Our research explores various topics across Buddhist studies and the study of East Asian Religions. We also encourage a variety of approaches and methodologies.
We study Buddhist literature in Chinese, Japanese, Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan; Modern and Contemporary Buddhism in Japan; Medieval Chinese Buddhism; Buddhist thought; doctrine and practice in East Asian Buddhism. Various approaches and methodologies are encouraged, including textual, literary, social historical, art historical, sociological and anthropological.
Research covers a wide range of topics, including: Taoist canonical literature, the construction of Shinto, Chinese science, alchemy and medicine, the New Religions of Japan, the relationship of Buddhism with indigenous East Asian traditions (Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto), religion and modernity in East Asia and popular religion in East Asia as seen in literary works.
Professor, Religious Studies Chair of Graduate Affairs, Religious Studies
Director, McMaster Centre for Buddhist Studies
Areas of interest: Asian field, Buddhism, East asian religions, Foodways, Gender & Religion, Health, Religious Studies
Associate Professor, Religious Studies
Areas of interest: Buddhism, East Asian Religions
Areas of interest: Asian field, Buddhism, East Asian religions, Ethnography, Religious studies