News & Events
by Dr Thomas PATTON, Assistant Professor, Department of Asian and International Studies, City University of Hong Kong
|
Read and Red |
Abstract
Witchcraft and wizardry, dark arts and light, the Philosopher's Stone and the Wizard Army's might -- Far from being elements of fantasy, these things are very real for Buddhists who live in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. In this talk, Dr Patton will share his stories of how he tracked down powerful wizards, spent years studying Buddhist magical spells, and immersed himself in a world that seems to come straight from the pages of a Harry Potter novel.
About the speaker
Dr Thomas Patton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Asian and International Studies at City University of Hong Kong. His current research is on lived religion in Myanmar, specifically examining local cults of saints and peoples' relationships with them, shrines, miracles, and other manifestations of religious devotion.
