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Professor Max Deeg
(he/him)
Professor in Buddhist Studies
School of History, Archaeology and Religion
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
Research interests
Prof Deeg is specialising in Buddhist history and the spread of Buddhism from India to Central Asia and East Asia. He has a special interest in Buddhist narratives and their role and function for the construction of historical identities in Buddhist communities. He is also interested in other religions in the wider Asian context (Hinduism, Jainism, Daoism, Manichaeism, Eastern Christianity) and in the history of research and its impact on academic narratives about Asian religions. His latest monographs to be published will be one on Buddhist foundation myths and a German annotated translation of the Sino-Christian inscription of Xi'an from the 8th century. He is currently working on an new English translation and an extensive commentary of the Xiyu ji, the "Records of the Western Regions", by the Chinese monk Xuanzang (7th century). Prof. Deeg is member of several academic and editorial boards.
Publication
2024
- Deeg, M. 2024. The Christian communities in Tang China: Between adaptation and religious self-identity. In: Doney, L. et al. eds. Buddhism in Central Asia III: Impacts of Non-Buddhist Influences, Doctrines., Vol. 14. Dynamics in the History of Religions, Brill, pp. 123-144., (10.1163/9789004687288_006)
- Deeg, M. 2024. Naked heretics: On the representation of Jains in Chinese Buddhist texts. In: Jinhua, C. ed. From Jetavana to Jerusalem: Sacred Biography in Asian Perspectives and Beyond, Essays in Honour of Professor Phyllis Granoff. World Scholastic, pp. 718-754.
- Deeg, M. 2024. In search of a lost version: The problem of the Indian template of "Barlaam and Josaphat" and Its transmission. In: Ducoeur, G. and Tardieu, M. eds. Barlaam and Josaphat in History of Religions: Actes du colloque international (23 - 24 Mai 2023). Strasbourg: Université de Strasbourg, pp. 93-118.
2023
- Deeg, M. 2023. Transcending space: Buddhist travelogues across cultural and other borders. In: Freudenberg, M. et al. eds. Stepping Back and Looking Ahead: Twelve Years of Studying Religious Contact at the Käte Hamburger Kolleg Bochum., Vol. 13. Dynamics in the History of Religions Brill, pp. 62-91., (10.1163/9789004549319_004)
- Deeg, M. 2023. “Once upon a time”—so what? The importance of place in Buddhist narratives. Religions 14(6), article number: 690. (10.3390/rel14060690)
- Deeg, M. 2023. Yijing. In: The Encyclopedia of Ancient History: Asia and Africa. , (10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00535)
- Deeg, M. 2023. Faxian. In: The Encyclopedia of Ancient History: Asia and Africa. , (10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00534)
- Deeg, M. 2023. Xuanzang. In: The Encyclopedia of Ancient History: Asia and Africa. Wiley Online Library, (10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00533)
- Deeg, M. 2023. From trust in the Buddha to the belief in the One God: xin 信 as a Buddhist, Manichaean and Christian concept in early medieval China. In: Meyer, C. and Clart, P. eds. From Trustworthiness to Secular Belief: Changing Concepts of xin 信 from Traditional to Modern Chinese. Brill, pp. 227-245., (10.1163/9789004533004_011)
- Deeg, M. 2023. From trust in the Buddha to the belief in the one God: xin ? as a Buddhist, Manichaean and Christian concept in Early Medieval China. In: Meyer, C. and Clart, P. eds. From Trustworthiness to Secular Belief: Changing Concepts of xin ? from Traditional to Modern Chinese. Brill, pp. 227-245.
2022
- Deeg, M. 2022. The Buddha in the 'Wild West': The localization of Jatakas in Gandhara and the Ramayana. Religions of South Asia 16(2-3), pp. 220-248. (10.1558/rosa.24402)
- Deeg, M. 2022. A Chinese ‘Hitopadeśa’ – or: a ruler’s mirror: The didactic aspects of the "Da Tang Xiyu Ji". In: Chen, J. ed. Transmission of Buddhism in Asia and Beyond. Essays in Memory of Antonino Forte (1940-2006). World Scholastic Publishers, pp. 111-165.
- Deeg, M. 2022. A Chinese 'Hitopadesa' - Or: a ruler's mirror: The didactic aspects of the Da Tang Xiyu ji. In: Chen, J. ed. Transmission of Buddhism in Asia and Beyond - Essays in Memory of Antonino Forte (1940-2006). Hualin Series on Buddhist Studies Vol. 4. Singapore: World Scholastic Publishers, pp. 111-165.
- Deeg, M. 2022. An uncivilized empire – Xuanzang on Persia. In: Mikkelsen, G. B. and Parry, K. eds. Byzantium to China: Religion, History and Culture on the Silk Roads: Studies in the Honour of Samuel N.C. Lieu., Vol. 1. Texts and Studies in Eastern Christianity Vol. 25. Leiden, Boston: Brill, pp. 115-131.
- Deeg, M. 2022. An unromantic approach: Dhyānagupta’s (aka Jñānagupta) Fo-benxing-ji-jing. In: Konczak-Nagel, I., Hiyama, S. and Klein, A. eds. Connecting the Art, Literature, and Religion of South and Central Asia – Studies in Honour of Monika Zin., Vol. 1. Delhi: Dev Publishers & Contributors, pp. 61-71.
- Deeg, M. 2022. Between normativity and material emptiness: Indian Buddhist monasteries and the Chinese Buddhist travelogues. In: Singh, A., Shimada, A. and Morrissey, N. eds. On the Regional Development of Early Medieval Buddhist Monasteries in South Asia., Vol. 1. RINDAS Series of Working Papers Vol. 34. Kyoto: The Center for South Asian Studies, Ryukoku University, pp. 89-129.
