Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Buddhism, The

Book Description

Buddhism continues to evolve and adapt across cultures and centuries, presenting both opportunities and challenges for modern practitioners and scholars seeking to understand its contemporary relevance. The Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Buddhism provides readers with an essential roadmap for navigating this dynamic spiritual landscape through the expertise of leading Buddhist studies scholars.

This comprehensive volume traces Buddhism's remarkable journey from its historical roots to its present-day manifestations across the globe. Through forty-one carefully curated essays, readers discover how Buddhist traditions have flourished not only in familiar territories like India, Japan, and Tibet, but also in unexpected regions including Vietnam, Bhutan, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. The handbook illuminates how globalization has shaped modern Buddhist communities, examining international Buddhist organizations and diaspora populations that bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary realities.

Beyond geographical boundaries, the collection explores Buddhism's engagement with pressing modern concerns. Readers encounter thoughtful analyses of how Buddhist principles intersect with violence and peacebuilding efforts, environmental stewardship, medical practices, and scientific inquiry. These explorations reveal Buddhism's ongoing capacity to offer meaningful perspectives on today's complex challenges.

Spanning 760 pages, this scholarly yet accessible resource serves both serious students and curious seekers who wish to understand how this ancient tradition continues to transform and respond to our rapidly changing world. The handbook offers invaluable insights into Buddhism's living evolution and its potential contributions to contemporary spiritual and social discourse.