Events

CHAIRPERSON

Dr Wu Keping, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

ABSTRACT

While scholars have long been aware of the transnational dynamics of Buddhism in the post-Cold War era, there has been relatively little actual discussion of contemporary transnational Buddhist networks and what they mean for the construction and imagination of Buddhism in the contemporary moment. What discussion exists has been primarily about the flows from Asia to Europe and North America and the establishment of Buddhism (either by converts or immigrants) in those locations; alternatively it has focused on the missionizing efforts of modernist prosperity forms of Buddhism such as Foguang Shan or Dhammakaya. While these latter groups are important, they represent only a small part of the intra-Asian Buddhist connections and interactions. In particular, significant Buddhist networks have emerged in terms of education and transnational charity. While many of these networks reinforce relationships that are already in place, I will argue here that there are other kinds of networks that work across sectarian and national divides. These new networks, I will argue both rely on and reinforce the notion that Buddhism is a unified and universal entity.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Thomas Borchert is an Associate Professor of Religion at the University of Vermont in the United States where he teaches classes in Religion and Politics and the religions of East Asia. He is currently conducting research in Bangkok with the support of the Fulbright Foundation on notions of national belonging and citizenship among Thai monks, and is a visiting research fellow at the International PhD Programme in Buddhist Studies at Mahidol University. He has conducted research on Buddhist education in Southwest China, Thailand and Singapore and his articles have appeared in the Journal of Asian Studies, Journal of the American Academy of Religion and the Journal of Church and State among others.

REGISTRATION

Admission is free. We would greatly appreciate if you RSVP Mr Jonathan Lee via email: jonathan.lee@nus.edu.sg