Western Thought Meets Buddhism

Presented by Dr Peter Oldmeadow

Hosted by Dr Elizabeth McDougal

• 13 May 2026
• 12.00pm-1.15pm (AEST)
• Event will be held online via zoom

This conversation will reflect on resonances and influences in the meeting of Western thought and Buddhism with special attention to some streams of 19th century thought which contributed to creating an intellectual environment receptive to the introduction of Buddhism in the modern West and which influenced the development of modern Buddhism

During the nineteenth century, early encounters with Indian and Buddhist thought helped set new directions in European or “continental” philosophy which remain vitally significant at the present time. This approach was accompanied by a new understanding of “spirituality” and our interrelationship with our environment and fellow creatures. Influenced by these ideas and other developments in modern thought, forms of Buddhism emerged which involved a re-evaluation of the meaning of “disengagement” and “engagement” with the world and society.

Exploring these significant currents in modern Western thought and Buddhism and reflecting on the history of ideas that influence our societies, cultures and world views, can help to deepen our understanding of ourselves and of Buddhism in its many forms in Asia and in the West.

About the Presenter

Prior to his retirement Peter was head of the Classical Indian and Buddhist Studies programs at the University of Sydney. He taught Sanskrit language and Indian and Buddhist philosophy and also lectured extensively in the areas of religious studies and the history of ideas. Peter has a long-standing interest in Buddhist theory and practice and an interest in comparative philosophy and religion particularly as they relate to the fundamental questions that face modern humanity. He is the author of Going Beyond: Western Thought Meets Buddhism (Platform Books, 2025). He is Chair of the Program Advisory Committee for Applied Buddhist Studies and Humanistic Buddhism at Nan Tien Institute.

Tickets are free, but bookings are essential.