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Named after the
pioneering Jesuit Sinologist, Matteo Ricci, the Taipei Ricci Institute
was founded by Fr. Yves Raguin and other Jesuits in 1966. Inspired by
Ricci’s legacy, our goal is to undertake interdisciplinary research
contributing to creative intellectual and inter-religious dialogue in
the Chinese context. During the past decades,
the Taipei Ricci Institute established a solid reputation in the field
of Chinese lexicography, as well as carried out comparative studies
on religions and philosophy. We will continue to maintain the sinological
standards expected of the Jesuit scholarly tradition, and we will foster
an in-depth dialogue with Chinese intellectuals. In this spirit, the
Ricci Institute is undertaking projects within the following tripartite
scope: two research areas, “Languages and Identities
in the Chinese World;”, “Religions and Society in China and Taiwan;”,
and one focal mission, to
create and cultivate spaces for dialogue with Chinese intellectuals. Now and in the future, we
stress: -“Working
with” the pluralist cultures and peoples
within China and Taiwan, no longer simply “working on Chinese Culture.” - Selecting
research projects that purposefully address issues and concerns common
not only to China and Taiwan, but to all in the global community. As
we do so, we re-avow our key mission of fostering dialogue, justice,
and humanist culture in the Chinese context. The world is not to be a “Babel,”
a place where people and cultures are torn between the two extremes
of uniformity and estrangement. Rather, we are engaged in an ongoing
“Pentecost,” a process through which differences are the very basis
for a deeper union of hearts. Being part of the encounter between China
and the rest of the world allows us to contribute to shape, with others,
a pluralistic spiritual civilization relevant for the whole of humankind. © copyright 2001 by Taipei Ricci Institute |
