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The Buddhist Experience in America
Diane Morgan
ISBN: 0-313-32491-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-32491-8
392 pages
Greenwood Press
Publication: 10/30/2004
List Price: $60.95 (UK Sterling Price: £42.95)
Discount Price: $30.48 Sale Price for U.S. Customers Only. Save 50%. Ends 12/31/2009.
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: The Buddhist Experience in America explores how the world's fourth-largest religion came to America and flourished here. Although the percentage of Buddhists in America has always been, and will probably remain, low, Buddhism has had a greater impact on culture than its small numbers might indicate. Concepts such as Nirvana and practices such as meditation have entered the mainstream of American life. Zen has turned into a commonplace adjective, and everybody knows who the Dalai Lama is. But Buddhism is a much more complex and powerful phenomenon than is indicated a catchy phrase, a political cause, or devotion to a charismatic personality. This book provides an accessible introduction to the religion, as well as to how Buddhists follow their beliefs in the United States.

Just as the teachings of Jesus gave birth to Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and hundreds of different Protestant sects, the teachings of the historical Buddha developed into many different traditions. The Buddhist Experience in America examines how these traditions are practiced: Theravada Buddhism, oldest of Buddhist sects, was the last to have a substantial presence in this country ; the Mahayana tradition, with particular attention to Pure Land Buddhism, the Buddhism of most Japanese- and Chinese-Americans; the special case of Zen Buddhism, which, while a distinctly minority religion is Japan, has been historically the greatest Buddhist influence in America; and Vajrayana, or Tibetan Buddhism, currently the fastest growing school of Buddhism in America. The book includes a discussion of the historical Buddha and an examination of how contemporary Buddhism has responded to current issues and concerns. Appendices include a glossary, a who's who of Buddhism, a timeline, and a list of resources for further information.
Table of Contents:
  • Series Foreword
    Preface
    Introduction
    The Buddha and his Teaching
    Theravada: The Way of the Elders
    Mahayana: The Second Turning of the Wheel
    American Zen
    Tibetan Buddhism: The Diamond Vehicle
    Contemporary American Buddhism: The Third Turning of the Wheel
    Appendix: Note on Buddhism Names and Titles
    Who's Who in Buddhism
    Timeline
    Glossary
    Resources
About the Author: DIANE MORGAN teaches religion and philosophy at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She is the author of over a dozen books, including the Best Guide to Eastern Philosophy and Religion (2001).
LCC Class: 294
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