This seminar series examines 20th century Buddhist texts and biography to show how major and minor Cambodian Buddhist figures negotiated a path in relation to Buddhist Reform movements, Independence, the Cold War, and the social-political aftermath of the Pol Pot period. The talks focus on the relationship between Cambodian Buddhism and that of its neighbours, in particular India and Sri Lanka.

Class 2: Sīmās and the Ambiguities of Reformed Buddhism in Cambodia

The Textual Foundations of Twentieth Century Cambodian Buddhism (Feb 19-23, 2024) with Dr. John Marston was coordinated by the University of Otago Religion Programme with support from the Dhammachai Education Foundation.