An Introduction to Engaged Buddhism

Description

This textbook introduces and explores the ideas, practices and philosophy of the movement of engaged Buddhism. This new movement argues that suffering is not just caused by cravings of the mind, but also by political and social factors. Therefore, engaged Buddhists ‘engage’ with social issues to achieve liberation. Paul Fuller outlines the movement's origins and principles. This is followed by a comprehensive analysis of the central themes and issues of engaged Buddhism, offering new insights into the formation of modern Buddhism. The range of issues covered includes politics, gender, environmentalism, identity, blasphemy and violence. These are illustrated by case studies and examples from a range of locations where Buddhism is practised. Discussion points and suggested further reading, including internet resources, are provided at the end of each chapter, which will further enrich undergraduates' grasp of the topic. Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Figures Acknowledgements Abbreviations Chapter 1: Introduction : Engaged Buddhism The origins of the term ‘engaged Buddhism’ Engaged Buddhist movements Scholarly studies of engaged Buddhism Engaged Buddhism: Traditional or modern? Models of engaged Buddhism Engaged Buddhism in practice A note on material used in this book Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 2: The foundations of engaged Buddhism Redefining the causes of ‘suffering’ (dukkha) How engaged Buddhism adapts Buddhist ideas Treading the sacred and profane paths: Lessening the tension between the ‘mundane’ and ‘supramundane’ realms of activity Reimagining the causes of suffering The adaptation of meditation and the precepts Conclusion Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 3: Beyond belief : The danger of attachment to views in engaged Buddhism Dandapani the philosopher The engaged Buddhist focus on non-attachment to views and opinions The fourteen precepts of engaged Buddhism The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism A certain point of view: What are views and opinions? A Buddhist call to social activism: The Pa¯t.ali-sutta Buddhism with a small ‘b’ Conclusion: Views and engaged Buddhism Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 4: Dismantling metaphysics : Nirvaˉna, rebirth and interdependence Modern Buddhism Nirva¯na in this life Engaged Buddhism and rebirth Interdependence: A hybrid Buddhist doctrine A scientific engaged Buddhism Conclusion Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 5: Left, right and the middle way : Engaged Buddhism and politics Max Weber and Buddhism Buddhism and politics How Buddhism interacts with politics Buddhism has authority over political institutions Buddhism shares power with political institutions: Mutual respect and protection Persecution of Buddhism: Opposition and conflict with political authority Buddhism withdraws from politics ‘Dictatorial Dhammic Socialism’ The ‘Two Wheels of the Dhamma’ The supreme Buddhist monarch The tension between the ‘worldly’ and ‘supramundane’ realms of activity Mindful politics Conclusion Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 6: Eco-engaged Buddhism The history of eco-engaged Buddhism Themes in the study of eco-engaged Buddhism Eco-engaged Buddhist ideas Eco-engaged Buddhism and interdependence Themes in the study of Buddhist environmentalism The doctrine of Buddha-nature Thai tree ordination Tree ordination ceremonies Eco-engaged Buddhism Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 7: Suffering, sexuality and gender Buddhism and sexual desire Female gender: Equality and discrimination Gender and culture Sakyadhita: Campaigning for gender equality Homosexuality in Buddhist history: Karmic sexuality Buddhism and (homo)sexuality: Liberal views LGBTIAQ+ Buddhism: Philosophical themes of gender and sexuality Suffering caused by heteronormativity in engaged Buddhism Trans*-Buddhism Types of gendered persons Gender transformation in Buddhist history LGBTIAQ+ mindful activism: Traditional karma and secular karma LGBTIAQ+ Buddhists and loving-kindness Buddhism and the #MeToo movement Conclusion Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 8: Ethnocentric engaged Buddhism Buddhist identity Buddhist identity in modern Myanmar Ethnocentric engaged Buddhism The ideas of ethnocentric engaged Buddhism Ethnocentric engaged Buddhism: A summary Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 9: Buddhism on the edge, Buddhists offended : Engaged Buddhism and blasphemy Blasphemy and Buddhism? Blasphemy, culture and identity An analysis of ‘Blasphemy’ in the Paˉli canon The power of images of the Buddha in Myanmar and the DJing Buddha The idea that blasphemy has no place in Buddhism Conclusion Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Chapter 10: Conclusion : All Buddhism is engaged?  Discussion questions Suggestions for further reading Notes Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Bibliography Index