Author of "American Sutra" to Discuss Book

Duncan Ryuken Williams

Published:

November 13, 2019

Event Information

Title: American Sutra: A Story of Japanese American Buddhist Religion in the Second World War

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Place: HSSC S1325

When the FBI began mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, Buddhist priests were among the first to be incarcerated. American Sutra tells the story of Japanese American Buddhists (the largest group of Buddhists in the United States at that time) in the context of anti-Japanese sentiment during World War II and draws parallels to contemporary challenges to religious freedom facing Americans today.

Duncan Williams is a scholar, writer, and Soto Zen Buddhist priest who is currently professor of religion and East Asian languages and cultures at the University of Southern California. He also serves as the director of the USC Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture. His research focuses on Zen Buddhism, Buddhism in America, and the mixed-race Japanese (hapa) experience.

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