Dr. James Benn

Biography

James Alexander Benn is a scholar specializing in medieval Chinese religions, with a focus on Buddhism and Taoism. His research aims to understand the practices and world views of medieval individuals through close readings of primary sources in literary Chinese, the lingua franca of East Asian religions. He concentrates on major areas of research including bodily practice, as well as the broader intersections of religion and culture in East Asia. He holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Cultures, specifically in Buddhist Studies, from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also earned a Master of Arts in Eastern Religions from the University of London and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Oriental Studies with a focus on Chinese from the University of Cambridge.

Research Interests