Pure Land in the Making: Vietnamese Buddhism in the US Gulf South

Buddhist temples in the Gulf Coast region have played a significant role in nurturing immigrant communities, particularly Vietnamese Americans, by providing a sense of community and hope. However, their experiences as migrants have influenced their religious practices and interpretations of Buddhist tenets, and organized religion has shaped their understanding of what it means to be Vietnamese in the United States. This ethnographic study explores the adaptation of Buddhist practices to fit American cultural contexts, including temple fundraising drives and the rebranding of the Vu Lan festival as Vietnamese Mother's Day. It also reveals the vital role these faith communities have played in helping Vietnamese Americans navigate challenges from racial discrimination to Hurricane Katrina.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2021
Publisher: University of Washington Press

Buddhist temples have played a significant role in the nurturing of immigrant communities in Louisiana, Florida, and other Gulf Coast states since the 1970s. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese immigrants have settled in these areas, rebuilding their lives after the wars in Indochina. For many, their faith has been an essential source of community and hope. However, how have their experiences as migrants influenced their religious practices and interpretations of Buddhist tenets? And how has organized religion shaped their understanding of what it means to be Vietnamese in the United States? This ethnographic study follows the monks and lay members of temples in the Gulf Coast region who practice Pure Land Buddhism, which is prevalent in East Asia but less familiar in the United States than forms such as Zen. By treating the temple as a site to be made and remade, Vietnamese Americans have developed approaches that sometimes contradict fundamental Buddhist principles of nonattachment. This book considers the adaptation of Buddhist practices to fit American cultural contexts, from temple fundraising drives to the rebranding of the Vu Lan festival as Vietnamese Mother's Day. It also reveals the vital role these faith communities have played in helping Vietnamese Americans navigate challenges from racial discrimination to Hurricane Katrina.

One of the key challenges facing Vietnamese immigrants in the United States is racial discrimination. Many Vietnamese immigrants face discrimination in employment, housing, and education, and they may also experience language barriers and cultural differences. Buddhist temples have played a crucial role in providing a sense of community and support for Vietnamese immigrants. They offer a place for people to gather and practice their faith, and they also provide services such as language classes, job training, and counseling.

One of the most significant ways that Buddhist temples have helped Vietnamese immigrants navigate racial discrimination is through the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that involves being present at the moment and paying attention to one's thoughts and feelings. Buddhist temples offer meditation classes and retreats that help people develop mindfulness skills. These skills can help people manage stress, anxiety, and depression, and they can also help people develop a more positive outlook on life.

Another way that Buddhist temples have helped Vietnamese immigrants navigate racial discrimination is through the practice of community service. Buddhist temples often organize community service projects such as food drives, blood drives, and homeless shelters. These projects help people connect with their community and build relationships with other people. They also help people develop a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

However, the practice of mindfulness and community service can also be challenging for Vietnamese immigrants. Many Vietnamese immigrants come from a culture that emphasizes individualism and self-sufficiency, and they may not be comfortable with the idea of relying on others for support. Buddhist temples have worked to address this issue by providing a supportive and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds.

One of the ways that Buddhist temples have done this is by offering language classes and translation services. Many Vietnamese immigrants do not speak English, and they may feel isolated and marginalized in American society. Buddhist temples offer language classes that help people learn English and improve their communication skills. They also offer translation services for religious services and other events.

Another way that Buddhist temples have addressed this issue is by providing a sense of belonging. Buddhist temples often have a strong sense of community, and they offer a place for people to connect with others who share their beliefs and values. They also offer a variety of activities and events that help people build relationships with other people.

However, the practice of mindfulness and community service can also be challenging for Buddhist temples. Many Buddhist temples are facing financial difficulties, and they may not have the resources to provide these services to their members. This has led to some temples closing or reducing their services.

Despite these challenges, Buddhist temples continue to play a significant role in the nurturing of immigrant communities in Louisiana, Florida, and other Gulf Coast states. They offer a place for people to gather and practice their faith, and they also provide services that help people navigate challenges from racial discrimination to Hurricane Katrina.

One of the key challenges facing Buddhist temples in the United States is the rebranding of Buddhism. Buddhism has been associated with a variety of negative stereotypes, such as being a religion of meditation and self-denial. This has led to some people being hesitant to practice Buddhism. Buddhist temples have worked to address this issue by promoting a more positive and inclusive image of Buddhism.

One of the ways that Buddhist temples have done this is by offering a variety of programs and services that appeal to a wide range of people. For example, many Buddhist temples offer yoga classes and meditation retreats that are open to people of all ages and backgrounds. They also offer programs that focus on social justice and environmental sustainability.

Another way that Buddhist temples have addressed this issue is by partnering with other organizations. For example, many Buddhist temples have partnered with local schools to provide meditation classes to students. They have also partnered with local hospitals to provide meditation classes to patients.

Despite these challenges, Buddhist temples continue to play a significant role in the nurturing of immigrant communities in Louisiana, Florida, and other Gulf Coast states. They offer a place for people to gather and practice their faith, and they also provide services that help people navigate challenges from racial discrimination to Hurricane Katrina.

In conclusion, Buddhist temples have played a significant role in the nurturing of immigrant communities in Louisiana, Florida, and other Gulf Coast states since the 1970s. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese immigrants have settled in these areas, rebuilding their lives after the wars in Indochina. For many, their faith has been an essential source of community and hope. However, how have their experiences as migrants influenced their religious practices and interpretations of Buddhist tenets? And how has organized religion shaped their understanding of what it means to be Vietnamese in the United States? This ethnographic study follows the monks and lay members of temples in the Gulf Coast region who practice Pure Land Buddhism, which is prevalent in East Asia but less familiar in the United States than forms such as Zen. By treating the temple as a site to be made and remade, Vietnamese Americans have developed approaches that sometimes contradict fundamental Buddhist principles of nonattachment. This book considers the adaptation of Buddhist practices to fit American cultural contexts, from temple fundraising drives to the rebranding of the Vu Lan festival as Vietnamese Mother's Day. It also reveals the vital role these faith communities have played in helping Vietnamese Americans navigate challenges from racial discrimination to Hurricane Katrina.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295748467