2021
- Deeg, M. 2021. Messiah rediscovered: some philological notes on the so-called ‘Jesus the Messiah Sutra’. In: Lieu, S. N. and Thompson, G. L. eds. The Church of the East in Central Asia and China., Vol. 1. China and the Mediterranean World Vol. 1. Turnhout: Brepols Publisher, pp. 111-119.
- Deeg, M. 2021. Indian regional nāga cults and individual nāga stories in Chinese Buddhist travelogues. Acta Asiatica Varsoviensia 34, pp. 51-78.
2020
- Deeg, M. 2020. Describing the own other: Chinese Buddhist travelogues between literary tropes and educational narratives. In: Bisshop, P. and Cecil, E. A. eds. Primary Sources and Asian Pasts., Vol. 1. Beyond Boundaries Vol. 8. Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, pp. 129-151.
- Deeg, M. 2020. The brilliant teaching: Iranian Christians in Tang China and their identity. Entangled Religions 11(6), pp. 1-13. (10.46586/er.11.2020.8674)
- Deeg, M. 2020. Looking from the periphery: some additional thoughts on Yulin Cave 3. In: Meinert, C. and Sorensen, H. eds. Buddhism in Central Asia I., Vol. 11. Dynamics in the History of Religions Brill, pp. 230-243., (10.1163/9789004417731_011)
2019
- Deeg, M., Freiberger, O. and Kleine, C. eds. 2019. Religionsbegegnung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte: Kritische Reflexionen über ein etabliertes Konzept. Critical Studies in Religion / Religionswissenschaft Vol. 12. Goettingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.
- Deeg, M. 2019. Tīrthikāḥ hantavyāḥ – Zu “häresiologischen” Diskursen in buddhistischen Quellen. In: Deeg, M., Freiberger, O. and Kleine, C. eds. Religionsbegegnung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte: Kritische Reflexionen über ein etabliertes Konzept., Vol. 1. Critical Studies in Religion / Religionswissenschaft Vol. 12. Goettingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, pp. 103-127.
- Deeg, M. 2019. Indian law from a seventh century Chinese Buddhist perspective. Bulletin de l'Ecole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient 105, pp. 145-178.
- Deeg, M. 2019. Beyond World Heritage: Lumbini - the creation of a more meaningful site?. In: Ray, H. P. ed. Decolonising Heritage in South Asia: The Global, the National and the Transnational. Abingdon and New York: Routledge, pp. 178-194.
- Deeg, M. 2019. Many biographies - multiple individualities: the identities of the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang. In: Fuchs, M. et al. eds. Religious Individualisation: Historical Dimensions and Comparative Perspectives. De Gruyter, pp. 913-937., (10.1515/9783110580853)
2018
- Deeg, M. 2018. Along the Silk Road: From Aleppo to Chang'an. In: Baker-Brian, N. J. and Lossl, J. eds. A Companion to Religion in Late Antiquity. Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 233-253.
- Deeg, M. 2018. The historical turn: How Chinese Buddhist travelogues changed Western perception of Buddhism. Hualin Journal of International Buddhist Studies 1(1), pp. 43-75. (10.15239/hijbs.01.01.02)
- Deeg, M. 2018. Wailing for identity: topical and poetic expressions of cultural belonging in Chinese Buddhist literature. In: Heirman, A. ed. Identity and Network: Exchange Relations between China and the World. Brill, pp. 227-252.
- Deeg, M. 2018. The spread of Buddhist culture to China between the Third and Seventh Century. In: Di Cosmo, N. and Maas, M. eds. Empires and Exchanges in Eurasian Late Antiquity: Rome, China, Iran, and the Steppe, ca. 250-750. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 220-234.
- Deeg, M. 2018. Setting the "records" straight: Textual sources on Nland and their historical value. In: Sharma, A. ed. Record, Recoveries, Remnants and Inter-Asian Interconnections: Decording Cultural Heritage. ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, pp. 105-159.
- Deeg, M. 2018. Die Illusion von Kontinuität - Buddhistische Regeln (Vinaya) als Übungswissen zwischen Normativität und Wandel. In: Stellmacher, A. and Renger, A. eds. Übungswissen in Religion und Philosophie: Produktion, Weitergabe, Wandel. LIT Verlag, pp. 207-224.
- Deeg, M. 2018. Die Strahlende Lehre: Die Stele von Xi'an. orientalia - patristica - oecumenica Vol. 12. Wien: Lit Verlag.
- Deeg, M. 2018. "Tis all here. A treasure locked". Unlocking the wonder house of the Chinese Buddhist travelogues. In: Prabha Ray, H. ed. Buddhism and Gandhara: An Archaeology of Museum Collections. Archaeology and Religion in South Asia London and New York: Routledge, pp. 47-69.
2017
- Deeg, M. 2017. Aśoka’s Dharma: An imaginary and historical model of good governance. In: Deegalle, M. ed. Justice and Statecraft., Vol. 1. Kelaniya, Sri Lanka: Nagananda International Buddhist University
2016
- Deeg, M. 2016. The Order of the dharma and the order of rulership: On the relationship between monastic community and worldy power in the history of Buddhism. Fruehmittelalteriche Studien - Jahrbuch des Instituts fuer Fruehmittelalterforschug der Universitaet Muenster 50(1), pp. 297-314. (10.1515/fmst-2016-0112)
- Deeg, M. 2016. Miscellanae Nepalicae: early Chinese reports on Nepal - The foundation legend of Nepal in its trans-Himalayan context. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute.
