Buddhism in the Modern World

Buddhism in the Modern World explores the challenges faced by Buddhism today, the distinctive forms that it has taken and the individuals and movements that have shaped it. Part One discusses the modern history of Buddhism in different geographical regions, from Southeast Asia to North America. Part Two examines key themes including globalization, gender issues, and the ways in which Buddhism has confronted modernity, science, popular culture and national politics. Each chapter is written by a distinguished scholar in the field and includes photographs, summaries, discussion points and suggestions for further reading. The book provides a lively and up-to-date overview that is indispensable for both students and scholars of Buddhism.

David L. McMahan is Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin & Marshall College, USA. He is the author of The Making of Buddhist Modernism (Oxford, 2008) and Empty Vision: Metaphor and Visionary Imagery in Mahayana Buddhism (Routledge, 2002).

Introduction David L. McMahan Part 1: Buddhism in Its Geographical Contexts 1. Modern Buddhist Conjunctures in Southeast Asia Juliane Schober 2. Buddhism in Modern Sri Lanka Stephen C. Berkwitz 3. Searching for a Place to Sit: Buddhists in Modern Japan Clark Chilson 4. Buddhism in China and Taiwan Gareth Fisher 5. Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism Sarah Jacoby and Antonio Terrone 6. Modernist Interpretations of Buddhism in Europe Martin Baumann 7. The North American Buddhist Experience Paul David Numrich Part 2: Buddhism and the Challenges of Modernity 8. Buddhist Modernism David L. McMahan 9. Buddhism, Politics, and Nationalism Ian Harris 10. Socially Engaged Buddhism Sallie B. King 11. Buddhist Ethics: A Critique Damien Keown 12. Buddhism and the Powers of the Mind Richard K. Payne 13. Buddhism and Gender Liz Wilson 14. Buddhism and Science: Translating and Re-translating Culture Francisca Cho 15. Buddhism and Globalization Cristina Rocha 16. Buddhism, Media, and Popular Culture Scott A. Mitchell