Introduction

Through the “Buddhism in China” program series, the Woodenfish Project aims to aid the development of young scholars in the West with research interests in Chinese Buddhism and related fields by offering them the opportunity for direct, intensive academic engagement with the major historical centers of Buddhism in China. The 2009 program will be held in the ancient Chinese metropolis of Chang’an (modern Xi’an) in collaboration with Northwest University. At one time the largest city in the world, Chang’an served as capital of the Sui and Tang dynasties when Buddhism in China famously experienced an age of phenomenal growth and development. As the focal point for state patronage of religion, the capital constructed dozens of monasteries that often rivaled even the imperial palace in their splendor, produced large quantities of distinctive Buddhist art, hosted the monumental scripture translation projects of Kumārajīva and Xuanzang, and formed an important staging ground for relations between China’s various religious traditions. As the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Chang’an was also a cosmopolitan center of seminal interaction among Buddhists from India and Central Asia to Japan and Korea. Participants in the program will study all of these facets of Buddhism in Chang’an with accomplished faculty both in the classroom and in the field at major historical sites. 

Program Objectives

The primary objectives of the program are as follows: 

• To deepen participants’ knowledge of Buddhist history and culture in China;
• To give participants hands-on experience with historical Buddhist sites and objects;
• To introduce participants to possible avenues of research related to their interests;
• To facilitate the interaction of participants with professors and graduate students from Chinese institutions.

Program Background

Find out about the organization and people who make the Buddhism in China program possible.