・Lecturer：Steven Trenson
・Lecturer Info: https://w-rdb.waseda.jp/html/100001628_ja.html
・Title: Embodying Emptiness: Relic and Jewel Worship in Medieval Japanese Esoteric Buddhism
・Day and Time: November 21, 2024 6:00pm-
・Abstract:
This talk will provide a brief overview of my research on Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō) in medieval Japan, focusing on its scope, nature, and objectives. For over two decades, I have examined premodern primary sources—both printed texts and previously unexplored manuscripts—related to relics and associated concepts or beliefs, such as the dragon and the wish-fulfilling jewel. Through hermeneutical content analysis of these primary texts, my research seeks to uncover hidden connections, overlooked perspectives, and subtle interrelations, offering a deeper understanding of how Esoteric Buddhism evolved in Japan and how Japanese Esoteric Buddhism fits within the broader context of East-Asian Buddhism. In this talk, I will start by explaining the fundamental aspects of Esoteric Buddhism and showcasing a few distinctive developments in relic and jewel worship in Japan. I will then highlight the significance of my latest published article, demonstrating its relevance to understanding the position of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism within the broader context of East-Asian Buddhist traditions.
