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The RAS Asian Philosophies and Religions focus group invites you a lecture and conversation with Professor Ben Van Overmeire of Duke Kunshan University on the topic of Zen mysticism. The event will take place at The Collective By Justgrapes from 4-6pm on April 2, 2023. An optional dinner with the speaker follows from 6-8pm.
The lecture will discuss how the Zen school of East-Asian Buddhism tried to solve a crucial problem for most of the world's mystical traditions: if we are all already divine (i.e. we have Buddhanature, Ch. foxing), why is it we have to work to attain that divinity (e.g. by meditating, studying, etc.)? Often cast as the problem of sudden enlightenment (Ch. dunwu) versus gradual enlightenment, Zen Buddhists have spilled a lot of ink in vehemently disagreeing on its solution.
In this lecture we will learn more about the history of Zen practice and thought. Using the sudden-gradual problem as a lens, we will investigate the way in which this tradition, originating a over a thousand years ago in China, has made its way into the Western consciousness principally through the writings of Japanese scholars, such as D. T. Suzuki, and their interpreters, such as Alan Watts. And we will understand its impact not only in the realm of philosophy and religion, but in literature, visual arts, and other cultural forms.
The lecture portion of this event will be streamed via Zoom.
Agenda
4
00PM
-
4
30PM
Social Time
Ben Van OvermeireJoin Professor Van Overmeire and James Miller for conversation and a drink before the lecture
4
30PM
-
5
30PM
5
30PM
-
6
00PM
6
00PM
-
8
00PM
Optional Dinner
Ben Van OvermeireJoin Professor Van Overmeire and Professor Miller for an optional dinner
Social Time
Join Professor Van Overmeire and James Miller for conversation and a drink before the lecture
Speakers
Ben Van Overmeire
Assistant Professor at Duke Kunshan UniversityBen Van Overmiere is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Duke Kunshan University. He is working on a book on how modern autobiographical narratives of Zen life incorporate koan, medieval Zen riddles such as “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” or “What was your name before you were born?” A fluent speaker of Japanese and Chinese, Ben is also interested in samurai, Zen detective novels, Buddhist science fictions, and the quest for sustainable ways of living.
Lecture
Lecture from Professor Van Overmeire
Speakers
Ben Van Overmeire
Assistant Professor at Duke Kunshan UniversityBen Van Overmiere is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Duke Kunshan University. He is working on a book on how modern autobiographical narratives of Zen life incorporate koan, medieval Zen riddles such as “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” or “What was your name before you were born?” A fluent speaker of Japanese and Chinese, Ben is also interested in samurai, Zen detective novels, Buddhist science fictions, and the quest for sustainable ways of living.
Discussion
Discussion / Q and A
Speakers
Ben Van Overmeire
Assistant Professor at Duke Kunshan UniversityBen Van Overmiere is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Duke Kunshan University. He is working on a book on how modern autobiographical narratives of Zen life incorporate koan, medieval Zen riddles such as “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” or “What was your name before you were born?” A fluent speaker of Japanese and Chinese, Ben is also interested in samurai, Zen detective novels, Buddhist science fictions, and the quest for sustainable ways of living.
Optional Dinner
Join Professor Van Overmeire and Professor Miller for an optional dinner
Speakers
Ben Van Overmeire
Assistant Professor at Duke Kunshan UniversityBen Van Overmiere is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Duke Kunshan University. He is working on a book on how modern autobiographical narratives of Zen life incorporate koan, medieval Zen riddles such as “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” or “What was your name before you were born?” A fluent speaker of Japanese and Chinese, Ben is also interested in samurai, Zen detective novels, Buddhist science fictions, and the quest for sustainable ways of living.
Speakers
Ben Van Overmiere is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Duke Kunshan University. He is working on a book on how modern autobiographical narratives of Zen life incorporate koan, medieval Zen riddles such as “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” or “What was your name before you were born?” A fluent speaker of Japanese and Chinese, Ben is also interested in samurai, Zen detective novels, Buddhist science fictions, and the quest for sustainable ways of living.
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
Tickets
Friends of the RAS (Registered PRC donors) - IN PERSON
RMB 100
Standard Price
Buy TicketIncludes one drink.
Members of other RAS branches (Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea, etc.) - ONLINE ZOOM
RMB 50
Standard Price
Buy TicketFor members of other RAS branches and chapters.
You may be asked to provide proof of membership.