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:- The central importance of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha 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