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The Buddhist Experience in America
Diane Morgan
Book Code: GR2491
ISBN: 0-313-32491-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-32491-8
392 pages, photos
Greenwood Press
Publication: 10/30/2004
List Price: $60.95 (UK Sterling Price: £34.95)
Discount Price: $42.67 Greenwood Press Fall 2008 Backlist Sale. Use code 0826. Save 30%. Ends 12/31/2008.
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects: Reviews:
  • Clearly written, with unbiased views of all the various Buddhist sects and respectful of other religions traditions, this resource will serve both scholars and casual readers as a basic guide on the subject for years to come. All academic libraries should consider purchasing it.
    —Library Journal     February 15, 2005
  • This book offers a survey presentation of the nature, forms, and roles of Buddhism in the United States....[M]organ's book is informative and very readable in style.
    —The Journal of Religion     July 2006
  • [E]xplores the history of Buddhism around the world and in the United States, how the different schools of Buddhism came to be, and basics of the religion. The purpose of this book is to introduce Buddhism to high school students and general adult readers and to provide an understanding of diverse religions in the United States.
    —Multicultural Review     Summer 2005
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
  • 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
    LC Card Number: 2004052655
    LCC Class: BQ722
    Dewey Class: 294
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