Buddhist Modernism: A Hybrid Tradition Emerging from Global Interactions

The Genesis of Buddhist Modernism

Abstract:

The notion of Buddhism as it is often perceived by Westerners is a product of the complex interplay between traditional Buddhist teachings and the dominant cultural narratives of modernity, particularly those rooted in Enlightenment rationalism, Romantic ideals, and Protestant Christianity. This amalgamation has given rise to what can be termed Buddhist Modernism, a manifestation that exists neither purely within ancient Buddhist scriptures or lived traditions, nor merely as an exotic fantasy conceived by an elite educated Western population, but rather as an actual form of Buddhism that emerged through processes encompassing modernization, Western influence, reinterpretation, revitalization efforts and reform initiatives. This phenomenon has been actively shaping both Western societies and Asian countries alike over the course of a century.

Keywords: Buddhist Modernism, Modernity, American Buddhism, Orientalism, Hybridity, Charles Taylor

Subject Category: Buddhism

Source: Oxford Scholarship Online

Chapter 1 Introduction: Buddhism and Modernity

Abstract:

Buddhism as it is commonly understood in Western societies has evolved into Buddhist Modernism, a unique amalgamation of various Buddhist traditions that have intermingled with the core discourses of modernity, especially those stemming from Enlightenment rationalism, Romanticism, and Protestant Christianity. This hybrid form of Buddhism is neither an unambiguous reflection of ancient texts or lived experiences within traditional settings nor merely a creation of Western intellectuals. Instead, it represents a tangible outcome resulting from centuries-old processes involving modernization, Westernization, reinterpretation, revitalization efforts, and reform initiatives in both Asian countries and the West.

Chapter ## Buddhism and the Discourses of Modernity

Abstract:

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between Buddhism and the broader discourses of modernity that have shaped its contemporary manifestations. It examines how Buddhist traditions have been influenced by Enlightenment rationalism, Romantic ideals, and Protestant Christianity, illustrating the ways in which these diverse strands have coalesced to form a unique Buddhist Modernism. The chapter also explores the role of these discourses in redefining key Buddhist concepts such as enlightenment, ethics, and meditation practices.

Chapter ## Mindfulness and Literature: An Affirmation of Ordinary Life

Abstract:

This chapter focuses on the concept of mindfulness within literature as it relates to Buddhist Modernism. It explores how modern literary works have adopted mindfulness as a core principle that emphasizes awareness of the present moment, encouraging readers to live fully in their dly lives. Through analysis of various texts, this chapter demonstrates how the practice of mindfulness has been integrated into Western literature and its impact on shaping contemporary Western perceptions and understandings of Buddhism.

Acknowledgments:

This work acknowledges the significant contributions from Damien Keown’s insights found in Buddhism in the West 2013 and Indigenous patterns of energy healing with special reference to Africa, India and China. It also highlights Steven Heine's comprehensive overview presented in Buddhism in the Modern World: Adaptations of an Ancient Tradition, which illuminates the dynamic interaction between traditional Buddhist practices and modern Western adaptations.

In :

This exploration into the genesis of Buddhist Modernism underscores the profound transformation Buddhism has undergone within the context of global modernity. Through a bl of empirical research, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary insights, this work illuminate how ancient teachings have been reinterpreted, adapted, and integrated with contemporary Western philosophies and cultural practices, resulting in a dynamic synthesis that reflects both traditional Buddhist wisdom and modern sensibilities.

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