Agenda

Andrea M. Nencini (Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Turin)

Stillness in Transformation: Modern Approaches to Buddhist Sŏn Meditation in Contemporary South Korea

Abstract: In the recent history of Korean Buddhism, Sŏn meditation has represented a theme in which tensions between maintaining the specificity of Korean meditative techniques and openness to integrating foreign influences have coexisted. The success of modern Western 'mindfulness' approaches to meditation and the popularity these have received throughout the world have pushed Korean Sŏn meditation, as well as many other important Eastern Buddhist traditions, into a process of ‘Westernization,’ the articulations of which they are still developing.
As in many Western countries, Sŏn meditation is also beginning to be used in neurocognitive and medical research contexts in South Korea as a tool for studying cognitive techniques aimed at treating the effects of stress and anxiety. Furthermore, following the spread of modern mindfulness styles in South Korea, the Sŏn tradition has also started to offer interested lay people some less complicated and more accessible meditative declinations compared to its traditional techniques.
As a result, an increasing number of South Korean Buddhist monasteries have opened their spaces for meditative retreats and spiritual activities for local and foreign laypeople interested in learning more about the Korean Buddhist meditative tradition. This popular trend of spiritual tourism has been accompanied by the rise of a ‘meditative culture’ and fascination with Korean monastic life. The study aims to investigate the current developments of these modern meditative trends, analyzing the possible derived challenges and opportunities faced by the South Korean Buddhist community and civil society.

Bio: Andrea Maria Nencini obtained a Master's Degree in Cognitive Science at the University of Trento and a PhD in History of Religions at the Sapienza University of Rome. Her research focuses on the cognitive basis of habitual contemplative exercises in ascetic scenarios and the use of meditation in contemporary psychological and neuro-cognitive settings. Currently, she serves as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Turin for the PRIN research project, “Making Korea a Religiously Plural Society? Historical, Legal, and Social Approaches.” She is also an adjunct professor, teaching ‘History of Religions' at the University of Aquila and ‘World Religions' at the Lorenzo de Medici International Institute of Florence.
 

This event is part of  the Korean Studies Guest Lecture Series and International Conferences

PRIN 2022 project “Making Korea a Religiously Plural Society? Historical, Legal, and Social Approaches” (2022S23SZZ - CUP H53D23000310001)