- Deeg, M. and Ning 宁, F. ?. 2016. “Chongu ‘biandi qingjie’: Han chuan fojiao zhong dui Yindu de zhujian rongshou” 重估“边地情结”：汉传佛教中对印度的逐渐容受 (“Borderland Complex” reloaded: coming to terms with India in Chinese Buddhism). In: Shen 沈, D. ?. and Sun 孙, Y. ?. eds. Zhongyin guanxi yanjiu de shiye yu qianjing 中印关系研究的视野与前景., Vol. 1. Shanghai: Fudan-daxua-chubanshe 负担大学出版社, pp. 65-76.
- Deeg, M. 2016. The political position of Xuanzang: the didactic creation of an Indian dynasty in the Xiyu ji. In: Juelch, T. ed. The Middle Kingdom and the Dharma Wheel: Aspects of the Relationship between the Buddhist Saṃgha and the State in Chinese History., Vol. 1. Sinica Leidensia Vol. 133. Leiden, Boston: Brill, pp. 94-139.
- Deeg, M. 2016. An anachronism in the stele of Xi’an – why Henanisho?. In: Tang, L. and Winkler, D. W. eds. Winds of Jingjiao: Studies on Syriac Christianity in China and Central Asia., Vol. 1. orientalia - patristica - oecumenica Vol. 9. Wien, Zuerich: LIT, pp. 243-251.
2015
- Deeg, M. 2015. Conversion and environment in East Asia - the case of Buddhism. In: Papconstantinou, A. and Schwartz, D. eds. Conversion in Late Antiquity: Christianity, Islam, and Beyond. Papers from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Sawyer Seminar, University of Oxford, 2009-2010. Routledge, pp. 267-279.
- Deeg, M. 2015. Writing times and spaces together - experiments to create an early Sino-Buddhist historiography. In: Deeg, M. and Scheid, B. eds. Religions in China. Major Concepts and Minority Positions. Sitzungsberichte Der Philosophisch-Historischen Klasse Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, pp. 29-49.
- Deeg, M. 2015. A Note on the place name “City of Royal Residence” (Wangshe-zhi-cheng 王舍之城) in the Xi’an Stele. In: Zhang 张, X. ?. and Li 李, Q. ?. eds. Lin Wushu xiansheng yu zhonggu sanyijiao yanjiu 林悟殊先生与中古三夷教研究., Vol. 1. Lanzhou: Lazhou-daxue-chubanshe 兰州大学出版社, pp. 338-358.
- Deeg, M. 2015. La littérature chrétienne orientale sous les Tang: un bref aperçu. In: Borbone, P. and Marsone, P. eds. Le christianisme syriaque en Asie centrale et en Chine., Vol. 1. Etudes syriaques Vol. 12. Paris: Geuthner, pp. 199-214.
- Deeg, M. and Scheid, B. eds. 2015. Religion in China: major concepts and minority positions. Beitraege zur Kultur- und Geistesgeschichte Asiens Vol. 85. Wien: Verlag der Oesterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften.
- Deeg, M. 2015. A note on the place name 'City of Royal Residence'? (Wangshe-zhi-cheng) in the Xi'an Stele. In: Zhang, X. and Li, Q. eds. Lin Wushu xiansheng yu zhonggu sanyijiao yanjiu. Lanzhou-daxue-chubanshe, pp. 338-358.
2014
- Deeg, M. and Cueppers, C. eds. 2014. Dharmayātra – Buddhist pilgrimage in time and space. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute.
- Deeg, M. 2014. Chinese Buddhists in search of authenticity in the Dharma. The Eastern Buddhist (New Series) 45(1&2), pp. 11-22., article number: 1.
- Deeg, M. 2014. Buddhist pilgrimage - an introduction. In: Deeg, M. and Cueppers, C. eds. Dharmay Ytra - Buddhist Pilgrimage in Time and Space. Lumbin International Research Institute, pp. 1-28.
- Deeg, M. 2014. When Peregrinus is not pilgrim: The Chinese Pilgrims records - a revision of literary genre and its context. In: Deeg, M. and Cueppers, C. eds. Dharmay Ytra: Buddhist Pilgrimage in Time and Space. Lumbin International Research Institute, pp. 65-95.
2013
- Deeg, M. 2013. Religiöse Identität durch Differenz und Abgrenzungsdiskurs als indirekte Anerkennung von Gemeinsamkeit: chinesisch-buddhistische Apologetik und ihr 'Religions' begriff. In: Schalk, P. and Deeg, M. eds. Religion in Asien? Studien zur Anwendbarkeit des Religionsbegriffes. Uppsala Universitet, pp. 203-224.
2012
- Deeg, M. 2012. Sthavira, Thera and 'Sthaviravada' in Chinese Buddhist Sources. In: Skilling, P., Carbine, J. A. and Cicu, C. eds. How Theravada is Theravada: Exploring Buddhist Identities. Chiang Mai, Thailand: Silkworm Books, pp. 129-162.
- Deeg, M. 2012. Aśoka: model ruler without name? Literature of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Presented at: International Conference on Aśoka and the Making of Modern India, New Delhi, India, 5-7 August 2009 Presented at Olivelle, P., Leoshko, J. and Ray, H. P. eds.Reimagining Aśoka: Memory and History. New Delhi: Oxford University Press pp. 362-379.
- Deeg, M. 2012. "Show me the land where the Buddha dwelled.." - Xuanzang's "Record of the Western Regions" (Xiyu ji): a misunderstood text. China Report 48(1-2), pp. 89-113. (10.1177/000944551104800205)
- Deeg, M. 2012. From scholarly object to religious text - the story of the Lotus-sutra in the West. The Journal of Oriental Studies 22, pp. 133-153.
2011
- Deeg, M. 2011. 41. Der Einsatz der Stimmen: Formation und Erschaffung des chinesischen buddhistischen Kanons: vom doppelten Kriterium der Authentizität. In: Deeg, M., Freiberger, O. and Kleine, C. eds. Kanonisierung und Kanonbildiung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte. Sitzungsberichte Der Philosophisch-Historischen Klasse Vol. 820. Vienna: Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, pp. 321-343.
