The article reveals the concept of “two Buddhisms”, which distinguishes two key categories among Buddhist communities in the West: “ethnic”, represented by immigrants from Asian Buddhist countries and their descendants, and “converts”, or adherents of Western origin. This division into Asian and non-Asian Buddhists is often described as one of the main features of Buddhism in the West. The author concludes that the existing concept in its current form is outdated and requires revision and updating. However, the recognition of such approach as “outdated” in the research of modern Buddhism in Western countries is akin to the recognition of the “outdated” real picture of Buddhism in the West, which even in its modernity demonstrates two different approaches to the implementation of Buddhist teachings. This attitude also leads to the loss of high-quality scientific tools in theoretical and methodological aspects.
Keywords: Buddhist societies, ethnic and convert Buddhists, the concept of “two Buddhisms”
DOI: 10.22250/2072-8662.2020.4.69-75
About the author
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Dulma V. Ayusheyeva – PhD (Philosophy), Senior research fellow of Philosophy Culture and Religion Studies Department; |