkova, Yu.Yu. Zavhorodniy

Eastern Anniversary – 60 Sessions of Monthly Research Seminar of Eastern Philosophies Researchers in the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of the NAS of Ukraine


26th February 2013. On this February day in the Scientific Council Hall of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine there were no vacant places, nor fresh air to breathe in the room with tightly closed for winter season windows. Nevertheless, the attendees did not notice it at all, being their attention centered on the event that was taking place there. For the first time the monthly Seminar of Eastern Philosophies Researchers gathered such a numerous audience. The topic of the round table which attracted such attention sounded as: «Traditionalism. Traditions of the East. Academic Science» (session LXІV). The Ukrainian Traditionalist Club participated in this event as co-organizer.

During the two hours of intensive work of seminar six reports were delivered. Svyatoslav Vyshynskyy, Junior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU, presented the report «The Occidental Way of Western Metaphysics», in which he examined the way, mostly deconstructive and nihilistic, proper to the Western Metaphysics («human comedy») and specifics of traditional Eastern world view, mostly turned to attainment of the wholeness of being («Devine comedy»). The problem of demarcation of East and West was posed in the report «“East and West” in Conservative-Revolutionary Perspective: Metaphysical and Geopolitical Dimensions» by Olena Semenyaka, the activist of The Ukrainian Traditionalist Club, PhD student at the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department of the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy». The attempt to understand the Eastern and European dimensions of traditionalism was made in the report entitled «Integral Traditionalism between Eastern Influences and Authentical Sacred of Europe» by Eduard Yurchenko, the activist of The Ukrainian Traditionalist Club, professor of philosophy at the National Transport University. Andriy Voloshyn, Head of The Ukrainian Traditionalist Club, writer, M.A. in Political Science in his speech «Chinese Influence on the Works of Ezra Pound» illustrated the power of Eastern influence upon the Western cultural tradition. Yuriy Zavhorodniy, Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU, in his report «Interest to Traditionalism in the Post-soviet Ukraine. Traditionalism and Academic Science: is the Dialog Possible?» shortly described the interest to traditionalism in the mid-1990s taking as example Kyiv (NaUKMA), recalling his own memories, and Donetsk of the year 2011, using the materials of the round table dedicated to the 125th Anniversary of R. Genon birthday, and also stressed the not simple and at the same time perspective cooperation between the representatives of traditionalistic and academic communities. In the round table participated also a Buddhist monk of the Monk Order Nipponzan Myōhōji Sergiy Filonenko (Donetsk), who presented the topic «The Scythians. To the Roots of Original Spirituality in Quest of New Identification and Perspective of Development of Human Civilization».

Appeal to the problems of traditionalism in the Seminar of Eastern Philosophies Researchers is one of the first public attempts in Ukrainian academic discourse. Its vivid discussion has demonstrated that the problem of the Orient is at the same time a problem of understanding by the West, and also by Ukraine, of itself. Who are we? East or West, or may be another side of the world – «North» («Siver») as has entitled its journal the Belarusian center of traditionalists, whose representatives have arrived from Belarus specially to take part in seminar and in so understandable to all assistant Belarusian language have told about their activities.

The last year seminar had celebrated its jubilee – sixty sessions from the moment of foundation: according to the Chinese tradition, this number is symbolic, similarly as the sixty years of human life are already a whole life in which twelve zodiacal years have been repeated five times, so many times as there are elements in nature.

All began in the spring of 2006…


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During long time in our country the oriental studies and philosophical sciences remained separate spheres which did not have mutual points: oriental studies dealt mostly with history and philology, while the philosophical scientific institutions had no base and specialists in philosophy of East. But in the recent years this situation changed radically. First of all, due to the creation of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy.

The idea of creation of a special subdepartment for scientific research of Eastern philosophies was repeatedly formulated by the leading scholars of Institute, in particular, by V.V. Lyakh and V.S. Gorskyy. When a certain number of scholars interested in these problematics were gathered in Institute, the realization of this idea became possible. By the initiative of Director of H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU M.V. Popovych and with support of the Head of the Department of History of Foreign Philosophy V.V. Lyakh, on the 15th May 2006 was signed the order No. 4(о) about creation of Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy at this department with O.A. Yarosh as its Head.

