UA Faculty-in-Residence Series to Feature ‘Buddhism in Motion’ Seminar

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Faculty-in-Residence Series will feature a seminar on “Buddhism in Motion: Perspectives on the Cultural History of a Major World Philosophy” Monday, Nov. 1, from 5-7 p.m. in 205 Gorgas Library.

The seminar will navigate Buddhism’s process of adaptation across time and space in its 2,500 year journey around the world. Guests will be exposed to the philosophy, gender, art and literature of the Buddhist culture, which are all major themes of its history. Other points of discussion include the social, economic and political changes Buddhism has undertaken.

Five speakers will be featured at the seminar. Paul Brownell, a doctoral candidate at the Australian National University, will present a discussion of “Buddhism, Hermeneutics and Philosophy: Textual and Cultural Interpretations.” The UA department of history’s Ian Chapman will follow with a discussion of “Buddhism and Popular Culture: Buddhism and Birthdays in Medieval China.” Bhante Sujato, will discuss “Buddhism and Gender: The Issue of Female Ordination in Ancient and Contemporary Buddhist Culture.” Ruth Gamble, who is currently completing her doctoral degree at the Australian National University, will present “Buddhism and Literature: From the Sutras to Manga.” And, Meredith Hughes will present a discussion about “Buddhism and Art: Visual and Conceptual Echoes in Works by Three Artists.”

Sponsored by the UA Honors College, Housing and Residential Communities and the Asian studies department, the seminar is free and open to the public and is the second installment of the Faculty-in-Residence Series.

The Faculty-in-Residence Series is organized by UA faculty members who live in Honors College residence halls. As mentors to the students, these faculty members provide formal and informal opportunities for learning outside of the classroom.

For more information about the event, contact Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa at 205/348-1805 or holmesapo@yahoo.co.nz.