American encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912, The

By Thomas A. Tweed

Book Description

When Buddhism first arrived on American shores in the mid-19th century, it sparked a fascinating cultural collision that would reshape how Americans understood both Eastern spirituality and their own religious landscape. Thomas A. Tweed chronicles this pivotal encounter, beginning with Henry David Thoreau's 1844 translation of the Lotus Sutra and tracing the complex dialogue that unfolded over nearly seven decades.

This scholarly exploration reveals how Victorian Americans grappled with a radically different spiritual tradition, initially struggling to categorize Buddhism within their familiar religious frameworks. Some drew comparisons to Catholicism, while others dismissed it as mere heathenism. As understanding deepened, commentators began recognizing Buddhism's unique doctrinal features, with sympathizers working to demonstrate its compatibility with Christian values and drawing parallels between Buddha and Jesus.

Tweed uncovers a compelling paradox at the heart of American Buddhism's early development. While thousands of Americans embraced Buddhist teachings as a form of religious dissent, they simultaneously remained deeply rooted in Victorian cultural values of individualism, optimism, and activism. These early practitioners attempted to reconcile Buddhist philosophy with American ideals, creating a uniquely Western interpretation of ancient Eastern wisdom.

Despite generating considerable interest and intellectual discussion, Buddhism ultimately struggled to establish lasting institutions in 19th-century America. Tweed's analysis illuminates both the cultural constraints that limited Buddhism's initial growth and the groundwork laid for its eventual flourishing in later generations.