Thomas J. Mazanec

Thomas J. Mazanec, an Associate Professor at UC Santa Barbara, dives into the fascinating world of Buddhist poet-monks from Tang-dynasty China. He reveals how these monks forged a unique poetic identity that interwove Buddhism with classical Chinese traditions. Topics include the emergence of the poet-monk figure, the cultural networks that supported their craft, and the innovative blend of meditation techniques within poetry. Mazanec also shares insights on how these literary practices reflected their turbulent times and the transformative power of language.