Description
In this presentation, the Buddhist notions of causality will be explored against the backdrop of systemic ableist rhetoric and disabling societal playbooks.First, Buddhist approaches to karma (action; cause and effect) are introduced in the context of wider core Buddhist notions such as no-self and the tensions between sociological and soteriological modes of thinking, reflecting the Buddhist distinction between preliminary (‘unenlightened’) and ultimate experiences of reality.
Further, the concept of merit/meritoriousness and its relation to birth as a human being are introduced.
Then, examples of poetic, narrative and devotional texts are presented that appear to employ reductionist and ableist notions of karma in relation to variable human embodiments.
Finally, ‘dharmological’ (i.e., Buddhist constructive-critical reflection) strategies are explored to counter popular ableist (mis)use of karma theories in contemporary Buddhist traditions.
| Period | 24 Oct 2024 |
|---|---|
| Held at | Drake University, United States |
| Degree of Recognition | International |