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Secularizing Buddhism: New Perspectives on a Dynamic Tradition
A timely essay collection on the development and influence of secular expressions of Buddhism in the West and beyond.
How do secular values impact Buddhism in the modern world? What versions of Buddhism are being transmitted to the West? Is it possible to know whether an interpretation of the Buddha’s words is correct?
In this new essay collection, opposing ideas that often define Buddhist communities—secular versus religious, modern versus traditional, Western versus Eastern—are unpacked and critically examined. These reflections by contemporary scholars and practitioners reveal the dynamic process of reinterpreting and reimagining Buddhism in secular contexts, from the mindfulness movement to Buddhist shrine displays in museums, to whether rebirth is an essential belief.
This collection explores a wide range of modern understandings of Buddhism—whether it is considered a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle choice—and questions if secular Buddhism is purely a Western invention, offering a timely contribution to an ever-evolving discussion.
Contributors include Bhikkhu Bodhi, Kate Crosby, Gil Fronsdal, Kathleen Gregory, Funie Hsu, Roger R. Jackson, Charles B. Jones, David L. McMahan, Richard K. Payne, Ron Purser, Sarah Shaw, Philippe Turenne, and Pamela D. Winfield.
How do secular values impact Buddhism in the modern world? What versions of Buddhism are being transmitted to the West? Is it possible to know whether an interpretation of the Buddha’s words is correct?
In this new essay collection, opposing ideas that often define Buddhist communities—secular versus religious, modern versus traditional, Western versus Eastern—are unpacked and critically examined. These reflections by contemporary scholars and practitioners reveal the dynamic process of reinterpreting and reimagining Buddhism in secular contexts, from the mindfulness movement to Buddhist shrine displays in museums, to whether rebirth is an essential belief.
This collection explores a wide range of modern understandings of Buddhism—whether it is considered a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle choice—and questions if secular Buddhism is purely a Western invention, offering a timely contribution to an ever-evolving discussion.
Contributors include Bhikkhu Bodhi, Kate Crosby, Gil Fronsdal, Kathleen Gregory, Funie Hsu, Roger R. Jackson, Charles B. Jones, David L. McMahan, Richard K. Payne, Ron Purser, Sarah Shaw, Philippe Turenne, and Pamela D. Winfield.
360 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 26, 2023
Є такі книги, які приходять вчасно не лише через науку, дослідження і статті, а власне як відповідь на запит щодо певного культурного феномену.
Цього разу мені пощастило дізнатися більше, глибше і краще про секулярний буддизм. Ті інтуїтивні застереження, які мав, читаючи профільних апологетів секуляризації буддизму, тут знаходять своє підгрунтя, пояснення і опору на дослідження реальних культурних середовищ, а не спекуляції щодо вигаданих конструктів у дискурсах влади.
Гарне дослідження. Цікавий колектив авторів, різні позиції і тези, але загалом текст добре підсумовується висновковим розділом.
Цього разу мені пощастило дізнатися більше, глибше і краще про секулярний буддизм. Ті інтуїтивні застереження, які мав, читаючи профільних апологетів секуляризації буддизму, тут знаходять своє підгрунтя, пояснення і опору на дослідження реальних культурних середовищ, а не спекуляції щодо вигаданих конструктів у дискурсах влади.
Гарне дослідження. Цікавий колектив авторів, різні позиції і тези, але загалом текст добре підсумовується висновковим розділом.
November 15, 2022
A fascinating, nuanced consideration of the long term processes of secularization going on in and around Buddhism. Lots of interesting perspectives here, including some juicy disagreements.
September 13, 2024
A wonderful anthology revealing the far and near enemies that arise in the process of secularizing the tradition. Namely, colonialism, neoliberalism and other white-centric worldviews.
The implications explored in this book does not only apply to Buddhism but also can be observed in secularizing across other contexts too.
Quoting from Chenxing Han’s review of the book:
“Readers may well discover themselves to be both more and less secular than they once assumed.”
It was definitely the case for me!
The implications explored in this book does not only apply to Buddhism but also can be observed in secularizing across other contexts too.
Quoting from Chenxing Han’s review of the book:
“Readers may well discover themselves to be both more and less secular than they once assumed.”
It was definitely the case for me!
December 31, 2022
A collection of outstanding essays.
January 7, 2024
It's a rather dense study of a broad subject. Though it deals with the secularization of Budhism, it takes a careful and thoughtful approach in well researched study of this complex subject that is still in transformation. Diverse voices and perspectives are shared. Here's a quote to explain approach:
"Again, 'secularizing Buddhism' is not meant to identify a kind of Buddhism but rather a process or dynamic that is at work in present-day Buddhism"
"Again, 'secularizing Buddhism' is not meant to identify a kind of Buddhism but rather a process or dynamic that is at work in present-day Buddhism"
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews