Methods in Buddhist Studies: Essays in Honor of Richard K. Payne

Description

Both a demonstration of and critical self-reflection on method, this book explores how methodologies shape our understanding of the diversity of Buddhist traditions in the past and the present. International contributors from the West and Asia explore case studies and reflect on methods in the study of Buddhism, united in their debt to Richard K. Payne, the influential Buddhist studies scholar. Methods in Buddhist Studies features new translations of Buddhist works as well as ethnographic studies on contemporary Buddhism in the United States and China. Topics discussed include Buddhist practices in relation to food, material culture, and imperial rituals; the development of modern Buddhist universities; the construction of the canon from the perspective of history, textual analysis, and ritual studies; and the ethical obligations of scholars toward the subject of Buddhism itself. Chapters are drawn from Payne's students and his colleagues, demonstrating the breadth of his intellectual interests. Payne's scholarship has left a remarkable impact on the field, making this volume essential reading for students and scholars of contemporary Buddhism and Buddhist studies.

Scott A. Mitchell is the Dean of Students and Faculty Affairs and holds the Yoshitaka Tamai Professorial Chair at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, USA. He is the author of Buddhism in America: Global Religion, Local Contexts (Bloomsbury, 2016). Natalie Fisk Quli is Research Fellow and Senior Editor of the Pacific World Journal at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, USA. She is co-editor of Buddhism Beyond Borders: New Perspectives on Buddhism in the United States (2015).

This remarkable collection is a worthy celebration of Richard K. Payne's academic career and the originality of his work, and at the same time a stimulating springboard for new research endeavors. * Fabio Rambelli, Professor of Japanese Religions and ISF Endowed Chair in Shinto Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA * The rich quality and diversity of research in this volume attest to the incredible inspiration Richard K. Payne has played, not only among these authors, but among a much wider community of scholars. As clearly shown in this collection, his influence will lay its mark for future generations to come. * Elizabeth Williams-Oerberg, Co-director of Center for Contemporary Buddhist Studies, University of Copenhagen, Denmark * In displaying the interconnections in Richard K. Payne's work, this text compliments the variety of worldviews articulated across Buddhisms and reflects diversity in their beauty and challenge to Buddhists and scholars of Buddhism. * Phil Henry, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology, University of Derby, UK *