Society for Tantric Studies
A learned society established in 1986 to promote the academic study of Tantric traditions across regions and disciplines
About us
The Society for Tantric Studies (STS), founded in 1986, is a forum of exchange for scholars engaged in the academic study of Tantra both in its traditional Asian contexts and more recently in diverse global manifestations. The conference provides an opportunity for scholars to collaborate across traditional boundaries of religious traditions (e.g. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism), present-day nation-states and geography (e.g. India, Tibet, China, Japan), and academic disciplines (e.g. history of religions, anthropology, art history, linguistics, sociology). Above all, the STS is committed to critical and creative inquiry. It is not an advocacy forum for Tantric practice and neither endorses nor prohibits particular approaches to either the study or the practice of Tantra. Scholars with doctorates in relevant academic disciplines (such as Religion, Asian Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Art History, History, Philosophy, or Women’s Studies) who are researching and/or teaching in relevant areas of Tantric Studies are encouraged and invited to present, attend, and/or participate in the conference.
Conferences
We have conferences every two to three years, the last having been held in 2019. Due to the pandemic we may have to wait until 2022 for our next meeting. Check back for updates on this website. Contact Glen Hayes, Chairperson, at tantricstudies@gmail.com with any questions.
Leadership 2020
Glen Hayes, Chairperson
Jeffrey Lidke, Treasurer
Steering Committee Members:
Paul Donnelly, Richard Payne, Loriliai Biernacki, Hugh Urban, James Mallinson, Sthaneshwar Timalsina, Gudrun Buhnemann, Charles Orzech, John Nemec
Manuscripts and fieldwork
Our members are engaged in translation and study of primary texts, as well as original fieldwork.
