Challenging paradigms, Buddhism and nativism

By Henk Blezer

Book Description

In the spiritual landscape where ancient wisdom meets local culture, Buddhism reveals a fascinating paradox. While often viewed as a universal path transcending geographical boundaries, this profound tradition consistently adapts to the unique soil of each culture it encounters, creating rich dialogues between global dharma and indigenous identity.

This scholarly exploration examines how Buddhist teachings interact with native traditions across diverse spiritual environments. Through comparative analysis spanning Japan, Korea, Tibet, India, and Bali, the authors illuminate the dynamic tension between Buddhism's transcendent message and its remarkable ability to honor local customs and beliefs.

The book reveals how some indigenous responses to Buddhism, particularly Japanese Shinto and Tibetan Bön, eventually developed into independent spiritual traditions that separated from their Buddhist origins. In other contexts, local adaptations remained woven within the Buddhist framework, creating unique expressions of dharma that speak to specific cultural needs and understanding.

For spiritual seekers interested in how wisdom traditions evolve and adapt, this work offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between universal spiritual principles and cultural identity. The examination of these "nativistic" responses demonstrates how authentic spiritual practice often requires honoring both timeless teachings and the particular ground in which they take root.

This comparative study provides a deeper understanding of how spiritual traditions maintain their essential nature while embracing the diversity of human experience and cultural expression.