Couple donates Buddhist texts to University
By Christine Buurma | January 24, 2001In coming years, Mr. Jefferson's University may become as well known for its massive collection of East Asian Buddhist art and texts as for its neoclassical architecture. Stanley and Lucie Weinstein of Hamden, Conn., have announced plans to bequeath their extensive library of Buddhist scholarly materials -- one of the largest privately-owned collections in the western world - to the University's Alderman Library. Stanley Weinstein cited the University's commitment to Buddhist studies, exemplified by the four full-time professors of Buddhist studies in the Religious Studies Department, as his reason for choosing the University as the library's permanent home after his death and the death of his wife. Weinstein believes the University is a "dynamic center for Buddhist studies," said Deputy University Librarian Kendon Stubbs. Much of the collection of 10,658 books is comprised of 19th and 20th century publications on Buddhism, although it also includes texts dealing with other East Asian religions, history, literature, art and related subjects.
