The conference proposes to offer a focused context for collective scholarly reflection on the methods, theories, and subjects of inquiry in the study of Theravāda Buddhism. The goal of the conference is to bring together an interdisciplinary and international body of scholars to present genealogical and other reflections on the field of Theravāda Studies, broadly conceived.

The papers will address intellectual trends in the study of Theravāda Buddhism, as well as offer original case studies which suggest innovative paths for current and future research on Theravāda Buddhism.

The conference discussions shall raise, but not necessarily be limited to answering, the following kinds of questions: Who have been the inspiring figures in this field, and what has been the legacy (positive or negative) of their contribution? How has the academic study and representation of Theravāda Buddhism evolved? What directions have proved the most significant for the study of Theravāda Buddhism, and why? What directions remain untapped or underutilized? In what ways can scholars "de-Theravadize" the study of "Theravāda" Buddhism, and what would be the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of approach?

For more information, please contact:

Jason Carbine (jacarbin@midway.uchicago.edu)

Guillaume Rozenberg (arigr@nus.edu.sg)

REGISTRATION

Observers are welcome to attend the conference, with no registration fee.  However, in order to facilitate the organization, it is necessary that we know how many people to expect. If you wish to attend as an observer, please kindly email your name, affiliation / organization, contact number and email address to Ms Valerie Yeo at ariyeov@nus.edu.sg by Tuesday, 10 August 2004.

Please visit this site again for future updates.