KAWAMOTO, Kanae

Research Departments・Position: Global Humanosphere
Affiliated Lecturer
Area: Buddhist Studies (Pali, Theravada Buddhism), Religious Studies (Buddhist ethics)
Research Interests / Keywords: ・From Popular Vipassanā to Saints’ Jhāna: Localization of Pa-Auk Buddhist Meditation in both Japan and Myanmar
・Mutual Search for the Value of Life: Buddhist Priests and Suicide Prevention in Contemporary Japan

KAWAMOTO, Kanae

Overview

From Popular Vipassanā to Saints’ Jhāna: Localization of Pa-Auk Buddhist Meditation in both Japan and Myanmar

My research aims to show the unique importance of Pa-Auk Buddhist meditation in Myanmar and how it differs from popular mindfulness-based meditation techniques such as vipassanā, the major form of meditation in Myanmar. This research focusing specifically on the Pa-Auk tradition of Buddhist meditation, seeks to examine the aspect of modern change of Burmese culture.

Mutual Search for the Value of Life: Buddhist Priests and Suicide Prevention in Contemporary Japan

This research shows how Buddhist clergy in contemporary Japan are engaged in suicide prevention in ways that contrast with conventional mental health approaches. The collaborations between caregivers and recipients compel to both contemplate life, death, and welfare from new perspectives, which constitutes a new type of Buddhist healing.