Conference: Asian-Global Networks and Relationships in the Modern Spread of Buddhism

Overview

The Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford, and Yin-Cheng Buddhist Studies Network, in collaboration with the London Buddhist Vihara and the American Buddhist Study Center, are pleased to announce a two-day conference, Asian-Global Networks and Relationships in the Modern Spread of Buddhism. Taking place from Tuesday, 30 June to Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at Rewley House, Oxford—with hybrid access available online via Microsoft Teams—this event provides a dynamic forum for exploring the transnational links and connections that have shaped modern Buddhist history.

The conference celebrates three major milestone anniversaries coinciding in 2026:

• The Centennial (100 Years): Celebrating the founding of the London Buddhist Vihara, the very first Buddhist temple established in the UK.
• The 75th Anniversary: Honoring the impact of the American Buddhist Study Center (ABSC) of New York.
• The 60th Anniversary: Marking the global founding and legacy of Tzu Chi.

The academic programme features prominent keynote lectures from Steven Kemper (Bates College), Elizabeth Harris (University of Birmingham) and Mark Unno (University of Oregon). Over the two days, presenters from global institutions will present on a diverse range of themes, including institutional networks in Europe and America, transnational Southeast Asian Buddhism, narratives of propagation, and the evolution of meditation lineages across public identities. Following the core presentations, the event concludes on July 2 with an optional tour of Oxford and a specialized archival research workshop aimed at graduate students and early career researchers interested in finding out more about the archival work behind some of the recent research and publications in the field.

Keynote Speakers

• Elizabeth Harris (University of Birmingham)
• Steven Kemper (Bates College)
• Mark Unno (University of Oregon)