Several weeks before, in April of 2006, began its work the monthly scientific Seminar of Eastern Philosophies Researchers, the first event of this kind in Ukraine. The seminar is held regularly without interruption already during more than six years. The idea of creation of seminar belongs to Yu.Yu. Zavhorodniy and S.V. Kapranov, and was actively supported by the colleagues from the Sector (O.A. Yarosh, A.Yu. Strelkova) and V.V. Lyakh, given that organization of such scientific seminar was one more important step on the way to creation at the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU of a new for Ukraine scientific sphere – history of the philosophies of East. The first, organizational session of seminar was celebrated on 25th April 2006, and on 26th June 2012 already sixtieth session was held.

The aim of seminar is the research of the widest range of problems of different philosophical traditions of the East – from ancient Egypt up to modern Japan, elaboration of methodological approaches to the study of Eastern thought, study of history of oriental studies in Ukraine and abroad, work with sources in original languages, discussion of results of international conferences and congresses etc.

The seminar has the following structure: main part (scientific report and discussion), news, non-formal communication. The sessions can be held also in format of discussion of a predetermined topic. After the main part there is time for notifications and news: announcement of conferences, seminars and other scientific events in the field of oriental studies, which will take place soon in Ukraine and abroad, information about new editions in oriental studies etc. After this all interested participants have opportunity to continue the interchange of opinions in non-formal atmosphere.

Summing up the results of activity of the seminar it is to be noted that most attention was given to buddhological topics (problem of consciousness in Zen Buddhism, notion of affects (kleśa), doctrine of dependent arising (paṭicca-samuppada), structure of Pāli canon, teaching of emptiness, philosophy of Japanese Zen master Dōgen, study of the works of scholars who studied Buddhism O.O. Rosenberg, V.V. Lesevych, Konstanty Regamey, methodology of buddhological studies etc.). Second place by number of sessions occupies Indian philosophy (the sessions dedicated to this tradition focused on such topics as the origins of Indian philosophy, history of studies and philosophically significant problematics of Rigveda and Upanishad, philosophy of bhakti, spiritual tradition of Veerashaiva). Also is represented Chinese philosophy (problem of determination of Chinese philosophy and methodology of Chinese studies, problems of study of Taoist canon, intellectual activity of ancient Chinese philosophers-zhuzi), which in considerable degree overlaps with buddhological topics of seminar. Several themes dealt with Arabic philosophy (Sufism as object of scientific research, net structures in contemporary Islam, relationship between ‘irfān (gnosis) and Sufism, philosophy of Ibn Khaldūn) and Jewish philosophy (reception of Kant in Jewish literature, Hasidic mysticism, concept of experience in literature of Haskala and Hasidic texts). Separately or in the mark of these traditions much attention was paid to the questions of methodology of Eastern philosophy studies. So, it is pleasant to point out that the thematic spectrum of seminar is quite wide: in spite of prevalence of buddhological topics (more than third part of the sessions), in the seminar are presented the researches in most of important philosophical and religious traditions of the East.

As for the thematic scope, the list of scientific reports delivered in the seminar speaks about itself. During the period of work of the seminar the reports on the following subjects have been delivered (first session celebrated on 25th April 2006 was of organizational character and no reports had been delivered) :

