Kin Cheung

In this podcast, Kin Cheung, a scholar of contemporary Buddhism, discusses his research on a Chinese-American community healer who turns out to be his father. They explore the challenges scholars face in studying interconnected practices such as martial arts, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. The conversation highlights the tension between being a scholar and a family member of a healer, as well as the importance of representation and code-switching in understanding Asian-American Buddhism.

Kin Cheung, a scholar of contemporary Buddhism at Moravian University, discusses his research on a Chinese-American community healer who reveals the limitations of current academic approaches to Buddhism. They explore code-switching as a feature of life for Asian Americans and Kin's father conducts a blessing ritual. They also highlight the need for representation of Asian American Buddhists and discuss the unexpected animal presence during a ritual.

Kin Cheung, an Associate Professor of East and South Asian Religions, is joined by Ming Zhong Ngo and Jue Liang, who specialize in Korean religions and gender discourses in Buddhism, respectively. They discuss the critical challenges of teaching Asian studies amid rising anti-Asian racism, especially in light of the 2020 pandemic. The conversation highlights collaborative strategies for inclusivity, the intersections of activism and education, and innovative teaching methods that leverage technology while navigating cultural perceptions. The discussion encourages fostering understanding in diverse classrooms.