Jue Liang

Assistant Professor

Department of Religious Studies

Where have you traveled this summer?

In July, I attended the Association for Asian Studies-in-Asia (AAS-in-Asia) conference in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Afterwards, I went on a research trip to Colombo, Anuradhapura, Habarana and Kandy in Sri Lanka that was supported by the Baker-Nord Center’s Faculty Travel Grant.

What did the AAS-in-Asia conference incorporate?

I presented my paper, “Women as Patrons, Protagonists, and Producers in Tibetan Buddhist Book Networks” in a panel titled: Uncovering Women in Global Asian Mobility and Connection. I was invited to participate in the panel by its organizer, Professor Jinchao Zhao, from Tongji University in Shanghai, China.

What did your research trip entail?

I visited many of the most important sites regarding Buddhism’s spread in Sri Lanka, with a focus on the establishment of the nun’s order when Buddhism first arrived there. Some of these sites include the Mahabodhi Temple, Vessagiriya, Mihintale in Anuradhapura, Avukana, etc. – all of which have royal support and participation of female patrons.

Additionally, I conducted interviews with contemporary Buddhist community leaders. I’ve met twice with Bhikkhu Wimalajothi, one of the leading male monastic voices advocating for equal status and access to education for Buddhist women. I’ve also spoken with Bhikkhuni Vijithananda as well as Bhikkhuni Dhammadina, the only disciple of Bhikkhuni Kusuma, the first Sri Lankan nun to receive full ordination that granted her equal status to male monastics.

Buddhist nuns in their morning course at Bhikkhuni Training Center.

How did this trip tie in to your role of Assistant Professor in Religious Studies?

I’ve experienced firsthand the many sacred sites of Sri Lankan Buddhism, reconnected with many colleagues who are located in Asia and established a number of research connections with whom I can correspond with or go back to for more in-depth interviews. The photos, audios and videos I’ve accumulated during this trip will also be incorporated into my ongoing book project on contemporary Buddhist discourse on gender.

What was your favorite thing to explore in your free time?

I’ve enjoyed the local food, which is representative of the rich cultural history of these two countries. Specifically, Sri Lankan food resembles the collection of its various religious traditions, and restaurants and patrons are well versed in respecting and creating spaces for different dietary or cultural traditions. 

My other favorite moments have been random encounters with wildlife– I’ve seen tortoises, snakes and lizards, as well as elephants snacking on branches on the roadside with total disregard to oncoming traffic. I even had to assert my ownership of a bag of bananas to a monkey so they wouldn’t snatch it from me!