From Monasteries to Hospitals: An Institutional History of Care for the Insane in East Asia

Activity Type: 
Lecture
Promo Image: 
Presenter: 
James Robson, PhD, James C. Kralik and Yunli Lou Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations Harvard University
Date: 
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 - 08:00 to 09:00
Event Status: 
As Scheduled
Location: 
Zoom
Contact Person: 
Lisa Parker
Contact Email: 
lisap@pitt.edu

Abstract: There has been much recent attention paid to the relationship between Buddhism and medicine, especially in regard to numerous studies of the application of mindfulness as an efficacious therapy for everything from depression to schizophrenia. Despite the many comprehensive surveys of Buddhist medical literature across Asia, there remains a paucity of studies on the history of the institutional connections between Buddhist monasteries and the care for the “insane” from the premodern period to the present. This talk aims to introduce the long hidden history of the role monasteries played in this care up through the birth of modern mental institutions in East Asia. (Continuing medical education credit will be available.)

UCIS Unit: 
Global Studies Center
Other Pitt Sponsors: 
Center for Bioethics and Health Law
Department of Religious Studies
Jewish Studies Program
Non-University Sponsors: 
Palliative and Supportive Institute of UPMC
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Continuing Education Program
Is Event Already in University Calendar?: 
No