Workshop: Studying Asceticism

​This 1,5-day workshop offers an introduction to the history and current issues in the study of asceticism. We will discuss several theories and definitions of asceticism as well as various aspects of the topic, e.g., religious motivations for asceticism, performance, gender, violence, politics, institutionalization, the ascetic self, potentially non-religious asceticism in sports, business, or popular culture, and/or emic criticism of asceticism. The discussions will draw upon multiple case studies. Upon completing the workshop, participants should be able to analyze and compare concepts and practices within the theoretical framework of the category of asceticism and relate this to their own research. The programme spans two days: Friday 19.06.2026 (14:00–17:00) and Saturday 20.06.2026 (09:00–17:00).

Oliver Freiberger is a Professor of Asian Studies at The University of Texas at Austin, U.S.A. His primary research interests include the history of Buddhism in South Asia, asceticism, religious boundary-making, and comparison in the study of religion. He has (co-)written five monographs, (co-)edited eleven collected volumes, and published multiple articles and book chapters on those and other topics in Asian religions and on method and theory.

The workshop will be held in English.