To celebrate

The 225th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Chakri Dynasty and Ratanakosin Bangkok City

Diamond Jubilee of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand

and the completion of the 60th Anniversary of the UNESCO

 

Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development, Mahidol University, Thailand

in collaboration with

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University

Mahachulalongkorn Royal Buddhist University

Mahamakut Royal Buddhist University

 

announces the 2nd SSEASR Conference

of

SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF CULTURE AND RELIGION (SSEASR)

on

SYNCRETISM IN SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA: ADOPTION AND ADAPTATION

( การผสมผสานทางศาสนากับวัฒนธรรมท้องถิ่นในเอเชียใต้และเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้: การนำมาและปรับใช้อย่างกลมกลืน )

 

May 24-27, 2007, Bangkok, Thailand

Co-sponsored as a Regional Conference by

International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR), Member of CIPSH

An affiliate organization of the UNESCO

 

Since time immemorial, the region of South and Southeast Asia has played a pivotal role in carrying the traits of culture and religion not only amongst its own societies but also beyond. The basic carriers of such elements were Hinduism and Buddhism which took various routes (both land and sea) to reach the pre-modern Southeast Asia. Later on Islam and Christianity also entered the region and added lustre to the ‘culture mosaic’. The concept of syncretism in this area was not only visible in religious scenes but also in various spheres of socio-cultural life. As we know, the word “religion” in South and Southeast Asia goes beyond its general definition. With the widest scope of syncretism in every aspect, ‘religion’ encompasses here every action of life: be it social customs, language and literature, art and architecture, polity, economics or commerce, performing arts and communication.

 

The Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development, Mahidol University, Thailand is pleased to host the 2nd SSEASR Conference on the very auspicious occasion where scholars and writers from various parts of the world are likely to join together with their academic presentation.

 

Sub-themes

  1. Ethnic Mosaic of South and Southeast Asia
  2. Syncretic Systems in South and Southeast Asia
  3. Language and Literature: Binding Force
  4. Women and Religion
  5. Symbolism( Art and Architecture), Communication and Religion
  6. Education and Religious Studies
  7. Faith and Survival: Diasporas from South and Southeast Asia
  8. Polity, Trade and Religion
  9. Religion: Peace, Violence and Dialogue
  10. Tradition vis-à-vis Globalization
  11. Religion, Health and Healing
  12. Religion and Ecology

 (เพื่อเป็นการส่งเสริมนักวิชาการไทย คณะกรรมการจะจัดกลุ่มย่อยเป็นพิเศษสำหรับการนำเสนอผลงานเป็นภาษาไทย แต่จะจัดพิมพ์บทคัดย่อเป็นภาษาอังกฤษ)

Since this is the 2550th Anniversary of Buddhism, we particularly invite scholars and papers dealing with Buddhism. Participants are requested to submit research papers in English language on any of the relevant sub-themes. An Abstract of 250 words is expected, preferably by E-mail.

 

A special symposium on Kingship and Religion would be held on the inaugural day. There would be an Exhibition of the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage during the Conference, which would showcase the culture of South and Southeast Asia. A workshop on Science and Spirituality is also planned. We plan to have world-renowned plenary speakers on the religions of South and Southeast Asia from various parts of the world.

 

The Organising Committee is also working on a Temple Tour of Bangkok and around. There is a plan to have a chartered flight to Cambodia for Angkor Vat, along with a visit to Phnom Penh, at a special price for the SSEASR delegates. Certain other programmes are also on the way which would be sent to those who pre-register for the Conference.

The relevant registration amount(as mentioned in the page REGISTRATION) can be sent to us by a bank draft or personal cheque payable to the Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development, Mahidol University,Thailand and sent to us by post at the Conference Secretariat address given below.

 

Online Registration:               September 30, 2006

Early Registration Payment:    December 30, 2006

Submission of Abstract:         February 15, 2006

Submission of Full Paper:        April 15, 2007

Conference Chair

 

Prof. Anthony Reid, Director, Asian Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore

 

International Committee

 

Prof Tim Jensen, General Secretary, IAHR (Chair)

Prof. Rosalind I. J. Hackett, President, IAHR

Prof. Michael Pye, Former President, IAHR

Prof.Armin W. Geertz, Former Gen. Secretary, IAHR

Prof Gary Lease, Treasurer, IAHR

Prof. (Ms) Alef Theria Wasim, Executive Committee, IAHR

 

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Dr. Sophana Srichampa, Secretary General                                       Dr Amarjiva Lochan, President                                   

Chair, SSEASR Conference Organising Committee                                     SSEASR Secretariat                                             

Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development                                       95,Vidya Vihar, Outer Ring Road, Pitampura                                     

Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Nakornpathom 73170 THAILAND        Delhi 110034 INDIA

Tel: (662) 800-2308-14 MOBILE (66)-6-168-5475 Fax (662)-800-2332       Telefax (91-11) 27028399 MOBILE (91) 9811798499

Email: conf2007@sseasr.org  sseasr@gmail.com                 secretariat@sseasr.org     website: www.sseasr.org