  1. «What (and How) is Understood by the Eastern Philosophies» (session ІІ, May 23, 2006) – discussion.
  2. «The Vocabulary of Concepts and Terms of the Eastern Philosophies: the Problems of Translation and Understanding» (session ІІІ, June 27, 2006) – discussion.
  3. «The Problem of Consciousness in Zen Buddhism» (session ІV–VІ, 26th September, 31st October, 28th November 2006) – speaker A. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, Junior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  4. «Elements of Shamanic Beliefs of the Peoples of the South of Ukraine» (session VІІ, February 2, 2007) – speaker A. Shabashov, PhD in History, professor of the Department of Archaeology and Ethnography, Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University.
  5. «The Isha Upanishad in the Context of Historico-Philosophical Research» (session VІІ, February 2, 2007) – speaker O. Romanenko, 2nd year student of the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  6. «Discussion of the Results of the International Scientific Conference «The Fourth Torchinov Readings», «The Figure of Evgeny Torchinov (1956–2003) in the Oriental Studies» (session VІІІ, February 27, 2007) – discussion.
  7. «Hasidic Mysticism Studies» (session ІХ, March 27, 2007) – speaker I. Turov, PhD in History.
  8. «Problems of Teaching the Philosophies of East in Ukraine (round table)» (session X, April 24, 2007).
  9. «Two "Eternities" of Ancient Egyptians» (session XІ, May 29, 2007) – speaker M. Tarasenko, PhD in History, Research Fellow A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  10. «World Philosophy Congress (Delhi, December 2006)» (session XІІ, June 26, 2007) – speaker O. Gomilko, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the Department of Philosophy of Culture, Ethics and Aesthetics of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  11. «What is kleśa?» (session XІІІ, September 25, 2007) – discussion.
  12. «Buddhism in the works of V.V. Lesevych (1837–1905): Attempt of Research» (session XІV, October 30, 2007) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  13. «O.O. Rosenberg (1888–1919) and his Approach to the Problems of Buddhist Philosophy» (sessions XV, ХХV and ХХVІ, 27th November 2007, 9th December 2008, 27th January 2009) – speaker A. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, Junior Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  14. «Dependent Arising (paṭicca-samuppada) according to the Early Pāli Texts» (Session ХVI, December 25, 2007) – speaker D. Ivakhnenko, independent researcher.
  15. «Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Konstanty Regamey (1907–1982) – Famous Swiss Buddhologist and Composer born in Kyiv» (session XVIІ, January 30, 2008) – discussion with the participation of famous Ukrainian tibetologist O. Ohnieva, PhD in History, Senior Research Fellow, A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  16. «Globalization of Gandhism (based on the Materials of Conference, India, 13-19.11.2007)» (session XVIІІ, February 26, 2008) – speaker О. Bordilovska, PhD in History, post-doctoral degree candidate, Institute of International Relations Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
  17. «Philosophically Significant Ideas in the Isha Upanishad» (session XIX (additional), March 11, 2008) – speaker Oleksandr Romanenko, student of M.A. program in Philosophy, National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  18. Session dedicated to the 130th Anniversary of Birth of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy (1877–1947) – Eminent Historian of Art, Buddhologist, Researcher of Indian Thought (session XX, ХXІІ, March 25, 2008 and July 1, 2008) – discussion.
  19. Discussion of the book: «Чаттерджи А.К. Идеализм йогачары. – М.: Шечен, 2004. (Chatterjee A.K. Yogacara Idealism, 1962) (session XXІ, June 3, 2008) – discussion.
  20. «Cases of Thinking: Piatigorsky and Heidegger» (session XXІІІ, September 30, 2008) – speaker Dmitriy Metilka, independent researcher (Zaporizhia).
  21. «IV International Scientific Conference "Tsyrendorzhiev Readings – 2008. Tibetan Civilization And Nomadic Peoples of Eurasia: Cross-Cultural Contacts". Kyiv, 26-27th of September 2008, ІІ International Scientific Conference "Mystic and Esoteric Movements in Theory and Practice.(History. Psychology. Philosophy)". Saint Petersburg, 23–24th of October 2008» (session XXІV, November 11, 2008) – discussion.
  22. «Overview of the Pāli Canon» (session XХVІІ, February 24, 2009) – speaker D.O. Ivakhnenko, independent researcher, translator.
  23. «What Is to Be Understood by the Indian Philosophy? Reflections about the Starting Point» (session XХVІІІ, March 31, 2009) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  24. «Concerning the Question of Subject and Object in the East Asian Philosophy» (session XХIX, April 28, 2009) – speaker S.V. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow, A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  25. «Bhakti: Origins, Typology, Philosophy» (session XХX, May 26, 2009) – speaker Ya.R. Dzhoy, independent researcher.
  26. «What is Chinese Philosophy: Some Approaches to the Problem» (session XХXІ, June 30, 2009) – speaker S.V. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow, A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  27. «Principles of Zen Buddhism in the Philosophy of Dōgen» (session XХXІI, September 29, 2009) – speaker A.Yu. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, Junior Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  28. Discussion of report: A.V. Paribok (SPbU). «The Methodological Aspects of Buddhism». The report was presented on the 29th of September 2005 in the seminar «Orient: Philosophy, Religion, Culture» (Department of Philosophy and Culture of the Orient, Saint Petersburg State University) (session XХXІІI and ХХXІV, October 27, 2009 and November 24, 2009) – discussion.