- Deeg, M. 2011. 40. Von Sammlern und Schreibern. Kodifizierung und Kanonisierung in den asiatischen religiösen Traditionen. In: Luminati, M. et al. eds. Kanon und Kanonisierung: ein Schlüsselbegriff der Kulturwissenschaften im interdisziplinären Dialog. Text und Normativität Vol. 2. Basel: Schwabe Verlag, pp. 161-181.
- Deeg, M. 2011. Secular Buddhist lineages: The Śākyas and royal descendencies in local Buddhist legitimation strategies. Religions of South Asia 5(1-2), pp. 189-207. (10.1558/rosa.v5i1/2.189)
- Hegarty, J. 2011. Kirthan and Katha in the asa amdesa (song and story in the land of hope and fear): Narratives of the life of Guru Nanak as canonical commentary in the Sikh panth. In: Deeg, M. and Freiberger, O. eds. Kanonisierung und Kanonbildung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte. Osterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, pp. 131-160.
2010
- Deeg, M. 2010. Why is the Buddha riding on an elephant? The Bodhisattva's conception and the change of motive. Presented at: "The Birth of the Buddha" Seminar, Lumbini, Nepal, October 2004 Presented at Deeg, M., Cüppers, C. and Durt, H. eds.The Birth of the Buddha: Proceedings of the Seminar Held in Lumbini, Nepal, October 2004, Vol. 1. LIRI Seminar Proceedings Series Vol. 3. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute pp. 93-127.
2009
- Deeg, M. 2009. From the iron-wheel to Bodhisattvahood: Asoka in Buddhist culture and memory. Presented at: International Symposium on Aśoka, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA, 4 February 2006 Presented at Olivelle, P. ed.Asoka: In History and Historical Memory, Vol. 1. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers pp. 109-144.
- Deeg, M. ed. 2009. Das Lotos-Sūtra. 2nd ed.. [Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra].Deeg, M. Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft.
2008
- Deeg, M. 2008. Introduction. Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 31(1-2), pp. 79-82.
- Deeg, M. 2008. Creating religious terminology - A comparative approach to the Early Chinese translations. Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 31(1-2), pp. 83-118.
2007
- Deeg, M. 2007. Das Lotos-Sūtra. Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft.
- Deeg, M. 2007. The rhetoric of antiquity: politico-religious propaganda in the Nestorian stele of Chang'an. Journal for Late Antique Religion and Culture 1, pp. 17-30. (10.18573/j.2007.10291)
- Deeg, M. and Schmidt-Glintzer, H. 2007. Das Lotos-Sutra. Ãœbersetzt von Max Deeg. Mit einer Einleitung von Max Deeg und Helwig Schmidt-Glintzer. Darmstadt: WBG (Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft).
2006
- Deeg, M. 2006. Aryan national religion(s) and the criticism of asceticism and quietism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In: Oliver, F. ed. Asceticism and its Critics: Historical Accounts and Comparative Perspectives. Oxford University Press, pp. 61-87.
2005
- Deeg, M. 2005. Das Gaoseng-Faxian-Zhuan als religionsgeschichtliche Quelle. Der älteste Bericht eines chinesischen buddhistischen Pilgermönchs über seine Reise nach Indien mit Übersetzung des Textes. Studies in Oriental Religions Vol. 52. Harrassowitz Verlag.
2003
- Deeg, M. 2003. The places where Siddhartha trod: Lumbini and Kapilavastu. Lumbini International Research Institute, Occasional Papers Vol. 3. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute.
Articles
- Deeg, M. 2023. “Once upon a time”—so what? The importance of place in Buddhist narratives. Religions 14(6), article number: 690. (10.3390/rel14060690)
- Deeg, M. 2022. The Buddha in the 'Wild West': The localization of Jatakas in Gandhara and the Ramayana. Religions of South Asia 16(2-3), pp. 220-248. (10.1558/rosa.24402)
- Deeg, M. 2021. Indian regional nāga cults and individual nāga stories in Chinese Buddhist travelogues. Acta Asiatica Varsoviensia 34, pp. 51-78.
- Deeg, M. 2020. The brilliant teaching: Iranian Christians in Tang China and their identity. Entangled Religions 11(6), pp. 1-13. (10.46586/er.11.2020.8674)
- Deeg, M. 2019. Indian law from a seventh century Chinese Buddhist perspective. Bulletin de l'Ecole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient 105, pp. 145-178.
- Deeg, M. 2018. The historical turn: How Chinese Buddhist travelogues changed Western perception of Buddhism. Hualin Journal of International Buddhist Studies 1(1), pp. 43-75. (10.15239/hijbs.01.01.02)
- Deeg, M. 2016. The Order of the dharma and the order of rulership: On the relationship between monastic community and worldy power in the history of Buddhism. Fruehmittelalteriche Studien - Jahrbuch des Instituts fuer Fruehmittelalterforschug der Universitaet Muenster 50(1), pp. 297-314. (10.1515/fmst-2016-0112)
- Deeg, M. 2014. Chinese Buddhists in search of authenticity in the Dharma. The Eastern Buddhist (New Series) 45(1&2), pp. 11-22., article number: 1.
- Deeg, M. 2012. "Show me the land where the Buddha dwelled.." - Xuanzang's "Record of the Western Regions" (Xiyu ji): a misunderstood text. China Report 48(1-2), pp. 89-113. (10.1177/000944551104800205)
- Deeg, M. 2012. From scholarly object to religious text - the story of the Lotus-sutra in the West. The Journal of Oriental Studies 22, pp. 133-153.
