Kai Shmushko
Postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, specializing in China studies, religious studies, and cultural anthropology. Her research focuses on religion and spirituality in Chinese societies, heritage and material culture of Chinese religions, modern innovations of religion, and the political dynamics surrounding religion in the greater China.
Best podcasts with Kai Shmushko
Ranked by the Snipd community
6 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 4min
Kai Shmushko, "Multiple Liminalities of Lay Buddhism in Contemporary China: Modalities, Material Culture, and Politics" (Leiden UP, 2024)
Kai Shmushko, a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, dives into the fascinating world of lay Buddhism in contemporary China. She discusses how modern practitioners navigate societal changes and the evolving landscape of Buddhist practices outside monastic settings. The conversation explores the integration of commerce with spirituality, the rise of community spaces for Tibetan Buddhism, and the innovations brought about by technology and the COVID-19 pandemic. Shmushko argues for the concept of multiple liminalities to understand these dynamics.
May 19, 2025 • 1h 4min
Kai Shmushko, "Multiple Liminalities of Lay Buddhism in Contemporary China: Modalities, Material Culture, and Politics" (Leiden UP, 2024)
Kai Shmushko, a Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam, explores the evolution of lay Buddhism in contemporary China. She discusses how modern practitioners navigate faith amidst rapid socio-political changes, particularly the interplay of Buddhism with commerce and community. Highlights include the significant impact of technology and state regulations on religious practices, the rise of 'living halls' as community spaces, and the fascinating fusion of tea culture with Buddhist rituals. Shmushko's insights illuminate the diverse and adaptive nature of Buddhism today.
