Scholar discusses dual traditions in spiritual series at Bates

John P. Keenan, an Episcopal priest and scholar of Buddhism, discusses his own intellectual and spiritual experiences of living within these two religious traditions at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in Skelton Lounge, Chase Hall, Campus Avenue, Bates College. The public is invited free of charge to attend this presentation, part of the series “Spiritual Journeys: Stories of the Soul 2003-04,” sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain. Call 207-786-8272 for more information.

Professor emeritus of religious and East Asian studies, Middlebury College, Keenan has published translations of Yogacara (a Sanskrit term literally meaning ‘practice of yoga’) Buddhist texts and has incorporated Mahayana Buddhist philosophy (which includes diverse beliefs, various sects and trends) in his teaching and his pastoral work as a priest. The author of The Meaning of Christ: A Mahayana Theology (Orbis Books, 1989) and the forthcoming The Letter of James: Everyday Practice for Everyday Christians,the currently serves as the vicar of St. Nicholas Church in Scarborough.