David Geary
Anthropology / Buddhism / South Asia / Heritage Tourism
Soundscapes Main Image 1.jpg

Soundscapes of the Buddha

Future Research

We often equate images of the Buddha with meditation, quietude, and silent illumination. However, Buddhist ritual practice, especially at major sacred sites of worship, are often intense aural environments where chanting, prayers, and teachings beco

We often equate images of the Buddha with meditation, quietude, and silent illumination. However, Buddhist ritual practice, especially at major sacred sites of worship, are often intense aural environments where chanting, prayers, and teachings become part of the everyday ecology of devotion.

Building on my earlier interest in heritage, place, and spatial memory, this project will draw on the aural reflexive turn in anthropology to look at the encultured nature of sound as it relates to Buddhist ritual performance and ceremonial events i

Building on my earlier interest in heritage, place, and spatial memory, this project will draw on the aural reflexive turn in anthropology to look at the encultured nature of sound as it relates to Buddhist ritual performance and ceremonial events in North India. It will also examine how the different configurations of sound give rise to certain tensions and conflicts between religious communities and various publics in urban settings.

Using soundscape recordings, I will partner with the Collaborative and Experimental Ethnography Lab (UBCO) to produce a sound art project and exhibition that speaks to the intersection of Buddhist sacred space and the politics of aurality.

Using soundscape recordings, I will partner with the Collaborative and Experimental Ethnography Lab (UBCO) to produce a sound art project and exhibition that speaks to the intersection of Buddhist sacred space and the politics of aurality.