Jimmy Yu

Jimmy Yu is the Sheng Yen Associate Professor of Chinese Buddhism and Religion at Florida State University's Department of Religion (part of the College of Arts and Sciences). He holds a Ph.D. in Asian Religions from Princeton University (2008). His research focuses on Chinese Buddhist history (1100–1800), Chan/Zen studies, and bodily rituals in East Asian religions. He teaches courses on Chinese and Japanese religious traditions, including Buddhism, Daoism, and Shintō.

Yu serves as Editor of the Journal of Chinese Buddhist Studies and Series Editor for the Sheng Yen Series in Chinese Buddhist Studies (Columbia University Press). He advises the Chung-Hwa Institute's Buddhist Studies fellowships for graduate students. His publications include Sanctity and Self-Inflicted Violence in Chinese Religions (1500–1700) (Oxford UP) and Reimagining Chan Buddhism (Routledge). He has presented globally at venues like the American Academy of Religion and Oxford Symposium on Religious Studies.

• Education: Princeton University (Ph.D. 2008), University of Kansas (MA 2002)
• Editorial Roles: Journal of Chinese Buddhist Studies, Journal of Religion and Violence
• Key Interests: Chan/Zen lineage formation, religious violence, and embodied religious practices

Yu oversees graduate studies in East Asian Buddhist Studies and mentors students through the Dharma Drum tradition. His work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary Buddhist praxis, emphasizing Chan's doctrinal and ritual innovations.