SOAS University of London, a longtime base for Buddhist Studies. Image by Buddhistdoor Global
By Karen Cheung
The academic discipline of Buddhist Studies has undergone significant transformation since its inception in the 19th century. Initially rooted in philology, textual studies, and history, the field has expanded to embrace interdisciplinary approaches and global collaboration. This evolution has been shaped by distinct regional scholarly traditions, such as the Anglo-German, Italian, Franco-Belgian, and Japanese schools, each contributing unique methodologies and perspectives. Today, Buddhist Studies is a dynamic and collaborative field, with scholars from Asia, the Americas, and beyond contributing to its growth.
Regional scholarly traditions in Buddhist Studies
The Anglo-German school, emerging in the 19th century, laid the foundation for Buddhist Studies as an academic discipline. Scholars like T. W. Rhys Davids (1843-1922) in Britain and Hermann Oldenberg (1854-1920) in Germany focused on the critical edition and translation of Pali texts, emphasizing the historical and philological aspects of early Buddhism. This tradition prioritized the study of canonical texts, often with a focus on reconstructing the “original” teachings of the Buddha. The Anglo-German school’s emphasis on textual accuracy and historical context set the standard for early Buddhist scholarship.
In contrast, the Italian school, led by figures like Giuseppe Tucci (1894-1984), took a broader approach, incorporating art history, archaeology, and the study of Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. Tucci’s expeditions to the Himalayas and his work on Tibetan Buddhism brought attention to the rich cultural and artistic dimensions of Buddhism, which had been relatively neglected by the Anglo-German focus on early texts. The Italian school’s interdisciplinary approach paved the way for a more holistic understanding of Buddhism as a living tradition.
The Franco-Belgian school, represented by scholars such as Louis de La Vallée Poussin (1869-1938) and Étienne Lamotte (1903-83) (who were both Catholic priests), combined philological rigor with a deep interest in Buddhist philosophy and doctrine. Lamotte’s monumental translations of Mahayana sutras and his historical studies of Indian Buddhism demonstrated the sophistication of Buddhist thought, while La Vallée Poussin’s work on Abhidharma and Madhyamaka philosophy highlighted the intellectual depth of the tradition. The Franco-Belgian school’s emphasis on philosophical inquiry complemented the textual and historical focus of the Anglo-German tradition, enriching the field with diverse perspectives.
The Japanese school of Buddhist Studies has made equally significant contributions, particularly in the areas of textual criticism, historical analysis, and the study of East Asian Buddhism. Japanese scholars like Hajime Nakamura (1912-99) and Akira Hirakawa (1915-2002) have played pivotal roles in bridging the gap between Indian and East Asian Buddhist traditions. Nakamura’s comparative studies of Buddhist philosophy across cultures and Hirakawa’s detailed historical analyses of the development of Buddhist monasticism have provided invaluable insights into the transmission and adaptation of Buddhism.
Additionally, the Japanese school has excelled in the study of Mahayana texts, with scholars like D.T. Suzuki bringing Zen Buddhism to global attention. Their work has not only complemented the philological rigor of the Anglo-German school and the philosophical depth of the Franco-Belgian school but has also expanded the field to include a deeper understanding of East Asian Buddhist practices and thought.
The shift toward interdisciplinary and collaborative scholarship
While these regional traditions initially operated in relative isolation, the latter half of the 20th century saw a shift toward greater interdisciplinary and collaborative scholarship. This transformation was driven by several factors, including the globalization of academia, the increasing availability of Buddhist texts in digital formats, and the growing participation of scholars from Asia and the Americas.
The rise of interdisciplinary approaches has allowed Buddhist Studies to engage with fields such as anthropology, sociology, gender studies, and cognitive science. For example, scholars like Rita Gross have applied feminist theory to the study of Buddhist texts and practices, while others have explored the psychological and therapeutic dimensions of Buddhist meditation. This interdisciplinary turn has broadened the scope of Buddhist Studies, moving beyond the confines of philology and history to address contemporary issues and lived experiences.
Collaboration has also become a hallmark of modern Buddhist Studies. International conferences, joint research projects, and digital platforms have facilitated dialogue among scholars from diverse backgrounds. The participation of Asian scholars, in particular, has enriched the field by bringing insider perspectives and challenging Eurocentric assumptions. For instance, I have mentioned already the Japanese scholars Hajime Nakamura and Akira Hirakawa, who reshaped our understanding of the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism. Contemporary scholars from countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, and now China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, have provided valuable insights into the practice and interpretation of Buddhism in their respective cultures.
In the Americas, the growth of Buddhist Studies has been fuelled by the increasing presence of Buddhist communities and the integration of Buddhist practices into mainstream culture. Scholars in North and South America have explored topics such as the adaptation of Buddhism in the West, the role of Buddhism in social justice movements, and the intersection of Buddhism with science and technology. This regional focus has added a new dimension to the field, highlighting the global relevance of Buddhist thought and practice.
The academic discipline of Buddhist Studies has been profoundly shaped by regional scholarly traditions, each contributing unique methodologies and perspectives. From the philological rigor of the Anglo-German school to the interdisciplinary approach of the Italian school, the philosophical depth of the Franco-Belgian school, and the rich contributions of the Japanese school, these traditions have laid the groundwork for a rich and diverse field. Today, Buddhist Studies is characterized by its interdisciplinary and collaborative nature, with scholars from around the world working together to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Buddhism. As the field continues to evolve, it promises to offer new insights into one of the world’s most enduring and influential traditions.