  29. «Sufism as a Subject of Academic Research» (session XХXV, December 22, 2009) – speaker O.A. Yarosh, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  30. «Problems of Actuality of Classical Indian Philosophy in the Present» (session XХXVІ, January 26, 2010) – speaker: Ya.V. Lubyvyy, Doctor in Philosophy, Principal Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  31. «References to the Upaniṣads in Ukraine: 1840–1910s. Orest Novytsky (1806–1884), Oleksiy Kozlov (1831–1901), Volodymyr Lesevych (1837–1905), Oleksiy Gilyarov (1855–1938), Ivan Franko (1856–1916)» (session XХXVІІ, February 23, 2010) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  32. «The Phenomenology of Concentration Practices in Dharmic Religions» (session XХXVІІІ, March 30, 2010) – speaker Oleksandr Demchenko, independent researcher.
  33. «The Taoist Treasury: the History of Formation, Structure, Methods of Research» (session XХXІХ, April 27, 2010) – speaker: Pavlo Rafalskyy, independent researcher.
  34. «The Problem of Relationship between ‘Irfān (gnosis) and Sufism according to the Twelvers» (session XL, May 25, 2010) – speaker O.A. Yarosh, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  35. «The "San zi jing" as a Sample of the Chinese Philosophical Culture» (session XLІ, June 29, 2010) – speaker S.V. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU, Research Fellow of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  36. «Philosophy in the System of Traditional Eastern Thought» (session XLIІ, September 28, 2010) – speakers: О.А. Yarosh, A.Yu. Strelkova, S.V. Kapranov, Yu.Yu. Zavhorodniy.
  37. «Buddha Nature and Emptiness in the Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra» (session XLІIІ, October 26, 2010) – speaker A.Yu. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  38. «Kant as a Destroyer of Philosophy: The Reception of Kant in Jewish Literature of the end of the 18th century» (session XLІV, November 30, 2010) – speaker K.V. Malakhova, PhD student, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  39. «The Problem of Legitimacy of Methodology of Chinese Studies in Ukrainian Oriental Studies» (session XLV, January 25, 2011) – speaker V.F. Rezanenko, Doctor in Philology, Professor at the Department of Political Science of the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy», Director of the Center of Oriental Studies at the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  40. «Katha Upanishad Translated by Pavlo Ritter (1933): Katha Upanishad among Upanishads, Motivation of Choice of the Text and Specifics of Translation» (session XLVІ, February 22, 2011) – speaker Yu.Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  41. «Sri Aurobindo Ghosh and Teilhard de Chardin: Comparison of Two Paradigms of Evolutionary Process» (session XLVIІ, March 29, 2011) – speaker O.V. Kikhno, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  42. «Review of Texts about Internal Alchemy in the "Taoist Canon of the Zhengtong Reign Period"» (session XLVIІІ, April 26, 2011). Speaker: Pavlo Rafalskyy, independent researcher.
  43. «Specifics of Intellectual Activity of the Ancient Chinese Philosophers-zhuzi according to Some Early Sources» (session XLIX, May 31, 2011) – speaker Sergii Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU, Research Fellow of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  44. «Net Structures in Contemporary Islam: from Traditionalism to Modernism» (session L, 21 June, 2011) – speaker Denys Bryliov, PhD in Philosophy, lecturer at the Department of Cultural Studies of the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, fellow of the Centre for Religious Studies at the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University.
  45. «The Interpretation of "Emptiness" in Hṛdaya-sūtra (Heart Sutra of Prajñāpāramitā)» (session LІ, September 27, 2011) – speaker Anastasia Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  46. «About the Results of Work of the First Year of Summer School in Islamic Studies supported by HESP ReSET"» (session LІ, September 27, 2011) – speaker Oleg Yarosh, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  47. «Overcoming of Spiritual Materialism» (session LII, extraordinary, October 4, 2011) – speaker Bill Karelis, Buddhist teacher of the lines of Karma Kagyu and Nyingma (USA).
  48. «Philosophical Method of Ibn Khaldūn: Critical Reading» (session LIIІ, October 25, 2011) – speaker Mykhaylo Yakubovych, PhD in History, Research Fellow, National University of Ostroh Academy.
  49. «The Model of Gradual Learning (anupubba-sikkhā) in Early Buddhist Soteriology» (session LIV, November 29, 2011) – speaker: Oleksandr Demchenko, independent researcher.
  50. «The Concept of Experience in Literature of Haskala and Hasidic Texts» (session LV, January 31, 2012) – speaker K. Malakhova, Junior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  51. «About Research Training at the Institute of India and Central Asia of Leipzig University, 17.10–15.12.2011 (Leipzig University) and about Participation in the Global Buddhist Congregation, 27–30.11.2011 (Delhi)» (session LV, January 31, 2012) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  52. «Nishida Kitarō (1870–1945): East-Asian and European Culture in the Formation of Personality of Philosopher» (session LVI, February 28, 2012) – speaker S. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU, Research Fellow of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  53. «Indian Spiritual Tradition of Veerashaiva» (session LVII, March 27, 2012) – speaker Yu. Kravchenko, independent researcher.
  54. «Buddhism as Repeated Experience» (session LVIIІ, April 24, 2012) – speaker O. Kozlovska, independent researcher.
  55. «Rigveda Hymn Х.129: the Specifics of Translation and Interpretation (D. Ovsyanyko-Kulykovskyy, O. Kozlov, L. Ukrainka, P. Ritter, M. Kalynovych)» (session LIX, May 29, 2012) – speaker: Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  56. «Methodological Problems of Historico-Philosophical Research of Buddhist Texts» (session LX, June 26, 2012) – speaker: T. Zhukovskyy, PhD student, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.

