Religious Studies Ideas Series

Fri., Mar. 1, 2013 3:30 p.m.

The Department of Religious Studies is pleased to invite you to the Religious Studies Ideas Series:

"Zen and the Art of Spells"
by Dr. George Keyworth (University of Saskatchewan)
Friday 1 March, 3:30 pm
Classroom Building 312

Despite the widespread presumption that what defines Zen Buddhist practice is meditation training, both Chinese and Japanese Zen Buddhists chant spells on a daily basis, for memorial services, and on ceremonial occasions. This presentation examines the five normative Zen spells, their significance within Zen ritual practice in China and Japan, and why chanting one spell in particular, the Heroic March Spell, establishes a boundary separating Zen ritual from other forms of East Asian Buddhism.

Everyone is welcome!