SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Research

Kuan Guang's principle research interests lie in the field of history of Chinese Buddhism. His current study is focused on Ming Buddhist history, particularly on an internationally well known Buddhist pilgrimage centre-Wutai Shan, where Indian pioneer masters brought their live traditions and integrated them into the local practice; where other East Asian Buddhists (Japanese, Korean) came and took this Sinicised Buddhist tradition and spread it all over East Asia.

His future research plans are to build on the foundations of his PhD to further develop a deeper understanding on the development of Ming Buddhism in conjunction with political, social and economical changes.

He has a particular expertise and interest in translating classical Chinese Buddhist and historical texts. He started his translation training with Professor Barrett in 2002 used a Tang Buddhist text—Gu Qingliang Zhuan as an example. His translating skills became more proficient through the research in Wutai Shan Buddhism, which involves many classical Chinese texts and inscriptions.

Publications