Dharma Crossings: Buddhist Experiences and Consciousness in Southeast Asia

REGIONAL SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES PROGRAMME

About the Workshop

Buddhist migrations from mainland to maritime Southeast Asia started during the colonial period. Over decades, the increased movement of people from mainland Southeast Asia to maritime states has impelled a better understanding of the key trends in contemporary Buddhism, particularly the influences of Theravada Buddhism that is dominantly practiced in mainland Southeast Asian states. With immigrants bringing their unique variations of cultural and religious practices to their host countries, the extent of the influence of these practices as immigrants adapt to and navigate their new surroundings, and the potential contestation of these practices with local practices and habits, requires more in-depth investigation. Additionally, the introduction and rise of technology, together with changing social norms, have transformed how communities practice and perceive religions at societal and individual levels. Religion often becomes a coping mechanism in the face of change, and tensions may arise from different interpretations of or resistance to change. The objective of this workshop is twofold: (1) to analyze the socio-political and socio-cultural impacts and influences of Theravada Buddhism in the Buddhist-dominant states in mainland Southeast Asia and; (2) to provide a contextual and comparative understanding of Buddhist development in maritime Southeast Asian states.

Programme

Panel 1: Buddhism and Its Influences
Panel 2: Political Buddhism or Buddhism in Politics?
Panel 3: Everyday Buddhism
Panel 4: Interfaith, Conflict and Violence

Details on the programme here.

Convenors

A/Prof Jack Meng-Tat Chia
Foo Hai Fellow in Buddhist Studies & Associate Professor, Department of History, National University of Singapore
Dr Moe Thuzar
Senior Fellow & Coordinator, Myanmar Studies Programme, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute
Dr Norshahril Saat
Senior Fellow & Coordinator, Regional Social and Cultural Studies Programme, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute

Attending the Event In-person at ISEAS

To join the event in-person at ISEAS, please register via the ISEAS mobile app, available on iOS and Android via the Apple or Play store. Search “ISEAS” to find or scan this QR code.

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Seating capacity is limited. Do register early to avoid disappointment.