- Deeg, M. 2011. Secular Buddhist lineages: The Śākyas and royal descendencies in local Buddhist legitimation strategies. Religions of South Asia 5(1-2), pp. 189-207. (10.1558/rosa.v5i1/2.189)
- Deeg, M. 2008. Introduction. Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 31(1-2), pp. 79-82.
- Deeg, M. 2008. Creating religious terminology - A comparative approach to the Early Chinese translations. Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 31(1-2), pp. 83-118.
- Deeg, M. 2007. The rhetoric of antiquity: politico-religious propaganda in the Nestorian stele of Chang'an. Journal for Late Antique Religion and Culture 1, pp. 17-30. (10.18573/j.2007.10291)
Book sections
- Deeg, M. 2024. The Christian communities in Tang China: Between adaptation and religious self-identity. In: Doney, L. et al. eds. Buddhism in Central Asia III: Impacts of Non-Buddhist Influences, Doctrines., Vol. 14. Dynamics in the History of Religions, Brill, pp. 123-144., (10.1163/9789004687288_006)
- Deeg, M. 2024. Naked heretics: On the representation of Jains in Chinese Buddhist texts. In: Jinhua, C. ed. From Jetavana to Jerusalem: Sacred Biography in Asian Perspectives and Beyond, Essays in Honour of Professor Phyllis Granoff. World Scholastic, pp. 718-754.
- Deeg, M. 2024. In search of a lost version: The problem of the Indian template of "Barlaam and Josaphat" and Its transmission. In: Ducoeur, G. and Tardieu, M. eds. Barlaam and Josaphat in History of Religions: Actes du colloque international (23 - 24 Mai 2023). Strasbourg: Université de Strasbourg, pp. 93-118.
- Deeg, M. 2023. Transcending space: Buddhist travelogues across cultural and other borders. In: Freudenberg, M. et al. eds. Stepping Back and Looking Ahead: Twelve Years of Studying Religious Contact at the Käte Hamburger Kolleg Bochum., Vol. 13. Dynamics in the History of Religions Brill, pp. 62-91., (10.1163/9789004549319_004)
- Deeg, M. 2023. Yijing. In: The Encyclopedia of Ancient History: Asia and Africa. , (10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00535)
- Deeg, M. 2023. Faxian. In: The Encyclopedia of Ancient History: Asia and Africa. , (10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00534)
- Deeg, M. 2023. Xuanzang. In: The Encyclopedia of Ancient History: Asia and Africa. Wiley Online Library, (10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00533)
- Deeg, M. 2023. From trust in the Buddha to the belief in the One God: xin 信 as a Buddhist, Manichaean and Christian concept in early medieval China. In: Meyer, C. and Clart, P. eds. From Trustworthiness to Secular Belief: Changing Concepts of xin 信 from Traditional to Modern Chinese. Brill, pp. 227-245., (10.1163/9789004533004_011)
- Deeg, M. 2023. From trust in the Buddha to the belief in the one God: xin ? as a Buddhist, Manichaean and Christian concept in Early Medieval China. In: Meyer, C. and Clart, P. eds. From Trustworthiness to Secular Belief: Changing Concepts of xin ? from Traditional to Modern Chinese. Brill, pp. 227-245.
- Deeg, M. 2022. A Chinese ‘Hitopadeśa’ – or: a ruler’s mirror: The didactic aspects of the "Da Tang Xiyu Ji". In: Chen, J. ed. Transmission of Buddhism in Asia and Beyond. Essays in Memory of Antonino Forte (1940-2006). World Scholastic Publishers, pp. 111-165.
- Deeg, M. 2022. A Chinese 'Hitopadesa' - Or: a ruler's mirror: The didactic aspects of the Da Tang Xiyu ji. In: Chen, J. ed. Transmission of Buddhism in Asia and Beyond - Essays in Memory of Antonino Forte (1940-2006). Hualin Series on Buddhist Studies Vol. 4. Singapore: World Scholastic Publishers, pp. 111-165.
- Deeg, M. 2022. An uncivilized empire – Xuanzang on Persia. In: Mikkelsen, G. B. and Parry, K. eds. Byzantium to China: Religion, History and Culture on the Silk Roads: Studies in the Honour of Samuel N.C. Lieu., Vol. 1. Texts and Studies in Eastern Christianity Vol. 25. Leiden, Boston: Brill, pp. 115-131.
- Deeg, M. 2022. An unromantic approach: Dhyānagupta’s (aka Jñānagupta) Fo-benxing-ji-jing. In: Konczak-Nagel, I., Hiyama, S. and Klein, A. eds. Connecting the Art, Literature, and Religion of South and Central Asia – Studies in Honour of Monika Zin., Vol. 1. Delhi: Dev Publishers & Contributors, pp. 61-71.
- Deeg, M. 2022. Between normativity and material emptiness: Indian Buddhist monasteries and the Chinese Buddhist travelogues. In: Singh, A., Shimada, A. and Morrissey, N. eds. On the Regional Development of Early Medieval Buddhist Monasteries in South Asia., Vol. 1. RINDAS Series of Working Papers Vol. 34. Kyoto: The Center for South Asian Studies, Ryukoku University, pp. 89-129.
- Deeg, M. 2021. Messiah rediscovered: some philological notes on the so-called ‘Jesus the Messiah Sutra’. In: Lieu, S. N. and Thompson, G. L. eds. The Church of the East in Central Asia and China., Vol. 1. China and the Mediterranean World Vol. 1. Turnhout: Brepols Publisher, pp. 111-119.
- Deeg, M. 2020. Describing the own other: Chinese Buddhist travelogues between literary tropes and educational narratives. In: Bisshop, P. and Cecil, E. A. eds. Primary Sources and Asian Pasts., Vol. 1. Beyond Boundaries Vol. 8. Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, pp. 129-151.
