Professor Emeritus Song Wen-Li of National Tsing Hua University visited the College of Buddhist Studies on November 16, 2022, to deliver a lecture titled "From Making a Mountain out of a Molehill to Making a Molehill out of a Mountain: A Record of Microcosmic Exploration in Religious Studies." This event served as the third interdisciplinary seminar under the Center for Buddhist Studies' research project "Text, Action, and Healing: Reading and Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures and Practice Education." The session was introduced by Project Director and Dean of the College of Buddhist Studies, Prof. Guo Chao-Shun, with approximately 50 faculty members and students in attendance.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Song explained that his research attitude involves writing stories about "gods, immortals, and ghosts"—such as the "Dish Fairy" (Chinese Ouija) and "Spirit Mediumship" (Jieqiao)—in the name of the most empirical science. His research methodology is twofold: on one hand, it spans from the study of "street-level folklore" (Dish Fairy) to the Jieqiao rituals of I-Kuan Tao, areas temporarily categorized under "Psychology of Religion." On the other hand, he utilizes fields such as "Cultural Psychoanalysis" and "Psychoanalysis and Art" to explore issues of "Theology of Wu" (Shamanism).
He then defined "Religious Texts," arguing that images, artifacts, spatial arrangements, bodily movements, and ritual procedures all possess their own specific languages and thus constitute religious texts. He pointed out that the essence of "making a mountain out of a molehill" or "making a molehill out of a mountain" lies in micro-methodology. For religious studies, the "microcosmic" approach represents a mode of thinking distinct from traditional research traditions that focus on doctrinal scriptures, religious history, or organizational structures.
Through the micro-research actions of "Finding Ghosts" and "Watching Immortals," Prof. Song revisited his past research topics on the Dish Fairy and Spirit Mediumship. He successively discussed intriguing themes such as "Finding Ghosts in the Dish Fairy," "The Action of Watching Immortals: Observing Deities Descending to the Altar," and "Spirit Mediumship Rituals: Exquisite Spectacles and Subtle Interpretations."
Moderator Prof. Guo noted that Prof. Song's decade-long dedication to Dish Fairy research is underpinned by a concern regarding the limitations of modern psychology. He highlighted the characteristics of Prof. Song's research methods: First, "Epoche" (suspension of judgment)—placing prejudices within brackets; Second, "Multiple Viewing"—beyond being the subject who watches, he incorporates the perspectives of research assistants to form "inter-subjective" viewing and verification, allowing the diverse facets of religious phenomena to appear as they truly are; Third, "Questioning" only after profound reflection on the issues. Prof. Guo concluded that since Buddhism encompasses both philosophical and religious dimensions, this lecture provided much inspiration on how to reflect upon and observe the religious aspects of Buddhism.
Professor Song Wen-Li visiting the College of Buddhist Studies to lecture on "A Record of Microcosmic Exploration in Religious Studies."
Professor Guo Chao-Shun pointing out that this lecture provided much inspiration on how to reflect upon and observe the religious aspects of Buddhism.
Professor Song Wen-Li delivering the lecture, attracting an audience of approximately 50 faculty members and students.
Professor Guo Chao-Shun presenting a gift of appreciation to Professor Song Wen-Li on behalf of the Research Center.