Conference Theme

Traditions and Contemporary Pure Land Thought

Over centuries of East Asian history of Buddhism, the meditation tradition (chan in Chinese, zen in Japanese) and Pure Land tradition have played crucial roles in shaping its religious world view and socio-cultural life. In this regard, the two traditions have been, through the centuries, challenging, competing, or complementing with each other. The Conference thus aims to explore these dynamic interactions between the two traditions. Moreover, the Conference would also invite discussions on the extent to which the contemporary development of the two traditions are still implementing traditional practices, and the extent to which it has contributed to the formation of so-called “Buddhist modernism.” We cordially invite scholars and experts at home and abroad to participate in and contribute to this Conference co-organized by Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (DILA) and International Associate of Shin Buddhist Studies (IASBS).