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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 Overmeire

Join Professor Van Overmeire and James Miller for conversation and a drink before the lecture

4

30PM

-

5

30PM

Lecture

Ben Van Overmeire

Lecture from Professor Van Overmeire

5

30PM

-

6

00PM

Discussion

Ben Van Overmeire

Discussion / Q and A

6

00PM

-

8

00PM

Optional Dinner

Ben Van Overmeire

Join Professor Van Overmeire and Professor Miller for an optional dinner

Speakers

Sponsors and Partners

Organizer

Tickets

  • RAS China member - IN PERSON

    RMB 100

    Member Price

    Includes one drink.

    Buy Ticket
  • Friends of the RAS (Registered PRC donors) - IN PERSON

    RMB 100

    Public Price

    Includes one drink.

    Buy Ticket
  • Non-member - IN PERSON

    RMB 200

    Public Price

    Includes one drink.

    Buy Ticket
  • Members of other RAS branches (Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea, etc.) - ONLINE ZOOM

    RMB 50

    Public Price

    For members of other RAS branches and chapters.
    You may be asked to provide proof of membership.

    Buy Ticket
  • RAS China Member - ONLINE ZOOM

    Complimentary

    Member Price

    Reserve Ticket
  • Friend of RAS (Registered PRC Donor) - ONLINE ZOOM

    Complimentary

    Public Price

    Reserve Ticket
  • Non-Member - ONLINE ZOOM

    RMB 100

    Public Price

    Buy Ticket