New Publication: "Observances, Feasts, and Scripts: The Varieties of Zhai in Chinese Buddhism from the Second to the Tenth Century" by Yi (Allan) Ding

Congratulations to our alum Yi (Allan) Ding for his new book, Observances, Feasts, and Scripts: The Varieties of Zhai in Chinese Buddhism from the Second to the Tenth Century (University of Hawaii Press, 2026)! Allan's book is the first monograph written in English to analyze the entire ritual complex of zhai, from its familiar association with communal feasts to a range of other ritual observances and modes of interaction between the seen and unseen realms. Tracing this Tang Dynasty practice back to its origins, through an array of canonical and apocryphal texts and ritual documents, Allan reveals how the sponsored feast brings Indian ideas into contact with the Chinese, the laity into contact with monastics, and master-discipline relationships into contact with more complex communities.

Allan gave a preview of the book on the HCBSS Podcast last September. It's now available on the University of Hawai'i Press website.