Original post for the event HERE
About this Event
Date: April 17, 2023
Dr. Kalzang Dorjee Bhutia (University of Southern California) lead this interdisciplinary workshop connecting three different methods: firstly, the study of material religion; secondly, scholarly conversations around Buddhist communities and climate change; and thirdly, doing community-based collaborative projects in Buddhist studies. The workshop guided participants in creating biodegradable prayer flags as a way for them to think about the connected issues of sustainability and waste in global ecosystems, and also as a way to consider the importance of traditional craft knowledge as a method for the study of Buddhism.
It was discussed historical examples of prayer flag materials and texts, and reflected on how these aspirations have changed over time to reflect contemporary concerns. We also discussed work with community-based organizations in India and Nepal who are engaged with the creation of biodegradable prayer flags and consider the broader implications of these debates for Indigenous futures in the Himalayas.
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| Dr. Kalzang Dorjee Bhutia explains concepts before making the flags | Attendees starting their flags |
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| Closer look at the flags process | Some of the flags done by the attendees |