Dr. Benjamin Brose

Biography

Benjamin Brose is a Professor and Department Chair specializing in Buddhist Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan, where he has an influential role in the Department of Religion. His research focuses on the history of Buddhism in China, particularly during tumultuous periods such as the collapse of the Tang dynasty and the consolidation of the Northern Song dynasty. He has authored notable works including 'Patrons and Patriarchs: Regional Rulers, Chan Monks, and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms' and 'Xuanzang: China’s Legendary Pilgrim Translator', which delve into the dynamic roles and narratives of prominent Buddhist figures. Currently, he is exploring the complex legacies of the great Buddhist cleric Xuanzang and the varied interpretations of his life across centuries. Brose's teaching interests encompass a diverse range of courses, spanning from introductory Buddhism to the popular religion in China, and he frequently engages with themes of the reinvention of religion in modern Asia. His scholarship has received funding from esteemed organizations such as the Fulbright Foundation and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, underscoring the impact of his academic contributions in the field of religious studies in China.

Research Interests