Academic Program Affiliation(s): Asian Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Religion, Theology
Academic Expertise: Religion
Area of Specialization: Buddhist studies, comparative religion
Research Interests: Pali and Sanskrit texts; Buddhist history; relics, stupas, nagas; the power of religious narratives
Teaching Interests: Buddhism of South and Southeast Asia; Buddhism in the West; ethics; how story literature works on its community; gender
Other Interests: Organic farming, permaculture; yoga; Bahasa Indonesia; Wayang Kulit painting; Montessori education
Highlights:
2008-07-29 — Lecture
For the conference, "Teaching Hudson Valley Diversity: Culture, History, and Nature 1609-2009," held at the FDR National Historic Site & Presidential Library, Hyde Park, a workshop entitled "Religion and Respect in the Classroom." A brief multimedia presentation introduced participants to the research findings of Bard college students who were part of a seminar called “World Religions in the Hudson Valley.” The students conducted fieldwork at local religious establishments of many faiths. A facilitated discussion on teaching about and understanding locally practiced religions—including ways to cultivate respect that transcends tolerance among students of all ages—followed.
Website: http://teachingthehudsonvalley.org/
2008-06-25 — Presentation
A paper, “Priming the Lamp of Dhamma : the Buddha’s Miracles in the Pāli Mahāvaṃsa” presented on the panel "Miracles and Superhuman Powers in Buddhism at the International Association of Buddhist Studies Congress.
Website: http://religion.emory.edu/iabs2008/IABS_Academic_Program.pdf
2008-05-01 — Publication
A chapter, "Tolerance in Buddhism: the Case of King Asoka," in Religious Tolerance in World Religions, edited by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton.