- Deeg, M. 2020. Looking from the periphery: some additional thoughts on Yulin Cave 3. In: Meinert, C. and Sorensen, H. eds. Buddhism in Central Asia I., Vol. 11. Dynamics in the History of Religions Brill, pp. 230-243., (10.1163/9789004417731_011)
- Deeg, M. 2019. Tīrthikāḥ hantavyāḥ – Zu “häresiologischen” Diskursen in buddhistischen Quellen. In: Deeg, M., Freiberger, O. and Kleine, C. eds. Religionsbegegnung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte: Kritische Reflexionen über ein etabliertes Konzept., Vol. 1. Critical Studies in Religion / Religionswissenschaft Vol. 12. Goettingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, pp. 103-127.
- Deeg, M. 2019. Beyond World Heritage: Lumbini - the creation of a more meaningful site?. In: Ray, H. P. ed. Decolonising Heritage in South Asia: The Global, the National and the Transnational. Abingdon and New York: Routledge, pp. 178-194.
- Deeg, M. 2019. Many biographies - multiple individualities: the identities of the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang. In: Fuchs, M. et al. eds. Religious Individualisation: Historical Dimensions and Comparative Perspectives. De Gruyter, pp. 913-937., (10.1515/9783110580853)
- Deeg, M. 2018. Along the Silk Road: From Aleppo to Chang'an. In: Baker-Brian, N. J. and Lossl, J. eds. A Companion to Religion in Late Antiquity. Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 233-253.
- Deeg, M. 2018. Wailing for identity: topical and poetic expressions of cultural belonging in Chinese Buddhist literature. In: Heirman, A. ed. Identity and Network: Exchange Relations between China and the World. Brill, pp. 227-252.
- Deeg, M. 2018. The spread of Buddhist culture to China between the Third and Seventh Century. In: Di Cosmo, N. and Maas, M. eds. Empires and Exchanges in Eurasian Late Antiquity: Rome, China, Iran, and the Steppe, ca. 250-750. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 220-234.
- Deeg, M. 2018. Setting the "records" straight: Textual sources on Nland and their historical value. In: Sharma, A. ed. Record, Recoveries, Remnants and Inter-Asian Interconnections: Decording Cultural Heritage. ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, pp. 105-159.
- Deeg, M. 2018. Die Illusion von Kontinuität - Buddhistische Regeln (Vinaya) als Übungswissen zwischen Normativität und Wandel. In: Stellmacher, A. and Renger, A. eds. Übungswissen in Religion und Philosophie: Produktion, Weitergabe, Wandel. LIT Verlag, pp. 207-224.
- Deeg, M. 2018. "Tis all here. A treasure locked". Unlocking the wonder house of the Chinese Buddhist travelogues. In: Prabha Ray, H. ed. Buddhism and Gandhara: An Archaeology of Museum Collections. Archaeology and Religion in South Asia London and New York: Routledge, pp. 47-69.
- Deeg, M. 2017. Aśoka’s Dharma: An imaginary and historical model of good governance. In: Deegalle, M. ed. Justice and Statecraft., Vol. 1. Kelaniya, Sri Lanka: Nagananda International Buddhist University
- Deeg, M. and Ning 宁, F. ?. 2016. “Chongu ‘biandi qingjie’: Han chuan fojiao zhong dui Yindu de zhujian rongshou” 重估“边地情结”：汉传佛教中对印度的逐渐容受 (“Borderland Complex” reloaded: coming to terms with India in Chinese Buddhism). In: Shen 沈, D. ?. and Sun 孙, Y. ?. eds. Zhongyin guanxi yanjiu de shiye yu qianjing 中印关系研究的视野与前景., Vol. 1. Shanghai: Fudan-daxua-chubanshe 负担大学出版社, pp. 65-76.
- Deeg, M. 2016. The political position of Xuanzang: the didactic creation of an Indian dynasty in the Xiyu ji. In: Juelch, T. ed. The Middle Kingdom and the Dharma Wheel: Aspects of the Relationship between the Buddhist Saṃgha and the State in Chinese History., Vol. 1. Sinica Leidensia Vol. 133. Leiden, Boston: Brill, pp. 94-139.
- Deeg, M. 2016. An anachronism in the stele of Xi’an – why Henanisho?. In: Tang, L. and Winkler, D. W. eds. Winds of Jingjiao: Studies on Syriac Christianity in China and Central Asia., Vol. 1. orientalia - patristica - oecumenica Vol. 9. Wien, Zuerich: LIT, pp. 243-251.
- Deeg, M. 2015. Conversion and environment in East Asia - the case of Buddhism. In: Papconstantinou, A. and Schwartz, D. eds. Conversion in Late Antiquity: Christianity, Islam, and Beyond. Papers from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Sawyer Seminar, University of Oxford, 2009-2010. Routledge, pp. 267-279.
- Deeg, M. 2015. Writing times and spaces together - experiments to create an early Sino-Buddhist historiography. In: Deeg, M. and Scheid, B. eds. Religions in China. Major Concepts and Minority Positions. Sitzungsberichte Der Philosophisch-Historischen Klasse Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, pp. 29-49.
- Deeg, M. 2015. A Note on the place name “City of Royal Residence” (Wangshe-zhi-cheng 王舍之城) in the Xi’an Stele. In: Zhang 张, X. ?. and Li 李, Q. ?. eds. Lin Wushu xiansheng yu zhonggu sanyijiao yanjiu 林悟殊先生与中古三夷教研究., Vol. 1. Lanzhou: Lazhou-daxue-chubanshe 兰州大学出版社, pp. 338-358.
- Deeg, M. 2015. La littérature chrétienne orientale sous les Tang: un bref aperçu. In: Borbone, P. and Marsone, P. eds. Le christianisme syriaque en Asie centrale et en Chine., Vol. 1. Etudes syriaques Vol. 12. Paris: Geuthner, pp. 199-214.
