Buddhism in the Global Eye

Book Description

Buddhism in the Global Eye reveals how Buddhist traditions have evolved through dynamic cross-cultural exchanges that transcend simple East-West divisions. Rather than viewing Buddhist modernization as a one-way flow from Asia to the West, this scholarly exploration demonstrates the complex web of influences that have shaped contemporary Buddhist practice worldwide.

Through detailed case studies spanning China, Japan, Vietnam, India, Tibet, Canada, and the United States, the book illuminates how Asian Buddhist reformers actively participated in creating modern forms of their ancient tradition. These spiritual innovators drew upon diverse cultural resources, adapting local practices to meet global realities while simultaneously reshaping foreign concepts to fit their own contexts.

The research presented here challenges conventional categories of "modern," "global," and "contemporary" Buddhism by showing how permeable these boundaries actually are. Readers discover how monks created influential networks across Asian countries, traveling to share knowledge and inspire each other's reform movements. This interconnected approach fostered mutual stimulation and collaborative development rather than isolated change.

For those seeking to understand how spiritual traditions adapt and thrive in our interconnected world, this book offers valuable insights into the creative processes that allow ancient wisdom to remain relevant across cultures and centuries. The work provides a nuanced perspective on how Buddhist communities have navigated the challenges of maintaining authenticity while embracing necessary transformation in response to global influences.