The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) will host a seminar titled “The Mystique of Buddhism in the Oeuvre of Nikos Kazantzakis” on Thursday, 8 May, at the Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne).
Religion is one of the most prominent themes in the works of Kazantzakis – not only Western religion, but also Eastern traditions, particularly Buddhism.
Vassilis Adrahtas, convenor of Greek Studies at UNSW and subject coordinator of Islamic Studies at WSU, will explore Kazantzakis’ personal spiritual fascination with Buddhist traditions, ideas, and practices.
The most compelling conclusion of this exploration is not merely the abundance of Kazantzakis’ references to Buddhism, but rather the subtle, creative, and ingenious ways in which he interwove Buddhist and non-Buddhist hierophanic forms.
