Buddhist Critical-Constructive Reflection Unit

The Buddhist Critical-Constructive Reflection Unit explores how Buddhist thought and practice can address contemporary issues and how Buddhist modes of understanding can inform or be informed by academic studies (in Religious Studies, Philosophy, Ethics, Theology, Sociology, Economics, etc.). We invite paper or panel proposals on the following topics as they pertain to our mission to engage in Buddhist critical and constructive reflection. 

• Review and reflection on the relation between BCCR and Buddhist Studies. 

• Response to catastrophes-1: migrant and refugee crisis, anti-Asian hate crimes, etc. 

• Response to catastrophes-2: climate emergency and the pandemic. 

• Modern developments of Buddhist philosophy in the global South: non-white non-European Buddhist theorizations on humanity and agency, Buddhist social philosophy, and Buddhist political theories. (contact person: Jessica Zu, xzu@usc.edu) 

• Buddhism and Disabilities. 

• Academic study of Thich Nhat Hanh’s works.