Daoism: Self, Science, and Society.

10^th International Conference on Daoist Studies

Sanyi Tian-An-Tai-Ho Retreat Center,

Miaoli, Taiwan

May 26-29, 2016

For the last twelve years, the series of international conferences on Daoist Studies has been instrumental in enhancing the study, application, and awareness of Daoism through­out the world. The only major Daoist conference series, it follows a tradition that began in Boston (2003) and continued through Mt. Qingcheng (2004), Fraueninsel in Bavaria (2006), Hong Kong (2007), Mt. Wudang (2009), Los Angeles (2010), Mt. Nanyue (2011), Ammersee Lake near Munich (2012), and Boston University (2014). Thanks to the generous hosting of the Tiandi jiao community, the 10^th International Conference on Daoist Studies will take place in scenic Sanyi / Tian-An-Tai-Ho Retreat Center in central Taiwan.

This year’s conference theme is "Daoism: Self, Science, and Society". The focus is on issues of Daoist worldview and practice, both in history and today. Panels will discuss Daoist cosmology, philosophy, arts, and practices, with particular concentration on its understanding of body and self, its relationship to science both ancient and modern, as well as its social relevance in ritual and community.

 

Honorary Chairs

Li Zi-Yi Honorary President, The Society for the Study of Religious Philosophy (Taiwan)

Tong Guang-Zhao Master Emissary, The T'ienti Teachings (Taiwan)

Lin Qi-Min President, E-Life Mall Corporation (Taiwan)

 

Chairs

Liou Tong-Miin, Tsing Hua University (Taiwan)

Livia Kohn, Boston University (USA)

 

Steering Committee (alphabetical) (temporarily)

Adeline Herrou

An Lun

Chang Lillian

Chao Shin-yi

Chen Xia

Elisabeth Friedrichs

Eric Nelson

Galia Dor

Georges Favraud

Guo Wu

Hsieh Shu-wei

Hsieh Tsung-hui

Ikeda Tomohisa

James Miller

Jia Jinhua

Jiang Sheng

Lai Chitim

Li Gang

Liou Chien-Hui

Liu Chien-Cheng

Lv Xichen

Michael Winn

Patricia Karetzky

Robin R. Wang

Shiga Ichiko

Steve Jackowicz

Susan Huang

Zhang Guangbao

Zhang Jia-Lin

 

Keynote Speakers:

Li Feng-mao (National Chengchi University)

TOPIC: From Mystagogy to Public Transmission: A New Perspective of Body in Inner Alchemic Culture

Paul Katz (Academia Sinica)

TOPIC: Daoism and the Revival of Temple Cults in China: Preliminary Observations from Wenzhou

Li Xian-guang (The Society for the Study of Religious Philosophy, Taiwan)

TOPIC: Purposiveness and Non-Purposiveness in Sitting Meditation Practice

Format:

The conference begins at 10 am on Thursday, May 26 with an opening plenary session, followed by the three keynote speeches. It ends at noon on Sunday, May 29 after a closing plenary session. There are twelve sessions total (3 on Thursday, 4 on Friday, 4 on Saturday, and 1 on Sunday), each consisting of three break-out panels, including forums and workshops.

There will be an optional excursion to local scenic spots on Sunday afternoon and various activities each night after dinner. Foreign participants should plan to arrive on Wednesday, May 25, and depart on Monday, May 30.

 

Break-out Panels:

Three 20-minute or four 16-minute individual paper presentations on the panel theme, followed by the discussant’s 10-minute comments, presenters’ respon-ses, and open discussion (1¾ hours).

 

Workshops:

Emphasis on practice and experience (1¾ hours).

 

Forums:

An opportunity to read a particular text with a group of learned scholars. Pre­senters post their text on the web a month ahead of time for participants to prepare.

 

Languages:

Conference sessions will be in Chinese and/or English, as specified in the program. All panels will be videotaped and uploaded to the conference website. Presentation abstracts should be submitted in the language of presentation.

 

Vendors:

If you want to exhibit or sell books, CDs, or other materials at the conference, there is no extra charge, but you have to formally register and pay the conference fee in advance. Space is limited. Register early!

 

Deadlines:

March 15, 31 April 15, 2016     registration closes, abstracts for papers due

May 1, 2016     conference program e-mailed and posted on the website

 

Scholarships:

Some scholarships will be provided, covering the conference fee plus room and board, as well as a share of travel expenses. Applicants should be within three years of completing the Ph.D. (before or after). To apply, please send registration information, plus status of Ph.D. and name of advisor, as well as draft abstract of paper to daoconf@gmail.com. Deadline: January 1, 2016.

 

 

PAYMENT

 

Go to PayPal.com and send amount to conf.ssrp@gmail.com.

