Daoist Investiture and the Structure of The Journey to the West
Richard G. Wang, a professor at the University of Florida, is scheduled to deliver a lecture titled “Daoist Investiture and the Structure of The Journey to the West”.
This event is part of the “Book Culture in Buddhism and Beyond” Lecture Series held at the University of Cambridge.
Wang’s lecture will offer a fresh perspective on the classic Chinese epic, “Journey to the West,” examining Sun Wukong’s multiple Daoist investitures as a rite of passage.
Through detailed textual analysis and comparison, Wang aims to demonstrate how Sun Wukong’s martial prowess and merit-making in demon subjugation result in Daoist recognition, positioning him as the narrative’s protagonist.
This lecture series, launched in Michaelmas Term 2023, explores the influence of writing and publishing on Buddhism and related cultural spheres, providing insights into the dynamic interaction between Buddhism and book culture in East Asia.
The event is open to scholars, students, and the public, with registration not required.
