And it continues to grow: Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture

by Naw Liang
(with the Shan Cultural Association UK and SOAS)
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Event: Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture
Date: 8-9 December 2007
Location: SOAS, University of London
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Mai soong kha!

As I have been saying for some time, studies on the Shan and Shan State are booming. New organisations - most notably the Shan Cultural Association UK (see here) - combined with growing numbers of Shan scholars and their craft are truly bringing Shan studies to the forefront across the globe. There is no let up in sight, and I, one of many, am overjoyed.

Most recently, my alma mater - The School of Oriental and African Studies - a pillar of encouragement for ethnic studies since the early 20th century, has, with the help of the SOAS Centre for Buddhist Studies, been chosen as the location for the inaugural 'Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture' in early December (see an initial announcement made via the Australian National University's highly acclaimed New Mandala newsletter here). The first event of its kind, it is being joint arranged and promoted by the Shan Cultural Assocaition UK with the goal of bringing awareness of the diversity and efforts of Shan scholars worldwide, while creating a forum in London to discuss interests in and share insights into Shan culture, religion and society. This is a wonderful opportunity, doubly good because it is taking place in my backyard.

I am all for this. The aim of the conference - for scholars, established and up-and-coming, to network and, if possible, develop connections for future international collaboration on Shan history and culture - is right up my alley. After all, that is the raison d'etre of this website.
This is very exciting.

Although a deadline for preliminary papers (7 September) has already passed, I am certain that an intriguing range of presentations, ideas and opinions - on Shan history, sociology, anthropology, language & literature and music - will be presented. It promises to be a truly memorable event, and one to start a very positve trend.

Attendance is limited (or may even be full now?), so any requests to attend must be booked immediately by email to:

Jotika Khur-yearn (Secretary)
Organising Committee
Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture
Tel: +44 (0)20 7898 4771
Mobile: +44 (0)77 2767 7550
Fax: +44 (0)20 7898 4489
Email: jk53@soas.ac.uk

I am eagerly awaiting the conference, but what is might mean for the future of Shan Studies in the UK and throughout the world. And, most important of all, I look forward to meeting all of you there.

Gyan ma chan tha ba seh,

Naw Liang
in London

*Note: The main image of the poster above has been diligently and generously explained by Jotika below:
"The main image is the picture of Pang Ya or Pangtara (Pintaya in Burmese), an ancient site, west of Taungyi, Shan State, Burma. The Pintaya cave has been an attractive place for tourists for some time with many ancient Buddha images found inside the cave. The site is also an important source and site of local Shan myths and historical events. However, this is only one of many important Buddhist landscapes in Shan State." Click the picture to enlarge.