So, a bit of statistics. In general, during the time of work of the seminar 50 scientific reports have been delivered by 24 speakers from 7 institutions and 4 cities of Ukraine and from USA. 12 more sessions were held in format of discussion. By subject, 22 sessions were dedicated to Buddhism, 9 – to Indian philosophy, 5 – to Chinese Philosophy, 4 – to Arabic Philosophy, 3 – to Jewish philosophy, 4 – to general theoretical questions, 5 – to the discussion of conferences and other scientific events.

The scientific Seminar of Eastern Philosophies Researchers is the first regularly held event concerned with the problems of Eastern philosophy on scientific level in modern Ukraine, and the list above is a testimony of continuity and non-interruption of its activity.

One more important event related with activity of seminar is to be mentioned. On 20th April 2007 the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU in cooperation with the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU and with support of Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Association «Novy Akropol», Kyiv Society of Buryat Culture and Fond «Far East» organized a scientific seminar on the topic: «Theodor Stcherbatsky (1866–1942) in the Context of Oriental Studies of ХХth Century (to the 140th anniversary of birth)». The following reports were presented and discussed at the seminar: Yaroslav Vasilkov (Saint Petersburg) «Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Buddhological School: its History and Specifics»; Oleksiy Viedrov (Kyiv) «Main Ideas of the Paper “Three Lineages in Philosophy of Buddhism” by Th.I. Stcherbatsky and Problems of Translation»; Yuriy Zavhorodniy (Kyiv) «Th.I. Stcherbatsky and Oriental Studies in Ukraine: New – Old Facts» and «Representation of Vaiśeṣika Darśana in the work of Th.I. Stcherbatsky “Theory of Knowledge and Logic of the Doctrine of Later Buddhists”»; Olena Ohnieva (Lutsk) «Giuseppe Tucci – Italian Addressee of Theodor Stcherbatsky»; Sergii Kapranov (Kyiv) «Sacred Geography of Nichiren School»; Viktor Kiktenko (Taibei) «Joseph Needham about Influence of Buddhism on Formation of Science in Traditional China»; Anton Musulin (Kyiv) «Mandala as Model of Universe»; Ivanna Otroshchenko (Kyiv) «Th.I. Stcherbatsky about Political Plans of Dalai-lama ХІІІ»; Anastasia Strelkova (Kyiv). «The Problem of Reality of Dharmas in Buddhism».

In the modern world and, in particular, in Ukraine, the interest to East is stably high, but not always it is supported by real scientific facts. Therefore an important feature of the seminar, from the point of view of methodology of Eastern philosophy studies, is the fact that in it participate the specialists, who actively work with the texts of these traditions in original languages (Sanskrit, Pāli, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew etc.): getting the materials "from the first hands" they are able to give a critical evaluation of the results of world science in their areas as well, what is a necessary part of every scientific research.

Aiming at high scientific level, the seminar at the same time unites a wide range of interested: experienced scientists, PhD students and university students, and all who have interest and make research in the problems of the philosophy of the East beyond the walls of scientific institutions. This is very important for Ukraine, where scientific research of these problems is just beginning, since it allows to unite the efforts of those who study the philosophy of East and gives a push for the appearence of new specialists.

The functioning of seminar during already more than six years is a testimony of active development and perspectivity of study of philosophical and religious traditions of Orient in Ukraine. Having crossed the symbolical line in sixty sessions, the seminar enters a new phase.

The plans of seminar include further growth of spectrum of research problematics, paying more attention to work with the original sources (realization and discussion of translations of philosophical texts), organization of round tables dedicated to particular problems of Eastern philosophies, invitation of famous scholars and adherents of tradition, promotion of international cooperation, as well as creation of a printed scientific edition, in which would be reflected its activity.




