Eastern spirituality in America
Book Description
America's spiritual landscape transformed dramatically when Eastern wisdom traditions began taking root in Western soil. This illuminating collection traces that remarkable journey from its earliest beginnings in the late nineteenth century through the modern era, revealing how ancient teachings from Asia found new expression in American culture.
Robert S. Ellwood presents a carefully curated anthology that captures pivotal moments in this spiritual migration. Readers encounter the voices that shaped this movement, from the groundbreaking addresses delivered at Chicago's 1893 World's Parliament of Religions to the influential writings that followed. The collection features contributions from both Eastern teachers who brought their traditions westward and Western seekers who embraced these new spiritual paths.
Through primary source materials, the book explores how diverse traditions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Theosophy established themselves in American consciousness. These selections offer direct access to the thoughts and teachings of figures who played crucial roles in introducing Eastern spirituality to Western audiences.
Ellwood provides substantial historical context that helps readers understand the significance of each contribution and the broader cultural shifts they represent. This approach allows readers to witness firsthand how Eastern spiritual concepts gradually wove themselves into the fabric of American religious life.
For anyone seeking to understand how America's spiritual diversity developed, this collection offers valuable insights into the ongoing dialogue between Eastern wisdom and Western culture.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 245 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Discover Taoist philosophy and way of life
- ✓ Understand Hindu philosophy and traditions
- ✓ Explore Hinduism
- ✓ Explore Theosophy
- ✓ Explore Buddhism
- ✓ Explore Doctrines
- ✓ Explore United States -- Religion -- 19th century
