Pacific World Establishes Blind Peer Review Process, Moves Online

Pacific World is an anonymous peer-reviewed journal that publishes English-language scholarship in Buddhist studies across all Buddhist traditions past and present, particularly Jōdo Shinshū, using a variety of academic methodologies (such as historical, textual, critical, and ethnographic approaches). Pacific World is devoted to making this scholarly research available to both academic and lay readers. Current and past issues of Pacific World are available online and free of charge thanks to the generous support of BDK America.

Three significant changes have been made in our Fourth Series commencing with the 2020 issue.

First, the journal has converted to an exclusively online format. Because of this format, Pacific World is able to publish articles on a rolling basis rather than annually. Articles appear online as soon as review and editing processes are complete.

A second important change is the establishment of a blind peer review system. Submissions are sent for review to two members of the Editorial Committee and Editorial Advisory Board with relevant expertise. Articles are evaluated via blind peer review using a standard rubric based on the following: (1) Does the submission offer a unique contribution to the field of Buddhist studies? (2) Is it a good “fit” for the journal? (3) Is the paper organized, its claims both well developed and articulated with clarity?(4) Are the arguments both academically sound and sufficiently supported with appropriate scholarly references?

Third, there have been changes in staffing and organization. Dr. Richard K. Payne, who has guided the journal and served as Editor for more than twenty years, has stepped up to the role of the Chair of the Editorial Committee. We are grateful for his continued guidance and dedication to the journal’s academic excellence. Dr. Natalie Fisk Quli now serves as Senior Editor and Editorial Committee member, managing the process of submission reviews and providing copyediting. Thomas Calobrisi is the journal’s Book Review Editor in charge of gathering and editing scholarly reviews and also serves on the Editorial Committee. Finally, the Editorial Committee now enjoys the expertise of Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst and Dr. Scott A. Mitchell, former Book Review Editor.

The Editorial Advisory Board is composed of professional scholars in the field of Buddhist studies:

Anne Blackburn, Cornell University

Courtney Bruntz, Doane University

Melissa Curley, Ohio State University

Gil Fronsdal, Institute of Buddhist Studies

David Gray, Santa Clara University

Maria Heim, Amherst College

Hsiao-lan Hu, University of Detroit Mercy

David McMahan, Franklin and Marshall College

Lori Meeks, University of Southern California

Eisho Nasu, Ryukoku University

Elizabeth Ørberg, University of Copenhagen

Aaron Proffitt, State University of New York, Albany

Cristina Rocha, Western Sydney University

Brooke Schedneck, Rhodes College

Daniel Veidlinger, California State University, Chico

Pamela Winfield, Elon University

Submissions should be directed to natalie@shin-ibs.edu. Book reviews may be sent to tcalobrisi@shin-ibs.edu.