Questions of habits (repetitive patterns of thought and action that form the boundaries of individual experience), especially in relation to causation across one or many lives, are central to classical Buddhist practice traditions. The role of vows and an inquiring mind are also basic to activated Buddhist practice. This pair of talks considers these issues in relation to the teachings of The Diamond Sutra, a core text of Chinese Buddhist traditions that has been widely circulated and studied within Chinese Buddhist circles from the early fifth century (Kumarajiva's translation) to the present. Put simply, from the perspective of The Diamond Sutra and its conceptual environment, how does each individual construct a world of meaning, and how can that world be transformed and deepened into a site of liberation?

Raoul Birnbaum is professor of Buddhist Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz, where he also holds the Patricia and Rowland Rebele Chair in History of Art and Visual Culture. His numerous publications include The Healing Buddha and Studies on the Mysteries of Mañjusri, articles on Chinese Buddhist practices and representations, and more recently, the life of the modern Chinese Buddhist monk Hongyi [1880-1942]. Birnbaum has studied extensively within Chinese Buddhist monastic environments for many years, especially on the China mainland.

DRBU Conference Room City of Ten Thousand Buddhas

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP requested.
The lectures will be presented in English. Simultaneous Chinese translation will be provided.
Contact events@drbu.org for more information.