USU professor discusses Buddhism and its affects on his life and career
Experiences as both a scholar of Buddhism and a practicing Buddhist have affected USU’s new Charles Redd chair in religious studies, Charles S. Prebish, with both his academic teachings and goals, he said at a lecture Wednesday afternoon.
Prebish began his lecture, “Buddhist Bookends to a Career: Buddhist Studies, American Style,” by discussing his studies in Buddhism, comparing his focuses to two bookends. On one end of his studies is the beginning of Buddhism and Buddhist communities, and the other is contemporary Buddhism in America.
Prebish discussed the beginnings of Buddhist scholarship in America, noting that initially those who began studying Buddhism belonged to other faiths. As time went on, it became more common for those teaching Buddhism on a scholastic level to be practicing Buddhists themselves.
Prebish said in some ways this caused the professors’ colleagues to question their ability to teach Buddhism objectively. On the other hand, many universities and students felt that the professors’ practice of Buddhism enhanced their classes.
“(The lecture was) very engaging and accessible to such a diverse audience,” said Gary Kiger, the dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, who introduced Prebish.
USU President Stan Albrecht, who welcomed Prebish, spoke about beginnings of the religious studies program as well as what he envisioned for the program’s future. He said how pleased he has been with how well the new program has been received.
Albrecht also expressed his desire that this new program would increase an understanding of the role of religion in society.
Prior to joining USU in January, Prebish worked more than 35 years as the only professor of Buddhism at Pennsylvania State University. He has also authored or edited 20 books on Buddhism, and he co-founded the “Journal of Buddhist Ethics” and the “Journal of Global Buddhism,” online journals discussing Buddhism.
“I thought the lecture was interesting. I think it is great that USU is going to start a religious studies program,” said Sarah Redd, a senior studying wildlife science.
-colyons@cc.usu.edu