"The Map and the World: Buddhist Notions of Cosmology and Geography" Conference to be held at UCR on Sunday February 18th, 2007. February 18-19, University of California, Riverside

Papers are invited from those working in religion, history, art, and cartography that re-examine images of the universe through the lens of Buddhist cosmology. These images may include maps, diagrams, art or artifacts that embody spatial representations created in Buddhist terms. Topics may explore Buddhist concepts but are also encouraged to seek the changes, cross-influences, and conflicts arising from Buddhist contact with non-Buddhist forms and perspectives. Proposals that engage questions related to historical or contemporary technologies of spatial representation will be considered, and may address a range of forms: printed and painted maps, architectural forms, murals, steles, calendars, horoscopes, inscriptions, amulets, tattoo, astrological and tantric diagrams. Through the varied responses and examples arising in a range of Buddhist traditions, participants hope to trace the shifting negotiation of evolving understandings.

Proposals of up to 300 words, together with CV, email, address, phone, and fax information, should be sent by email to Program Co-chairs at the following addresses. Limited support may be available for qualified graduate student participants.

Participants can apply to give papers at either the UC Riverside Workshop on Februrary 18th. 2007 at UCR (California) or at the National Museum of Thailand (Bangkok) on June 22-23, 2007. They may also propose two talks to be given -- one at each venue.

Justin McDaniel, University of California, Riverside
Email: justinm@ucr.edu

and

Pattaratorn Chirapravati, California State University, Sacramento
Email: pchirapravati@csus.edu

Proposals due: October 1, 2006

Acceptance Notification: December 1, 2006

Invited speaker: Buddhist Studies Scholar, Steven Collins (University of Chicago) will give a talk "Civilization and the Single Woman" on Monday, October 23rd, at 4 pm. Please see Religious Studies Department website for more information or contact justinm@ucr.edu