The Nexus of Migration and Buddhism - Methodological and Theoretical Reflections

As do humans, Buddhist agents, materials, traditions and practices migrate. Between ethnic groups, crossing borders and travel overseas. This round table engages in a critical investigation of theory and research methods in the study of the migration of Buddhism in relation to contemporary Chinese societies. By coming together and sharing different approaches the panelists in this roundtable will reflect on the richness and complexity of this broad topic. In this session, Buddhism is treated broadly and inclusively, and looking at Chinese societies in their multiplicity. Unpacking the different facets of this nexus, our session aims to share hands-on methodological tools and relevant theoretical considerations that scholars are facing when doing research in the nexus of migration and Buddhism. The session will therefore focus on research practices, challenges in collecting data, positionality, data and theory triangulation, and other particular demands related to research on communities, institutions, and agents of Buddhism in Chinese areas and overseas Chinese communities. A second aim of this roundtable is to critically question normative definitions of migration and the manner this concept is pertinent in describing the modern migration of Buddhism in Chinese societies.