Bodhgayā, Bihar. Photograph of Chinese Inscription. British Museum 1897,0528.0.30 a
Speaker: Max Deeg (Cardiff University).
Date and time: Thursday, 20 March, 2025 – 14:00
Location: FAMES Room 8/9, University of Cambridge
Abstract: Towards the end of the 19th century, the excavation of the Mahābodhi complex at Bodhgayā (Bihar, India) at the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment brought to light a handful of Chinese inscriptions from the early Song period which not only underline the importance of Bodhgayā in the Buddhist oikumene of that time and beyond but also highlight the continuous interest of Chinese Buddhists in the most sacred place of Buddhism in the medieval period. Although not manuscripts in the strict sense, these “manu-inscripts” raise some interesting problems concerning their production (in India) and their function in situ. This talk will introduce the inscriptions (including one “discovered” in 2024) and their special function and status in the last period of Sino-Indian Buddhist connections.
Speaker: Max Deeg is Chair in Buddhist Studies at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff University. His research interest lies in the history and spread of Buddhism from India to East Asia, particularly China and in the function of narratives in Buddhist contexts. At present, he is preparing a translation and commentary of Xuanzang’s (600/602-664) “Record of the Western Region of the Great Tang” (Datang Xiyu ji). Deeg is also one of the PIs on research project in Bihar that attempts to trace the “Xuanzang Trail”, the archaeological sites (including Bodhgayā) in the ancient Buddhist heartland referred to in Xuanzang’s Record.
“Book Culture in Buddhism and Beyond” Lecture Series:
This new lecture series, launching in Michaelmas Term 2023, features talks on writing and publishing in the Buddhist tradition and in related religious and cultural spheres. Lectures in this series offer insights into the various ways in which writing and printing has been shaping Buddhism, as well as the multifaceted impact of Buddhism on book culture in East Asia, past, present, and future.
Registration is not required. The lectures are free and open to scholars, students, and the public.
Please note: all events take place in person at the University of Cambridge. Exact times and location will be circulated via email and posted on the webpage of Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.
This lecture series is organised by Dr Noga Ganany (ng462@cam.ac.uk) in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Cambridge with the generous support of the Glorisun Global Network.
