Details
January 8, 2026 - January 9, 2026
All Day
Victoria Chapel, Chapel (Room 213)
91 Charles Street West, second floor
Decolonizing Buddhist Studies: Reimagining Knowledge and Practice
A Workshop and Lecture Series
A Workshop and Lecture Series January 8 & 9, 2026 – available online or in person
📍 January 8 – 9:00am-5:00pm Victoria Chapel (located on second floor and elevator will be under repair)
📍 January 9 – 9:30am-12:00pm Emmanuel Chapel (Emmanuel Students only)
This two-day academic gathering examines how colonialism and racism have shaped the development of Buddhist Studies, particularly through the dominance of historical–critical and linguistic–anthropological methods that emerged during European imperial expansion in Asia. While these frameworks have long defined the field, they have also marginalized alternative epistemologies and obscured lived cultural and religious realities. By interrogating these inherited approaches, the workshop and lectures aim to foster liberating perspectives and practices that reimagine the discipline, create space for diverse modes of knowledge, and engage both academic and public audiences in critical conversations about decolonial futures for the study of Buddhism. The purpose of this event is to foster pan-Buddhist dialogue on decolonizing Buddhist Studies, empower historically marginalized voices, and build alliances committed to advancing a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable field. Through a combination of scholarly reflection and public engagement, participants will explore how coloniality and power continue to manifest within Buddhist Studies and how decolonial approaches can open new possibilities for research, pedagogy, and practice.
On January 8, invited scholars will gather for a full-day symposium (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) presenting papers on various dimensions of decolonizing Buddhist studies and Buddhist practice. Students are encouraged to attend and join the conversations throughout the day.
On January 9, Emmanuel College students are invited to take part in a workshop led by Prof. Jennifer Bright, Prof. Eleanor Pontoriero, and Prof. Henry Shiu.
In person: Victoria College, Chapel (Room 213), 91 Charles Street West, second floor, Toronto
