DIRECTOR’S 2021 NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Dear faculty, staff, students, and friends of the Center for Buddhist Studies,
As we take this time to reflect on the achievements of the past year and look forward to a New Year, our community is facing unprecedented challenges. We are grateful that you have continued to support the Center during the pandemic as we have adapted by offering online lectures, events, and an increased social media presence. To our friends near and far, we hope that you stay safe and healthy in 2021 and that the Buddhist teachings and resources we share can bring some measure of comfort.
In this new year’s message, we are proud to highlight the many accomplishments and future projects that have made the Center a national and international leader in the study of Buddhism, spirituality, and wellness.
As College of Humanities Dean Alain-Philippe Durand announced this fall, the Center will have a new home inside the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, a landmark health and wellness facility. Our suite in this innovative building will include research space, library space for display and access to the impressive Maitreya Library of Buddhist Canon, a conference room, and a unique tea ceremony space. A fundraising campaign is underway, including a naming opportunity.
Our Khyentse, Pu Yin, and Lingyin lecture series continued despite the pandemic, and featured eminent scholars from around the world speaking on a range of subjects and a special concert to celebrate our third anniversary.
In 2020, we celebrate the perseverance of our students, who have continued to study, teach, and receive recognition for their accomplishments. Several EAS PhD students won various awards, grants, and fellowships for their research projects. Notably, two students won a Lingyin Buddhist Studies Doctoral Fellowship, and another student won a Khyentse Foundation Student Award for graduate study.
Our faculty are busy publishing and presenting their research at international conferences. Prof. Miura and I both had books come out in paperback versions this year, while numerous colleagues have published book chapters and articles in journals. Prof. Welter presented at the Conference on Song-Dynasty Chan at the Collège de France in Paris. Dr. Dachille gave an invited lecture and workshop for the Graduate Seminar in Tantric Buddhism at Northwestern University. Prof. Caleb Simmons was honored with an Early Career Scholar Award from the University of Arizona.
The Center also welcomed a new fellow, Dr. James Baskind, who received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 2006 and studies Japanese Buddhism and culture.
Starting in January 2021, email updates will be sent according to your group preference. If you would like to receive updates, please update your preference update your preferences or sign up for our email list by clicking http://eepurl.com/gb2yaD and select the following groups according to your preference:
“Chinese Buddhist Canon Research Newsletter”
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Please select as many as you like. If you do not select any of the above options, you will receive a bi-monthly news brief.
As a friend of the Center for Buddhist Studies at the University of Arizona, you have shown that you care about keeping connected to our community. If you enjoy our lectures and programs, please renew your support today.
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We simply could not sustain the Center for Buddhist Studies without support from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends who value quality academic, educational, and outreach programs. You have a huge impact on what we are able to do on your behalf.
With a mindful heart, let us embrace a healthier and brighter future for the wellbeing of our community and a world of harmony and peace.
Happy New Year!
Jiang Wu
Director, Center for Buddhist Studies
Professor, Department of East Asian Studies
College of Humanities