Dear Friends of the Center for Buddhist Studies, The Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS) at the University of Arizona invites proposals for an international symposium, “A Buddhist Heaven on Earth: Hangzhou Buddhism and Its Historical Significance,” to be held on April 24–25, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. We already received 13 proposals from contributors of Encyclopedia of Hangzhou Buddhist Culture and we are still looking for additional submissions related to Hangzhou Buddhism, especially research using digital humanities and spatial analysis methods. This two-day event honors the distinguished career and scholarly legacy of Professor Albert Welter, whose pioneering research on Chinese Buddhism—especially the religious and cultural worlds of Hangzhou—has shaped global understanding of Buddhist thought, history, and spatial culture.
The symposium will also celebrate several major milestones: • The publication of the Encyclopedia of Hangzhou Buddhist Culture. • The 1,700th anniversary of Lingyin Monastery, one of China’s oldest and most influential temples. • The eighth anniversary of the Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS) at the University of Arizona. We invite paper proposals that address the broad theme of Hangzhou Buddhism and its historical significance, interpreted through diverse disciplinary, methodological, and comparative lenses. Contributors to the Encyclopedia will have priority in the selection process. Conference Themes Possible areas of exploration include, but are not limited to: I. Historical and Textual Dimensions • The development of Buddhism in Hangzhou from the Eastern Jin to the modern period. • The role of Lingyin Monastery, Jingci Monastery, Jingshan Monastery and other temple networks in local and transregional religious life. • Canon formation, Buddhist scholasticism, and the circulation of scriptures in Hangzhou. II. Chan Buddhism and Religious Thought • Chan (Zen) traditions associated with Hangzhou, including the Linji and Caodong lineages. • Hangzhou as a locus of intellectual innovation and Buddhist reform. • Comparative or cross-sectarian studies highlighting Hangzhou’s influence in East Asia. III. Cultural and Spatial Analysis • The interaction of Buddhism, urbanism, and landscape in the West Lake region. • Material culture, art, ritual, and architecture in the Buddhist spaces of Hangzhou. • GIS and spatial mapping of Buddhist sites (e.g., the Religious and Ritual Spaces in Hangzhou Project). IV. Modern and Global Perspectives • The transformation of Hangzhou Buddhism in the 19th–21st centuries. • The internationalization of Hangzhou’s Buddhist culture and its modern representations. • Digital, transnational, or interdisciplinary approaches to Buddhist studies and urban religious culture. V. Reflections on the Encyclopedia of Hangzhou Buddhist Culture with editors • Methodological and collaborative insights from the encyclopedia project. • Conceptual frameworks for documenting and representing religious space. • Future directions in the study of Hangzhou Buddhism. Submission Guidelines • Abstract: 250–300 words • Include: Paper title, author name, institutional affiliation, and email address • Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026 (for public) • Notification of Acceptance: March 1, 2026 • Final Papers Due (for discussants): April 10, 2026 Please send proposals as a Word attachment to: coh-hangzhouculture@arizona.edu with the subject line: Hangzhou Buddhism Conference Paper Proposal. Conference Format The event will be held in hybrid format, combining in-person sessions on the University of Arizona campus with virtual participation options. The program will include: • A keynote address by Professor Albert Welter. • Thematic workshops and paper panels. • A commemorative session for Lingyin Monastery’s 1,700th anniversary. • A roundtable discussion with editors of the Encyclopedia of Hangzhou Buddhist Culture and editors from the publisher. Selected papers may be considered for publication in a special edited volume or peer-reviewed journal issue devoted to Hangzhou Buddhism and its global significance. Participants are encouraged to seek outside funding for travel and lodging costs. Sponsors This symposium is sponsored by the Center for Buddhist Studies, the Department of East Asian Studies, and the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona, with generous support from donors and friends of CBS. Contact Information For inquiries, please contact: Center for Buddhist Studies University of Arizona, College of Humanities Hangzhou Buddhist Culture coh-hangzhouculture@arizona.edu Website: https://cbs.arizona.edu | 
