The Yin-Cheng Distinguished Lecture Series presents “From Disciples to Student-Monks: Educational Modernization and Identity Production in Chinese Buddhism” by Rongdao Lai, assistant professor of Religious Studies and East Asian Studies at McGill University, Canada.
Taking place on May 14th the event will be held at the Runcie Room, Faculty of Divinity (Sidgwick Site, Cambridge, CB3 9DP).
The lecture will be available in person and live-streamed via YouTube in English and Mandarin.
Rongdao Lai’s lecture examines the evolution of monastic education in Chinese Buddhism, particularly during the 1920s and 30s, highlighting the formation of modern Buddhist academies and the resulting student-monk identity.
The discussion explores paradigm shifts in the teacher-student dynamic, the role of ideological inspiration, and the reinterpretation of orthodox training.
Stefania Travagnin from SOAS, University of London, will serve as the discussant, with Noga Ganany from the University of Cambridge hosting the event.
This lecture series, established in honor of Venerable Cheng-yen and Yinshun, aims to promote Buddhist Studies across international universities.
