Call for Proposals, 18th Sakyadhita International Conference

June 23-30, 2023

Seoul, South Korea

Conference Theme: "Living in a Precarious World: Impermanence, Resilience, Awakening"

We live in a precarious world. The COVID-19 pandemic continues with seemingly endless mutations, forcing us to live with ever more uncertainty. Sexism, racism, nationalism, dictatorships, and war continue to threaten lives throughout the world. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, issued on April 4, 2022, warns that the next few years are critical for limiting global warming or our planet and all life will face catastrophic climate events. These traumatic events have affected us all physically, mentally, and emotionally. Life is indeed fragile and security illusive.

Facing such manifold displays of impermanence in the world, how do Buddhist women cultivate resilience and seek awakening for themselves and others? What Buddhist teachings and practices help us face these vicissitudes of life and equip us with the ability to survive and thrive? What Buddhist teachings and practices empower us to seek awakening while living in this precarious world? What does it mean to be awake today?

Paper proposals and workshop proposals (approximately 250 words in length) should be submitted to Sakyadhita18Korea@gmail.com by August 15, 2022. Notification of acceptance will be sent by September 15, 2022. Final papers (2,500 words maximum) are due by December 15, 2022 to be translated into various languages.

Proposals must include presenter's name, institutional affiliation, and contact information. All proposals and papers must be the original, unpublished work of the presenters.

Sakyadhita encourages diversity and creativity. We welcome proposals from presenters of any gender, nationality or status. We also invite proposals for short films and PowerPoint slide shows (10-15 minutes in length) related to the conference theme. All speakers and workshop presenters must register for the conference. Any requests for special dates for presentations must be included with the proposal.