SUPPLEMENT

Speakers of the seminar (in chronological order):

  1. A. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, Junior Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  2. A. Shabashov, PhD in History, professor of the Department of Archaeology and Ethnography, Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University.
  3. O. Romanenko, 2nd year student of the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy» (later – student of M.A. program in Philosophy, National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy»).
  4. I. Turov, PhD in History.
  5. M. Tarasenko, PhD in History, Research Fellow, A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  6. O. Gomilko, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the Department of Philosophy of Culture, Ethics and Aesthetics of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  7. Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, Research Fellow (and post-doctoral degree candidate), Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  8. D. Ivakhnenko, independent researcher, translator.
  9. О. Bordilovska, PhD in History, post-doctoral degree candidate, Institute of International Relations Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
  10. D. Metilka, independent researcher (Zaporizhia).
  11. S.V. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU, Research Fellow of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  12. Ya.R. Dzhoy, independent researcher
  13. O.A. Yarosh, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  14. Ya.V. Lubyvyy, Doctor in Philosophy, Principal Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  15. O. Demchenko, independent researcher.
  16. P. Rafalskyy, independent researcher.
  17. K.V. Malakhova, PhD student, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  18. V.F. Rezanenko, Doctor in Philology, Professor at the Department of Political Science of the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy», Director of the Center of Oriental Studies at the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  19. O.V. Kikhno, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  20. D. Bryliov, PhD in Philosophy, lecturer at the Department of Cultural Studies of the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, fellow of the Centre for Religious Studies at the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University.
  21. Bill Karelis, Buddhist teacher of the lines of Karma Kagyu and Nyingma (USA).
  22. M. Yakubovych, PhD in History, Research Fellow, National University of Ostroh Academy.
  23. O. Kozlovska, independent researcher.
  24. T. Zhukovskyy, PhD student, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
Institutions represented by seminar speakers:
  1. H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
  2. A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
  3. National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  4. Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University.
  5. Institute of International Relations Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
  6. National Pedagogical Dragomanov University.
  7. National University of Ostroh Academy.
List of scientific reports by subjects

General theoretical:

  1. «What (and How) is Understood by the Eastern Philosophies» (session ІІ, May 23, 2006) – discussion.
  2. «The Vocabulary of Concepts and Terms of the Eastern Philosophies: the Problems of Translation and Understanding» (session ІІІ, June 27, 2006) – discussion.
  3. «Concerning the Question of Subject and Object in the East Asian Philosophy» (session XХIX, April 28, 2009) – speaker S.V. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow, A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  4. «Philosophy in the System of Traditional Eastern Thought» (session XLIІ, September 28, 2010) – speakers: О.А. Yarosh, A.Yu. Strelkova, S.V. Kapranov, Yu.Yu. Zavhorodniy.
Buddhism:
  1. «The Problem of Consciousness in Zen Buddhism» (session ІV–VІ, 26th September, 31st October, 28th November 2006) – speaker A. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, Junior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  2. «What is kleśa?» (session XІІІ, September 25, 2007) – discussion.
  3. «Buddhism in the works of V.V. Lesevych (1837–1905): Attempt of Research» (session XІV, October 30, 2007) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  4. «O.O. Rosenberg (1888–1919) and his Approach to the Problems of Buddhist Philosophy» (sessions XV, ХХV and ХХVІ, 27th November 2007, 9th December 2008, 27th January 2009) – speaker A. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, Junior Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  5. «Dependent Arising (paṭicca-samuppada) according to the Early Pāli Texts» (Session ХVI, December 25, 2007) – speaker D. Ivakhnenko, independent researcher.
  6. «Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Konstanty Regamey (1907–1982) – Famous Swiss Buddhologist and Composer born in Kyiv» (session XVIІ, January 30, 2008) – discussion with the participation of famous Ukrainian tibetologist O. Ohnieva, PhD in History, Senior Research Fellow, A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  7. Discussion of the book: «Чаттерджи А.К. Идеализм йогачары. – М.: Шечен, 2004. (Chatterjee A.K. Yogacara Idealism, 1962) (session XXІ, June 3, 2008) – discussion.
  8. «Overview of the Pāli Canon» (session XХVІІ, February 24, 2009) – speaker D.O. Ivakhnenko, independent researcher, translator.
  9. «Principles of Zen Buddhism in the Philosophy of Dōgen» (session XХXІI, September 29, 2009) – speaker A.Yu. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, Junior Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  10. Discussion of report: A.V. Paribok (SPbU). «The Methodological Aspects of Buddhism». The report was presented on the 29th of September 2005 in the seminar «Orient: Philosophy, Religion, Culture» (Department of Philosophy and Culture of the Orient, Saint Petersburg State University) (session XХXІІI and ХХXІV, October 27, 2009 and November 24, 2009) – discussion.
  11. «The Phenomenology of Concentration Practices in Dharmic Religions» (session XХXVІІІ, March 30, 2010) – speaker Oleksandr Demchenko, independent researcher.
  12. «Buddha Nature and Emptiness in the Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra» (session XLІIІ, October 26, 2010) – speaker A.Yu. Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  13. «The Interpretation of "Emptiness" in Hṛdaya-sūtra (Heart Sutra of Prajñāpāramitā)» (session LІ, September 27, 2011) – speaker Anastasia Strelkova, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  14. «Overcoming of Spiritual Materialism» (session LII, extraordinary, October 4, 2011) – speaker Bill Karelis, Buddhist teacher of the lines of Karma Kagyu and Nyingma (USA).
  15. «The Model of Gradual Learning (anupubba-sikkhā) in Early Buddhist Soteriology» (session LIV, November 29, 2011) – speaker: Oleksandr Demchenko, independent researcher.
  16. «Buddhism as Repeated Experience» (session LVIIІ, April 24, 2012) – speaker O. Kozlovska, independent researcher.
  17. «Methodological Problems of Historico-Philosophical Research of Buddhist Texts» (session LX, June 26, 2012) – speaker: T. Zhukovskyy, PhD student, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.

