AAR 2011

The American Academy of Religion is North America’s largest professional organization for scholars of religion. Each year, the AAR hosts a conferences that brings together thousands of scholars as well as academic book publishers and editors. And Buddhist studies is well represented!

This year’s conference is being held in San Francisco, so it’s a great opportunity for our students and extended community members to experience the AAR.

What’s more, there are a couple of events happening at this year’s conference that are directly related to the Institute.

New Research in Pure Land Buddhist Studies:

A panel organized and moderated by myself will be held on Sunday, November 20, at 3 o’clock. The purpose of the panel is to bring Pure Land Buddhism to the forefront of academic inquiry. Former IBS faculty members Kenneth Tanaka and Eisho Nasu are joined by Jessica Main and Mark Blum.

Reception honoring Leslie Kawamura:

Leslie Kawamura was a dedicated scholar as well as a formidable presence in American Shin Buddhist communities who passed away earlier this year. The University of Calgary, along with the Buddhist Studies group at the AAR, the International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies, and the IBS are hosting a reception in his honor on Monday, November 21, at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Other Buddhism-related panels:

As always, there are dozens of other panels and events that are related to Buddhism, Buddhist studies, and Asian religions. View the online program book for more information.

For more information about the AAR, check out their website. And students — please feel free to come talk to me if you have any questions about the benefits of AAR membership.