buddhism in the west. knowledge of buddhism in the west this has come through three main channels:-...
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BUDDHISM IN THE WEST
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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
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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
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Knowledge of Buddhism in the West
Western scholarship has also led to development in the study of
Buddhisme.g. Interest in Pali, the language of the
Theravadan texts. Availability of electronic editions of the Pali Canon has proved a stimulus for research
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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
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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
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What accounts for the popularity of Buddhism
in the West?
The psychology of Buddhism interacts well with
post - enlightenment rationalism and secular
liberalism
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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What else might account for the
popularity of Buddhism in the West?
The emphasis on personal choice serves to encourage personal
autonomy and accountability
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What schools of Buddhism have proved to be influential in the
West?
The Nichiren School The Zen School
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What schools of Buddhism have proved to be influential in the
West?
The Nichiren SchoolThis 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.
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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)
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Summary
The FWBO emphasises 6 features:-
1. The central importance of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
2. A unified tradition3. Neither exclusively monastic or lay with no
gender distinctions
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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