Edward A. S. Ross

My PhD dissertation project focused on the daily religious life of people in Hellenistic Central Asia, particularly Hellenistic Bactria. I look at how a wide variety of different religious practices from a variety of cultural origins co-existed in these religious spaces.

The recent discovery of Buddha statues in Roman Egypt inspired my research into the evidence for Buddhist activity in the Mediterranean. I explore archaeological evidence from both land and sea-based travel routes to see how the presence of Buddhist practitioners manifests.

I am currently researching how generative AI tools, like ChatGPT and Midjourney, can be ethically used to support teaching and learning in ancient world studies. This involves testing the source bases of the software and developing accessible tutorials for teachers, students, and the wider public.

I am an avid collector of proselytizing paraphernalia from all forms of traditional and new religious movements. My interest lies in how current religious or spiritual groups introduce people to their beliefs and practices.

My research into Buddhist life in North America is largely restricted to Rinzai Zen groups in the eastern United States. In particular, I look at the persistence and evolution of ritual practices within these communities.

I have a particular interest in the ancient instances of Buddhist self-sacrifice appearing in Chinese hagiographies. These stories demonstrate a complex reception of religious actions within the Buddhist context.