Sustainability and Buddhism: Introduction to Japan's Religious Landscape and Digital Humanities Methods

At least since the so-called "triple disaster" in Fukushima in March 2011, Buddhist (and other religious) groups have been taking a public and visible stance on environmental ethics issues. Furthermore, the temples are developing various measures to use their resources to exert a positive influence on sustainability-related issues. In this seminar, we will examine the projects and activities implemented by Buddhist groups and how these are justified in religious terms. We will focus on environmental ethics issues, but also consider other aspects of sustainability. In order to better understand and classify the religiously connoted arguments, the seminar will introduce – albeit in a very general way – core concepts of Buddhism and the landscape of religious groups in Japan.

Based on this thematic exploration, we will explore and apply a method from the context of digital humanities. The exact focus will be determined in consultation with the participants. Possible options include creating a digital exhibition or establishing a database.

–This seminar will be held in German–

(Machine translation.)