Dr. Michaela Mross is actively engaged in the study and teaching of Japanese Buddhism as an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Stanford University. With a courtesy appointment in East Asian Languages and Cultures, she brings a rich interdisciplinary approach to her research and pedagogy. Her scholarly focus is on Sōtō Zen, a major school of Zen Buddhism, and she delves deeply into the intricacies of Buddhist rituals, sacred music, and the manuscript and print culture of premodern Japan.
Dr. Mross has made significant contributions to the field through her extensive research on kōshiki, which are Buddhist ceremonials. Her work has been published in numerous articles, and she has co-edited a special issue on this topic for the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. This body of work highlights her commitment to understanding the ritual dynamics and cultural significance of these ceremonials within the broader context of Japanese Buddhism.
Her forthcoming book, "Memory, Music, Manuscripts: The Ritual Dynamics of Kōshiki in Japanese Sōtō Zen," is set to be released by the Kuroda Series of the University of Hawai’i Press. This publication promises to offer new insights into the interplay between memory, music, and manuscripts in the ritual practices of Sōtō Zen, further establishing Dr. Mross as a leading voice in her field.
In addition to her work on kōshiki, Dr. Mross is currently working on a monograph that explores eisanka, or Buddhist hymns, and the role of lay Buddhist choirs in contemporary Zen Buddhism. This project reflects her ongoing interest in the evolving practices and expressions of Zen Buddhism in modern contexts, bridging historical traditions with contemporary developments.
Dr. Mross's research interests extend beyond the confines of traditional academic boundaries, as she seeks to illuminate the cultural and spiritual dimensions of Japanese Buddhism through her exploration of sacred music and ritual practices. Her work not only contributes to the academic understanding of these subjects but also enriches the broader appreciation of Japanese religious and cultural heritage.
At Stanford, Dr. Mross is dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can engage with the complexities of East Asian religious traditions. Her teaching is informed by her research, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of religion, culture, and history in East Asia.
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