Professor Siddharth Singh, BHU, is the Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Prof. Singh, age 52 years, has been a Senior Professor in the Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies at Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.), Varanasi, India. Prof. Siddharth Singh was a Diplomat and Director of the Indian Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Tokyo, from 2018 to 2022, where he worked extensively to promote Indian culture in Japan and strengthen the India-Japan soft-diplomatic relationships.He has also been the recipient of the Japan Foundation Fellowship, Japan (2003-04), Fulbright Senior Research Fellowship, USA (2011-2012), and Vadrayana Vyas President Award, India (2005).
Dr. Siddharth has been a Visiting Professor of Indian Studies at Uppsala University, Sweden (ICCR Chair of Indian Studies, 2014- 2015), Karlstad University, Sweden (Faculty of History of Religions, 2006 and 2008), and Hyderabad Central University. He has published four books namely, Saddhammasangaho (History of Buddhism till 13 th Century) (Pub. by Motilal Banarsidass), Jinacarita (Biography of the Buddha) (Pub. by Pilgrims Publishing House, Delhi), Zen Bauddha Dharma-Sangeet (Pub. by Sahitya Bhandar, Allahabad) and Remembering the Legend: Kosetsu Nosu (Pub. by Mahabodhi Society of India).
He has published more than 72 papers in Hindi, English and Japanese encompassing various aspects of Indian Culture and Buddhism and delivered lectures and presented several National and International papers on different occasions in India and countries like the USA, Japan, China, Sweden, Estonia, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Nepal etc.
Dr Singh’s major interest area is Indian Culture, World Religions and Philosophies, Pali & Sanskrit literature, Indian and Japanese Buddhism, and Applied aspects of Indian Sanatana tradition.
Abstract of the lecture
India in Japan: A Journey through Cultural Exchange and Influence
A talk on “India in Japan: A Journey through Cultural Exchange and Influence” explores the profound and historic relationship between India and Japan, two ancient cultures that have engaged in significant mutual exchanges over the centuries. This relationship has been marked by religious, artistic, and philosophical interchanges, primarily through the spread of Buddhism from India to Japan. This facilitated not only a religious and philosophical dialogue but also influenced Japanese art, architecture, and literature.
The influence of Indian deities in Japan underscores this deep cultural connection. Prominent among these is Saraswati, known in Japan as Benzaiten, who is revered as a goddess of everything that flows: water, words, speech, eloquence, music, and by extension, knowledge. Similarly, Ganesha, known as Kangiten, is worshipped in esoteric Japanese Buddhism, symbolizing good fortune and the removal of obstacles. These deities are celebrated in various temples across Japan, highlighting a unique blend of Indian religious traditions with Japanese culture.
In modern times, the relationship has evolved to include political, economic, and technological partnerships, highlighting a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s cultural heritage and contemporary prowess. The cultural exchange continues with the popularisation of Indian yoga and spirituality in Japan and the influence of Japanese aesthetics and technology in India. This journey through cultural exchange illustrates a robust bridge built on respect, influence, and collaboration, enriching both nations and contributing to a unique and enduring friendship.