[Blog] “Diverse Textual Sources in the Study of Buddhism,” at Congress 2018

By Gerjan Altenburg In an age when, according to Buddhist tradition, the Dharma is in decline, and it often seems as if the Social Sciences and Humanities are too, it was a relief to attend the 2018 meeting of the Congress for Canadian Learned Societies in Regina, Saskatchewan.  The University of Regina hosted over 5200 …

[Blog] Vinaya Studies at the 18th Congress of IABS, in Toronto

By Gerjan Altenburg Studies of Buddhist monastic literature (vinaya) were in full swing at the 18th congress of the International Association of Buddhist Studies (IABS). This should not surprise anyone familiar with the current academic climate within Buddhist studies in the province of Ontario. This year, IABS took place in Toronto, Ontario from August 20th–25th. …

[Blog] A Reflection on Dr. Cuilan Liu’s Visit to McMaster’s Religious Studies Department on December 15, 2016

By Crystal Beaudoin On December 15th of 2016, Religious Studies faculty and students welcomed Dr. Cuilan Liu to our department as a guest lecturer. Dr. Liu is an Assistant Professor of Buddhist Studies at Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on relationships between Buddhism and the State during …

[Blog] HH Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa on The Relevance of Tibetan Buddhism in the 21st Century

By Shanshan Zhao The development of technology and urbanization in the contemporary society has set more people free from farm and traditional labor. Worries and concerns have been raised towards this rapid progress, yet many Buddhist teachers regard it as an advantage for the spread and practice of Buddhism. On May 15th, 2016, His Holiness …

[Blog] A Report on McMaster’s Religious Studies Department’s 50th Anniversary of Graduate Studies Celebration

By Crystal Beaudoin McMaster's Religious Studies Department was a hub of activity on the weekend of May 13-14 2016, as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our graduate program. The weekend commenced with an opening reception and barbecue on Friday evening. Saturday began with a 50th-anniversary luncheon, during which we heard from Professor Eileen Schuller, …