CALL FOR PAPERS
2023 Rangjung Yeshe Institute Buddhist Studies Conference on Buddhism, Creativity & Art
April 28 – May 1, 2023
Rangjung Yeshe Institute Boudha, Nepal
Deadline for proposal submissions: February 15, 2023
Kathmandu University’s Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) will
hold a conference on Buddhism, Creativity & Art. With this conference, we wish to explore
the relationship between insight, creativity, and artistic expression.
The conference consists of a series of online lectures starting January 24 and will culminate in a
conference on the institute’s campus, from April 28 to May 1, 2023. We invite contributions to
the in-person conference.
Throughout history, Buddhist scholars and practitioners have sought wisdom. To this end, they
have discussed the mind and its functions at length. They have also practiced various art forms,
such as song, painting, sculpture, poetry, architecture, or dance. If the role of reason is well
established within various Buddhist traditions, what is the role of creativity? How does it
transform individuals? How does it widen our perspective?
At present, many planetary crises urge us as scholars, educators, artists, and socially concerned
individuals to see what and how ancient Buddhist insight could contribute to our contemporary
world. Creativity is surely called for at this time.
We welcome papers that address these issues from a range of different academic disciplines and
methods. Whether it be from philosophical perspectives, from textual studies, from ethnographic
work, or artistic and aesthetic perspectives, all methodological approaches and areas of study are
encouraged.
Topics may include
• Philosophical explorations of the idea of creativity via the notions of spontaneous arising
(Tib. lhun grub), elaboration (Skt. prapañca), representation-only (Skt. vijñapti-mātra),
momentariness (Skt. kṣanika), etc.
• The role of the self/not-self (Skt. ātman. anātman)
• Explorations of the role of consciousness
• The diverse and sometimes contradictory expressions of compassion
• The process of visualizing
• Creativity and art as a result of spiritual experience and realization
• Buddhist views on perception and pure perception
• The role of art and beauty on the spiritual path
• The relationship of Buddhist art and meditation
• Poetic and lyric forms of literature, such as songs of realization (Skt. doha, Tib. mgur),
hymns and praises (Skt. stotra / stuti), etc.
Scholars from any region or association may submit a proposal. Only proposals received by the
deadline will be considered for inclusion in the conference. Undergraduate submissions are
encouraged – please see instructions below.
FORMAT FOR PROPOSALS
• Cover page that includes the submitter’s full name, title, institution, and email address
• Abstract of 250 words describing the nature of the paper
• If accepted, you must commit to reading at least three other submissions to be prepared for a lively dynamic during the conference.
• Proposals must be sent to the RYI conference committee, email address:ryiconference2023@gmail.com, by February 15, 2023.
UNDERGRADUATE PROPOSALS
The RYI conference committee welcomes submissions from undergraduates. Presentations in
undergraduate sessions will be 15 minutes in length. Each proposal should contain the following
in a single e-mail attachment in Word format:
• Cover page that includes the student’s full name, institution, study program, and e-mail.
• Abstract of 250 words describing the nature of the paper
• Please indicate that you are an undergraduate student.
Proposals should be sent to ryiconference2023@gmail.com by February 15, 2023. Please
identify your proposal with the mention “undergraduate submission.”
CONFERENCE FORMAT
• The online lectures by invited scholars, artists, and Dharma practitioners will begin
January 24, 2023, with a presentation by Swosti R Kayastha, entitled “Deities of Nepal.”
For information Public Lecture: Deities of Nepal – Rangjung Yeshe Institute (ryi.org) . The following lectures will be announced on https://ryi.org/news.
• The conference is an in-person event. It will take place on the premises of Rangjung Yeshe Institute.
• Conference presentations are limited to 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of discussion.
• Technological support for presentations will be provided (projector, screen, etc.)
• We are not able to provide travel grants but will assist in finding lodging. Refreshments during the conference will be provided for participants.
• Participation is free of charge.
