Sacred Scriptures in a Secular Society: Hand-copying Buddhist Texts in Japan

In Japan, the copying of Buddhist texts by hand is done by religious and non-religious people alike. This meditative activity cultivates inner focus and attention. But the vital practice of hand-tracing religious texts - whether with brush, pen, or electronic device - is little known outside Japan.

This symposium introduces shakyō, the living tradition of copying Buddhist texts by hand. The two morning lectures will survey the uninterrupted production of shakyō from the 8th century through the 20th century. In the afternoon, the focus will shift to how shakyō is practiced today in Japan, including a hands-on opportunity for participants to copy a short Buddhist text themselves.

ALL EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBowo9isHgBFPAJyCFDFw1VlU2xCYdlT3oj4NcvpTZVB8HuQ/viewform

9:30
Coffee and Light Breakfast

10:00
Copying Sutras in Premodern Asia: Technical, Ritual, and Human Dimensions
Bryan Lowe, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Religious Traditions of Japan and Korea, Vanderbilt University

11:30
Copying Buddhist Scriptures in Japan, From the Nineteenth Century Through the Twentieth
Micah Auerback, Associate Professor of Japanese Religion, University of Michigan

12:45
Lunch

2:00
Sutra-copying Today: Presentation and Hands-on Session
Dawn Lawson Head, Asia Library, University of Michigan

4:00
Reception
Asia Library Conference Room, 4th Floor
Hatcher Graduate Library, North