- Deeg, M. 2015. A note on the place name 'City of Royal Residence'? (Wangshe-zhi-cheng) in the Xi'an Stele. In: Zhang, X. and Li, Q. eds. Lin Wushu xiansheng yu zhonggu sanyijiao yanjiu. Lanzhou-daxue-chubanshe, pp. 338-358.
- Deeg, M. 2014. Buddhist pilgrimage - an introduction. In: Deeg, M. and Cueppers, C. eds. Dharmay Ytra - Buddhist Pilgrimage in Time and Space. Lumbin International Research Institute, pp. 1-28.
- Deeg, M. 2014. When Peregrinus is not pilgrim: The Chinese Pilgrims records - a revision of literary genre and its context. In: Deeg, M. and Cueppers, C. eds. Dharmay Ytra: Buddhist Pilgrimage in Time and Space. Lumbin International Research Institute, pp. 65-95.
- Deeg, M. 2013. Religiöse Identität durch Differenz und Abgrenzungsdiskurs als indirekte Anerkennung von Gemeinsamkeit: chinesisch-buddhistische Apologetik und ihr 'Religions' begriff. In: Schalk, P. and Deeg, M. eds. Religion in Asien? Studien zur Anwendbarkeit des Religionsbegriffes. Uppsala Universitet, pp. 203-224.
- Deeg, M. 2012. Sthavira, Thera and 'Sthaviravada' in Chinese Buddhist Sources. In: Skilling, P., Carbine, J. A. and Cicu, C. eds. How Theravada is Theravada: Exploring Buddhist Identities. Chiang Mai, Thailand: Silkworm Books, pp. 129-162.
- Deeg, M. 2011. 41. Der Einsatz der Stimmen: Formation und Erschaffung des chinesischen buddhistischen Kanons: vom doppelten Kriterium der Authentizität. In: Deeg, M., Freiberger, O. and Kleine, C. eds. Kanonisierung und Kanonbildiung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte. Sitzungsberichte Der Philosophisch-Historischen Klasse Vol. 820. Vienna: Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, pp. 321-343.
- Deeg, M. 2011. 40. Von Sammlern und Schreibern. Kodifizierung und Kanonisierung in den asiatischen religiösen Traditionen. In: Luminati, M. et al. eds. Kanon und Kanonisierung: ein Schlüsselbegriff der Kulturwissenschaften im interdisziplinären Dialog. Text und Normativität Vol. 2. Basel: Schwabe Verlag, pp. 161-181.
- Hegarty, J. 2011. Kirthan and Katha in the asa amdesa (song and story in the land of hope and fear): Narratives of the life of Guru Nanak as canonical commentary in the Sikh panth. In: Deeg, M. and Freiberger, O. eds. Kanonisierung und Kanonbildung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte. Osterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, pp. 131-160.
- Deeg, M. 2006. Aryan national religion(s) and the criticism of asceticism and quietism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In: Oliver, F. ed. Asceticism and its Critics: Historical Accounts and Comparative Perspectives. Oxford University Press, pp. 61-87.
Books
- Deeg, M., Freiberger, O. and Kleine, C. eds. 2019. Religionsbegegnung in der asiatischen Religionsgeschichte: Kritische Reflexionen über ein etabliertes Konzept. Critical Studies in Religion / Religionswissenschaft Vol. 12. Goettingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.
- Deeg, M. 2018. Die Strahlende Lehre: Die Stele von Xi'an. orientalia - patristica - oecumenica Vol. 12. Wien: Lit Verlag.
- Deeg, M. 2016. Miscellanae Nepalicae: early Chinese reports on Nepal - The foundation legend of Nepal in its trans-Himalayan context. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute.
- Deeg, M. and Scheid, B. eds. 2015. Religion in China: major concepts and minority positions. Beitraege zur Kultur- und Geistesgeschichte Asiens Vol. 85. Wien: Verlag der Oesterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften.
- Deeg, M. and Cueppers, C. eds. 2014. Dharmayātra – Buddhist pilgrimage in time and space. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute.
- Deeg, M. ed. 2009. Das Lotos-Sūtra. 2nd ed.. [Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra].Deeg, M. Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft.
- Deeg, M. 2007. Das Lotos-Sūtra. Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft.
- Deeg, M. and Schmidt-Glintzer, H. 2007. Das Lotos-Sutra. Ãœbersetzt von Max Deeg. Mit einer Einleitung von Max Deeg und Helwig Schmidt-Glintzer. Darmstadt: WBG (Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft).
- Deeg, M. 2005. Das Gaoseng-Faxian-Zhuan als religionsgeschichtliche Quelle. Der älteste Bericht eines chinesischen buddhistischen Pilgermönchs über seine Reise nach Indien mit Übersetzung des Textes. Studies in Oriental Religions Vol. 52. Harrassowitz Verlag.
- Deeg, M. 2003. The places where Siddhartha trod: Lumbini and Kapilavastu. Lumbini International Research Institute, Occasional Papers Vol. 3. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute.
Conferences
- Deeg, M. 2012. Aśoka: model ruler without name? Literature of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Presented at: International Conference on Aśoka and the Making of Modern India, New Delhi, India, 5-7 August 2009 Presented at Olivelle, P., Leoshko, J. and Ray, H. P. eds.Reimagining Aśoka: Memory and History. New Delhi: Oxford University Press pp. 362-379.
- Deeg, M. 2010. Why is the Buddha riding on an elephant? The Bodhisattva's conception and the change of motive. Presented at: "The Birth of the Buddha" Seminar, Lumbini, Nepal, October 2004 Presented at Deeg, M., Cüppers, C. and Durt, H. eds.The Birth of the Buddha: Proceedings of the Seminar Held in Lumbini, Nepal, October 2004, Vol. 1. LIRI Seminar Proceedings Series Vol. 3. Lumbini: Lumbini International Research Institute pp. 93-127.