Indian philosophy:

  1. «The Isha Upanishad in the Context of Historico-Philosophical Research» (session VІІ, February 2, 2007) – speaker O. Romanenko, 2nd year student of the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  2. «Philosophically Significant Ideas in the Isha Upanishad» (session XIX (additional), March 11, 2008) – speaker Oleksandr Romanenko, student of M.A. program in Philosophy, National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  3. «What Is to Be Understood by the Indian Philosophy? Reflections about the Starting Point» (session XХVІІІ, March 31, 2009) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  4. «Bhakti: Origins, Typology, Philosophy» (session XХX, May 26, 2009) – speaker Ya.R. Dzhoy, independent researcher.
  5. «Problems of Actuality of Classical Indian Philosophy in the Present» (session XХXVІ, January 26, 2010) – speaker: Ya.V. Lubyvyy, Doctor in Philosophy, Principal Research Fellow, Department of History of Foreign Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  6. «Katha Upanishad Translated by Pavlo Ritter (1933): Katha Upanishad among Upanishads, Motivation of Choice of the Text and Specifics of Translation» (session XLVІ, February 22, 2011) – speaker Yu.Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  7. «References to the Upaniṣads in Ukraine: 1840–1910s. Orest Novytsky (1806–1884), Oleksiy Kozlov (1831–1901), Volodymyr Lesevych (1837–1905), Oleksiy Gilyarov (1855–1938), Ivan Franko (1856–1916)» (session XХXVІІ, February 23, 2010) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, post-doctoral degree candidate, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  8. «Indian Spiritual Tradition of Veerashaiva» (session LVII, March 27, 2012) – speaker Yu. Kravchenko, independent researcher.
  9. «Rigveda Hymn Х.129: the Specifics of Translation and Interpretation (D. Ovsyanyko-Kulykovskyy, O. Kozlov, L. Ukrainka, P. Ritter, M. Kalynovych)» (session LIX, May 29, 2012) – speaker: Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
Chinese philosophy:
  1. «What is Chinese Philosophy: Some Approaches to the Problem» (session XХXІ, June 30, 2009) – speaker S.V. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow, A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  2. «The Taoist Treasury: the History of Formation, Structure, Methods of Research» (session XХXІХ, April 27, 2010) – speaker: Pavlo Rafalskyy, independent researcher.
  3. «The "San zi jing" as a Sample of the Chinese Philosophical Culture» (session XLІ, June 29, 2010) – speaker S.V. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU, Research Fellow of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  4. «The Problem of Legitimacy of Methodology of Chinese Studies in Ukrainian Oriental Studies» (session XLV, January 25, 2011) – speaker V.F. Rezanenko, Doctor in Philology, Professor at the Department of Political Science of the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy», Director of the Center of Oriental Studies at the National University of «Kyiv-Mohyla Academy».
  5. «Specifics of Intellectual Activity of the Ancient Chinese Philosophers-zhuzi according to Some Early Sources» (session XLIX, May 31, 2011) – speaker Sergii Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU, Research Fellow of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
Arabic philosophy:
  1. «Sufism as a Subject of Academic Research» (session XХXV, December 22, 2009) – speaker O.A. Yarosh, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  2. «Net Structures in Contemporary Islam: from Traditionalism to Modernism» (session L, 21 June, 2011) – speaker Denys Bryliov, PhD in Philosophy, lecturer at the Department of Cultural Studies of the Pedagogical Dragomanov University, fellow of the Centre for Religious Studies at the Pedagogical Dragomanov University.
  3. «The Problem of Relationship between ‘Irfān (gnosis) and Sufism according to the Twelvers» (session XL, May 25, 2010) – speaker O.A. Yarosh, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  4. «Philosophical Method of Ibn Khaldūn: Critical Reading» (session LIIІ, October 25, 2011) – speaker Mykhaylo Yakubovych, PhD in History, Research Fellow, National University of Ostroh Academy.
