Known as the “Happy Gathering,” this conference draws participation from senior scholars while also welcoming younger members. Held in Guangzhou this year and Shanghai last year, this session saw over 70 attendees—the largest turnout in recent years. It reunited us with friends long unseen, connected us with esteemed senior scholars, and introduced us to promising young researchers. Though limited time was allocated for formal discussions, the opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas, and offer mutual support proved invaluable.
1. Everyone expressed the challenges of religious studies;
2. The research directions of acquaintances remained largely unchanged;
3. Many scholars were “forced” to shift toward applied research (think tanks);
4. Senior scholars retained their distinguished presence, reminding us to broaden research and prepare for multiple avenues;
5. Introductions of JRCC and JSRH demonstrated the effectiveness of mass invitations.