- Deeg, M. 2009. From the iron-wheel to Bodhisattvahood: Asoka in Buddhist culture and memory. Presented at: International Symposium on Aśoka, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA, 4 February 2006 Presented at Olivelle, P. ed.Asoka: In History and Historical Memory, Vol. 1. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers pp. 109-144.
- Deeg, M. 2008. Creating religious terminology - A comparative approach to the Early Chinese translations. Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 31(1-2), pp. 83-118.
Research
I am currently working on one major project: An English translation and extensive commentary of the travelogue Datang Xiyu ji ("Record of the Western Regions of the Great Tang") by the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang (7th century). This includes collaboration (as one of two PIs) on the research project "The Xuanzang Trail" with the Bihar Heritage Development Society (Patna, India) which explores archaeological sites linked to the travelogue Datang Xiyu ji. I am also working on Chinese inscriptions originating from Bodhgaya (Bihar) and on biographies of the Buddha.
Teaching
Undergraduate
- Origins and Legacies (on Buddhism)
- What is Religion?
- Saviours and Salvation in the Religions of Asia
Postgraduate
I accept PhD students with an interest in a wide range of topics from Buddhist studies with the respective language skills (Sanskrit, Pali, Chinese, Japanese).
Biography
Education and qualifications
M.A., Dr.Phil., Dr.Phil.Habil., University Professor (Vienna), Professor (Chair, Cardiff).
Career overview
June 1986 -Magister Artium / M.A. in Germanic and Scandinavian Philology, German Linguistics and Indology.
1986-1987 - Language scholarship of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Kyoto-Nihongo-gakkō, Kyoto, Japan.
From 1987 - Ph.D. course in the subjects Indology, Japanese Studies, History of Religions; simultaneously instructor for Sanskrit, Institute of Indo-European Studies und Indology of the University of Würz-burg.
June 1990 - Dr. phil. in the subjects Indololgy (major), Japanese Studies, History of Religions (minors).
1990-1991 - German language teacher, German-Culture-Institute and Language Institute of the Military Academy, Taibei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
1991 / 1992 - Lecturer for Sanskrit and Japanese, Institute of Indo-European Studies and Indology, University of Würzburg.
1992-1997 - Lecturer for German Language and Culture (DAAD / German Academic Exchange Service), University of Nagoya, Japan; research activities in the field of Indian and Buddhist Studies.
1994-95 - Lecturer for Vedic Sanskrit at the „Department of Indian Philosophy", University of Nagoya.
1997-2001 - Lecturer at the Institute for Comparative History of Religions, University of Würzburg, Germany.
July 1998 - Academic degree of Dr.phil.habil. (professoral degree) for Religious Studies (Religionswissenschaft) of the Philosophical Faculty III, University of Würzburg.
March 1999 - Appointment to Privatdozent (full professoral permission of academic teaching and examination); various courses on different aspects of Buddhism and Indian Religions.
1998-99 - Visiting research fellow, International College for Advanced Buddhist Studies / International Institute for Buddhist Studies, Tokyo, Japan (October / November 1998 and February / March 1999).
1999-2001 - Research project „Die chinesischen Nestorianica - Übersetzung und Studie" („The Chinese Nestorianica (of the Tang-Period) - A Translation and Study of the Texts"), funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foun-dation).
January / February 2001 - Visiting researcher, LIRI (Lumbini International Research Institute), Nepal, research project: „Ka-pilavastu and Lumbini: The Chinese Texts and the Archaeological and Geographical Evidence" (with support of and in collaboration with Prof. Giuseppe Verardi, University of Napoli, Italy, archaeologist working in the area).
2001-2002 - Principal researcher on the DFG-project "Norm and practice in Medieval Indian Buddhism", University of Leipzig.
December 2001 - Visiting lecturer, Institute for Asian Languages, University of Beijing.
2002-2006 - Full professor for Religious Studies (Chair), Faculty of Protestant Theology, University of Vienna.
February 2003 - Visiting Fellow, Jinbun-kagaku-kenkyūjo, Kyoto University (host: Dr. Tōru Funayama), Kyoto, Japan.
2004 / 2005 - Research project at the LIRI (Lumbini Interna-tional Research Institute), Nepal, research project: "Chinese Sources on Nepal – Trans-Himalayan Buddhist Founding Legends".
2005 - Visiting Professor, Kyoto University, Japan.
From 2006 - Senior Lecturer / Reader for Buddhist Studies, School of Religious and Theological Studies, Cardiff University, Wales UK.
August 2008 - Short-time Research Fellow of the Department of Chinese Linguistics, Beijing University.
From 2009 - Promotion to Personal Chair; Head of School of the School of Religious and Theological Studies and (since 2010) Head of Department, Department of Religious and Theological Studies, School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Director of the Centre for the History of Religion in Asia (CHRA), Cardiff University
January 2009 / January 2010 - Research project at the LIRI, Nepal (together with Dr. Tibor Porcio, Szeged, Hungary), "A synoptic edition of the Sitātapātra-Dhāraṇī".
August 2010-January 2011 - Ad hoc fellow at the Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR), Harvard University (during a Cardiff sabbatical)
September 2015-January 2016 - Scholar in Residence, Nalanda University, Rajgir, India
February 2016-August 2016 - Fellow, Max Weber Kolleg, University of Erfurt, Germany
September 2016-July 2017 - Fellow, Kaete Hamburger Kolleg, CERES, University of Bochum, Germany
September 2020-August 2021 - Grantee of the Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies (Translation Project "Record of the Western Regions")
Supervisions
History and Textual History of Indian and Chinese Buddhism
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Asian Studies
- buddhism
- China
- Indian languages
- Asian history
