LECTURE SERIES. Ascetiscapes: Studies at the Intersection of Asceticism and Space

Lecture series “Ascetiscapes: Studies at the Intersection of Asceticism and Space”

The annual online lecture series organised by the Ghent Centre for South Asian Studies (GCSAS) is dedicated this year to the theme “Ascetiscapes: Studies at the Intersection of Asceticism and Space”.

Asceticism, as a set of psycho-physical practices aimed at redefining, transforming, perfecting or obliterating the self, stretches beyond the purely bodily and spiritual dimensions of the practitioner. Both on the individual and the community level, it influences and is constantly influenced by physical and non-physical space.
This online lecture series invites reflection on the various ways in which ascetic practitioners in South Asia have engaged with abstract, physical, social and embodied space. We will explore different traditions from various disciplinary angles, collectively interrogating the relationship between ascetic paths and the transformation of conceptual and material space.

All our presenters can be followed online (registration required); three lectures will also be available on campus.

The programme of the series is available here.