by Jane Terry

The Department of Religious Studies at Missouri State University and the Center for Asian Research at Arizona State University hosted a conference in Springfield, Missouri, “Theravāda Civilizations and Their Others,” at the Hotel Vandivort on 1-3 June, 2017.  Several scholars of Buddhism from around the country gathered to discuss new works in Theravāda Studies, present papers, collaborate with colleagues, and to engage interested students from Missouri State University in conversations about this emerging academic field of study.

Noted scholars Steven Collins and Nancy Eberhardt opened the conference, followed by several presentations of new works about Theravāda Buddhism in different countries, Buddhist mindfulness and mental health, and Buddhist history and texts.  Panels, paper presentations, and discussions filled subsequent days, as well as food and conversation in various Springfield restaurants and venues.  Participants left with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for teaching and research in Theravāda Buddhist studies.

The Theravāda Civilizations Project Annual Conference is funded by grants from the Henry Luce Foundation and the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation/ACLS Program in Buddhist Studies and supported by the Center for Asian Research at Arizona State University and the Department of Religious Studies at Missouri State University.