Jewish philosophy:
  1. «Hasidic Mysticism Studies» (session ІХ, March 27, 2007) – speaker I. Turov, PhD in History.
  2. «Kant as a Destroyer of Philosophy: The Reception of Kant in Jewish Literature of the end of the 18th century» (session XLІV, November 30, 2010) – speaker K.V. Malakhova, PhD student, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  3. «The Concept of Experience in Literature of Haskala and Hasidic Texts» (session LV, January 31, 2012) – speaker K. Malakhova, Junior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
Discussion of conferences and other scientific events:
  1. «Discussion of the Results of the International Scientific Conference «The Fourth Torchinov Readings», «The Figure of Evgeny Torchinov (1956–2003) in the Oriental Studies» (session VІІІ, February 27, 2007) – discussion.
  2. «World Philosophy Congress (Delhi, December 2006)» (session XІІ, June 26, 2007) – speaker O. Gomilko, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the Department of Philosophy of Culture, Ethics and Aesthetics of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  3. «IV International Scientific Conference "Tsyrendorzhiev Readings – 2008. Tibetan Civilization And Nomadic Peoples of Eurasia: Cross-Cultural Contacts". Kyiv, 26-27th of September 2008, ІІ International Scientific Conference "Mystic and Esoteric Movements in Theory and Practice.(History. Psychology. Philosophy)". Saint Petersburg, 23–24th of October 2008» (session XXІV, November 11, 2008) – discussion.
  4. «About the Results of Work of the First Year of Summer School in Islamic Studies supported by HESP ReSET"» (session LІ, September 27, 2011) – speaker Oleg Yarosh, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Sector of History of Eastern Philosophy of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  5. «About Research Training at the Institute of India and Central Asia of Leipzig University, 17.10–15.12.2011 (Leipzig University) and about Participation in the Global Buddhist Congregation, 27–30.11.2011 (Delhi)» (session LV, January 31, 2012) – speaker Yu. Zavhorodniy, PhD in Philosophy, Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
Other:
  1. «Elements of Shamanic Beliefs of the Peoples of the South of Ukraine» (session VІІ, February 2, 2007) – speaker A. Shabashov, PhD in History, professor of the Department of Archaeology and Ethnography, Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University.
  2. «Problems of Teaching the Philosophies of East in Ukraine (round table)» (session X, April 24, 2007).
  3. «Two "Eternities" of Ancient Egyptians» (session XІ, May 29, 2007) – speaker M. Tarasenko, PhD in History, Research Fellow A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU.
  4. «Globalization of Gandhism (based on the Materials of Conference, India, 13-19.11.2007)» (session XVIІІ, February 26, 2008) – speaker О. Bordilovska, PhD in History, post-doctoral degree candidate, Institute of International Relations Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
  5. Session dedicated to the 130th Anniversary of Birth of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy (1877–1947) – Eminent Historian of Art, Buddhologist, Researcher of Indian Thought (session XX, ХXІІ, March 25, 2008 and July 1, 2008) – discussion.
  6. «Cases of Thinking: Piatigorsky and Heidegger» (session XXІІІ, September 30, 2008) – speaker Dmitriy Metilka, independent researcher (Zaporizhia).
  7. «Sri Aurobindo Ghosh and Teilhard de Chardin: Comparison of Two Paradigms of Evolutionary Process» (session XLVIІ, March 29, 2011) – speaker O.V. Kikhno, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow, H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.
  8. «Nishida Kitarō (1870–1945): East-Asian and European Culture in the Formation of Personality of Philosopher» (session LVI, February 28, 2012) – speaker S. Kapranov, PhD in Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow of the A.Yu. Krymsky Institute of Oriental Studies of NASU, Research Fellow of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NASU.