For the last thirteen years, the international conference on Daoist Studies has been instrumental in enhancing the study, application, and awareness of Daoism throughout the world. The only major Daoist conference series, it follows a tradition that began in Boston (2003) and continued through Mt. Qingcheng (2004), Fraueninsel in Bavaria (2006), Hong Kong (2007), Mt. Wudang (2009), Los Angeles (2010), Mt. Nanyue (2011), Ammersee Lake near Munich (2012), Boston University (2014), and Miaoli, Taiwan (2016). Thanks to the generous hosting of the University of Paris at Nanterre, the 11th conference will take place near metropolitan Paris in France.
This year’s theme is “Creativity and Diversity.” The focus is on the artistic and specific expressions of Daoist worldview and practice, both in history and today. Panels and presentations focus particularly on anthropological studies and interactions between Daoism and art, music, ritual, theater, literature, martial arts, medicine, and various skills.