Events

In the 5th Global Conference, the many personal, interpersonal, intercultural, and international dimensions of pilgrimage will continue to be explored. These include similarities and differences in the practice in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Taoism, and other traditions, as well as secular pilgrimage.

An Interdisciplinary Conference Sponsored by the Institute for Pilgrimage Studies and the International Consortium for Pilgrimage Studies. We encourage submission of papers involving research and creative activity on journeys to a sacred center or travel for transformation from a broad range of disciplines and perspectives including religious studies, anthropology, literature, art history, kinesiology, classical studies, history, sociology, theater and dance.

This conference is designed as an opportunity to share research outcomes of the 3 year AHRC funded project on ‘Pilgrimage and England’s Cathedrals, Past and Present’ in conversation with others working in the fields of pilgrimage and both journey- and place-related spirituality.

In a classic definition of Indian pilgrimage, a physical journey to a sacred place is made for purification and the redemption of sins. There is an opportunity to detach oneself from the worries of daily life and to devote time to prayer, chanting, dancing, contemplation, reading scriptures and listening to the spiritual discourses of the holy ones. This culture of pilgrimage is deeply embedded in Indian society. In the latter of the four age-based stages of the ideally conducted life (ashrams) - namely student, householder, retirement, and asceticism - one is expected to undertake regular pilgrimages (thirths) to overcome the never-ending birth-life-death cycles.