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BUDDHISM IN THE WEST
Knowledge of Buddhism
in the West
This has come through three main
channels:1. The work of western scholars
2. The work of philosophers,
intellectuals, writers and artists
3. The arrival of Asian immigrants who
brought various forms of Buddhism
with them to America and Europe
Knowledge of Buddhism
in the West
Buddhism has presented many different
traditions that have both been
adopted and adapted for life in the
West
e.g. Theravada Buddhism has been
practised for over 100 years in Britain
Knowledge of Buddhism
in the West
Western scholarship has also led to
development in the study of
Buddhism
e.g. Interest in Pali, the language of the
Theravadan texts. Availability of
electronic editions of the Pali Canon
has proved a stimulus for research
Knowledge of Buddhism
in the West
New and vigorous centres have emerged
including Amaravati Buddhist
monastery near Hemel Hempstead,
founded by the American monk Ajahn
Sumedho, a pupil of the Thai monk,
Ajahn Chah
What accounts for the
popularity of Buddhism in
the West?
 Aspects of contemporary
scientific thinking are more
easily appropriated into a
religion that has no God
What accounts for the
popularity of Buddhism in
the West?
 The psychology of
Buddhism interacts well with
post - enlightenment
rationalism and secular
liberalism
What accounts for the
popularity of Buddhism in
the West?
 Buddhist meditation techniques
and the emphasis on personal
development reinforce the ethic
of individual attainment and self
– help found in many modern
western countries
What accounts for the
popularity of Buddhism in
the West?
 Buddhism is undogmatic, and
imposes few confessional, ritual
or other requirements on its
followers. This means that it can
be easily assimilated in a multi –
cultural society and does not
tend to conflict with secular
values
What accounts for the
popularity of Buddhism in
the West?
 There is a positive benefit
for countries where workers
and residents aim to create
an environment based on
metta (loving kindness) and
ahimsa (non – harm)
What else might account
for the popularity of
Buddhism in the West?
 Buddhism has a modern
approach to ethical dilemmas
 i.e. it combines deontological
with teleological approaches
(obligation and duty combined
with purpose and consequences
of actions)
What else might account
for the popularity of
Buddhism in the West?
 The emphasis on
personal choice serves
to encourage personal
autonomy and
accountability
What schools of Buddhism
have proved to be
influential in the West?
 The Nichiren School
 The Zen School
What schools of Buddhism
have proved to be
influential in the West?
 The Nichiren School
This school emphasises the significance
of the Lotus Sutra. Particularly
important has been the Soka Gakkai
International Buddhist movement,
which is an offshoot of the Nichiren
School.
What schools of Buddhism
have proved to be
influential in the West?
 The Nichiren School
(cont)
The Soka Gakkai teaches that individuals
can achieve their goals through
frequent repetition of the mantra
‘namu myoho renge kyo’. (Honour to
the Lotus Sutra of the True Dharma)
What schools of Buddhism
have proved to be
influential in the West?
 The Nichiren School
(cont)
It is an optimistic, world – affirming strain
of Buddhism and promotes a positive
mental attitude to life. It has proved
popular in the West and the singer
Tina Turner is a notable member of the
movement!
What schools of Buddhism
have proved to be
influential in the West?
 The Zen School
This holds that enlightenment
occurs via flashes of insight,
which can only be attained if the
mind is clear, rather than
engaged in study
What schools of Buddhism
have proved to be
influential in the West?
 The Zen School (cont)
The chief characteristics of Zen, such as
its emphasis on meditation and
simplicity, spontaneity and artistic
expression found a home in the
permissive movements of post – war
western generations
What schools of Buddhism
have proved to be
influential in the West?
 The Tibetan School
The Tibetan Diaspora from 1950
might also be included in our list
as there are many
knowledgeable lamas and
centres for learning meditation
and retreat in the West
Summary
 Immigration has ensured that
forms of Chinese Buddhism
have flourished in the United
States. In 1968 the Sino –
American Buddhist Association
was founded in San Francisco
by Tripitaka master Hsuan Hua.
Summary
 It was later forced to move to
larger headquarters in northern
California as its membership
expanded. A school, university
and monastic training institutes
were established there
Summary
 The Friends of the Western
Buddhist Order (FWBO) was
founded in London by Venerable
Urgyen Sangharakshita, an
example of a group that seeks to
assimilate all major Buddhist
sects and schools together.
Summary
 The FWBO emphasises 6
features:1.
3.
The central importance of the Buddha,
Dharma and Sangha
2.
A unified tradition
Neither exclusively monastic or lay with no
gender distinctions
Summary
 The FWBO emphasises 6
features:4. The centrality of Right Livelihood – applying
ethical principals to the job you do
5. The importance of the arts in developing the
spiritual life
6. The value of spiritual friendship in the spiritual
life