 

International payment:

1.SWIFT CODE：ESUNTWTP
2.BENEFICIARY A/C NAME：The Society for The Study of Religious Philosophy
3.BENEFICIARY A/C NO：0554-940-005785

 

If paying within Taiwan, please remit payment to “The Society for the Study of Religious Philosophy,”

Account Number: 0554-940-005785 (Sindian Branch, E.SUN Commercial Bank. Code: 808).

 

 

ARRIVAL

 

The conference takes place at No.1-10, Liyutankou, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County 367, Taiwan (R.O.C.) +886-37-881-363   Google map

 

From Taoyuan International Airport to HSR Taichung station

By HSR Train:

1. From Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, take a shuttle bus to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) Taoyuan station
   Fare: Adult TWD 30 / Child TWD 15
   Operating hours: 06:30 – 22:30
   Interval: 10 mins
   Duration: 20 mins

2. Take High Speed Rail from HSR Taoyuan station to HSR Taichung station
   Fare: Adult TWD 540 / Child TWD 270
   Operating hours: 06:30 – 23:00
   Interval: 25 mins
   Duration: 30 mins

By Bus:

From Taoyuan International Airport, take highway buses to HSR Taichung station directly (2hrs)

	Kuo Kuang Buses	Free Go Buses	United Highway Buses
Fare:	Adult TWD 220 Child TWD 145	Adult TWD 200 Child TWD 190	Adult TWD 240 Child TWD 170
Operating hours:	06:45 – 22:40	06:00 – 01:00	06:10 – 00:10
Interval:	60 – 120 mins	20 – 40 mins	30 mins
Duration:	2hrs 10 mins	2hrs 10 mins	2hrs

Ticket counters are located in the arrival passenger reception areas of both terminals, T1 and T2. Visitors may consult an airport staff for directions in details.

 

 

Recommendation Post-conference Tours (temporarily)…for your reference

 

1. Taian Hot Spring （泰安溫泉） - Taian Hot Spring is a carbonic acid spring. Steaming, milky water runs all year round, without the scent of sulfur that hot springs normally have. Take a beauty bath here and feel your skin smoothened by spring water!

2. Lion's Head Mountain / Shitou Mountain（獅頭山） - It is 496 meters high and is part of the foothills of Mt. Luchang. Its abundant vegetation, old trees, and temples make Lion's Head Mountain an attractive and interesting travel destination. The oldest of these temples is Shryandong Yuanguang Temple built in 1894. It is a popular destination for worshippers who can also enjoy the mild winter and the cool summer weather of the region.

3. Huoyan Mountain (Huoyanshan) Nature Reserve （火炎山自然保留區） - Huoyan Mountain (Huoyanshan) Nature Reserve is located to the north of Da-an River. It is known for its special scenery featuring sharp bare hills, and the Mawei Pine Tree Forest. In 1986, the Council of Agriculture designated the area a nature reserves.

4. Shengxing Station and Remains of Longteng Bridge（勝興車站與龍騰斷橋）- At 402.326 meters above sea level, this is the highest spot in Taiwan West coast Railway. The Japanese-style building, the ancient appearance and the tracks that remained despite the suspension of the railway service make the nostalgic attractions to many visitors coming here.

   There is an interesting story about the town of Longteng that is revealing of the superstitious beliefs that local people once held.

5. Sanyi West Lake Resortopia（三義西湖渡假村）- West Lake Resortopia combines European style garden, swan boats on the lake, specialty cuisines, and accommodation altogether in its park. The park contains 60 ha of total forest area and an amount of facilities designed for families.

6. National Palace Museum（國立故宮博物院）- The National Palace Museum is an antique museum in Shilin, Taipei, Republic of China. It is one of the national museums of Taiwan, and has a permanent collection of more than 696,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, making it one of the largest in the world. The collection encompasses over 10,000 years of Chinese history from the Neolithic age to the late Qing Dynasty. Most of the collection are high quality pieces collected by China's ancient emperors.

7. Sun Moon Lake（日月潭）- Sun Moon Lake, situated in Nantou County’s Yuchi Township near the center of Taiwan, is the island’s largest lake. This beautiful alpine lake is divided by tiny Lalu Island; the eastern part of the lake is round like the sun and the western side is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name “Sun Moon Lake”.
   Its crystalline, emerald green waters reflect the hills and mountains which rise on all sides. Natural beauty is enhanced by numerous cultural and historical sites. Well-known both at home and abroad, the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area has exceptional potential for further growth and recognition as a prime tourism destination.

 

Tourism Bureau & tourist agency information

1. Tourism Bureau, M.O.T.C., Republic of China (Taiwan)
2. Lion Travel (Taiwan)
3. Taiwan Daily Tours
4. Phoenix Tours (Taiwan)
5. MyTaiwanTour (Taiwan)