Context brings the brightest minds to your living room with perspective-shifting online lectures.
An Introduction to Japanese Buddhism with Dr. Gavin Campbell
We will explore the explosion of Buddhist sects in the medieval period, and the ways Buddhism and Shinto gradually blended together. Our discussion concludes by exploring the role of Buddhism in contemporary Japan, along with tips about how to visit a temple and the meaning of what you will see, hear and experience there.
Led by an expert on Japanese history, culture, and religion, Gavin James Campbell, this conversation will reveal the broad contours of Japanese Buddhism and its enormous impact on society and art. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased appreciation for the cultural and intellectual richness of Japanese Buddhism.
Gavin received a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and came to Kyoto in 2001. He is a Ph.D. professor of history at Doshisha University. His teaching and research revolve around Japan's cultural encounters with the West, particularly during the Edo, Meiji, Taisho and early Showa periods (1600-1940), and he has published on the history of foreign tourism and of Protestant missionaries in Japan. To further explore Japan's global cultural encounters, he is currently writing a book on the history of Japanese menswear from the 1600s through the early 20th century. He is also an expert on Kyoto geisha culture and a frequent participant in geisha entertainment.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Loved this course!
This was a great introduction to a very complex topic. I knew something about the topic, but I came away with new insights and was stimulated to learn more. The graphics and videos were wonderful. I signed up for 2 more courses
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Poignant, exceptional, outstanding; these words come to mind when I think of Dr. Gavin Campbell’s Context seminars. He once again has transported me to a different place and time. Through sights and sounds I was immersed into the various Buddhist branches. Brief tours of the temples evoked a visceral, deeply inward experience. I am looking forward to viewing this seminar again. Even if you know something about Buddhism, Dr. Campbell leads us on a journey from a new perspective and perhaps, one step closer to nirvana.
Another fascinating tour by Gavin Campbell. Very informative as always and beautifully enhanced with slides....worth listening to several times.