For Buddhists, there is often tension between letting go of the ego and radical openness (emptiness) on the one hand and socially engaged engagement on the other. Why fight for social justice when you can sit back and relax on a meditation cushion? After all, Buddhism seems individualistic and world-denying. In his oration, the recently appointed professor of Buddhist studies and rector of the Buddhist seminary, Bee Scherer, does fight for the social rights of marginalized groups.
Scherer interweaves detailed interpretation of ancient Buddhist texts in a dozen languages with Buddhist critical-constructive reflection ("dharmology"). From this, the Buddhist traditions prove far from world-denying. Using Feminist, Crip, and Queer theory, Scherer shows the difference between the liberating dharma (the teachings) and the oppressive contexts of the teachings sometimes found in the texts.
As the world's leading Buddhist Queer "theologian," Scherer sees the need for a strong social-active Buddhist commitment precisely to the philosophical basis of ego detachment and argues for an inclusive and courageous socially engaged Buddhism in the Netherlands and worldwide.
The inaugural lecture can be followed through this link.