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Funded by the generous support of the Numata Foundation, these lectures bring leading scholars in Buddhist Studies to the Institute to present lectures twice a year. For upcoming and past lectures, see our News and Events blog.

Many of these lectures have been added to our Podcast

Recent Numata Lectures

• “Making Sense of the Blood Bowl Sutra: Gender, Pollution, and Salvation in Buddhist Sermons from Early Modern Japan,” Prof. Lori Meeks, Spring 2011.
• “Shinran’s Devotional Hymn of Prince Shotoku: Kōtaishi Shōtoku hōsan,” Dr. Kenneth Lee, Fall 2010.
• “How Dhāraṇīs Were Proto-tantric: Ritual Uses of Buddhist Spells in Dunhuang and Beyond,” Prof. Jacob Dalton, Spring 2010.
• “Changing Roles of the Written Word in Theravada Buddhism,” Prof. Daniel Veidlinger, Fall 2009.
• “Compassionate Violence, Torture and Warfare in the Bodhisattva Ideal,” Steve Jenkins, Spring 2009.
• “The Importance of ’Self’ in Buddhism,” by Dr. Leslie Kawamura. Spring 2007.
• “Honen’s Influence on Shinran’s Thought,” by Dr. Jokai Asai. Fall 2003.
• “The Implications of Religious Pluralism: a Japanese Perspective,” by Mr. Hiro Sachiya. Fall 2002.
• “Shinran’s View of Practice and Shinjin” by Dr. Ryoji Oka. Fall 2001.
• “Issues in Buddhist Counseling.” A series of lectures by various speakers. Fall 2000.
• “Shinjin in Shinran’s Thought” by Prof. Takamaro Shigaraki & Rev. David Matsumoto. Fall 1999.
• “The Life and Thought of Rennyo” by Prof. Jitsuen Kakehashi & Rev. David Matsumoto. Fall 1997.
• “Toward a Contemporary Understanding of Pure Land Buddhism” by Prof. Dennis Hirota & Rev. David Matsumoto. Fall 1996.
• “Engaged Buddhism” A series of lectures by various speakers. Fall 1995.