The Making of American Buddhism

Buddhism has significantly influenced American culture, with many more people practicing meditation than claiming Buddhist identity. The Making of American Buddhism explains how second-generation Japanese American Buddhists claimed an American identity inclusive of their religious identity, creating a place for Buddhism in America. Nisei Buddhists clustered around the Berkeley Bussei, a magazine published from 1939 to 1960, argued that Buddhism was both what made them good Americans and what they had to contribute to America. They built the religious infrastructure that allowed later Buddhist modernists, Beat poets, and white converts to flourish.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Buddhism has made a significant impact on American culture, with an estimated 3-4 million Buddhists in the United States as of 2010. This number is expected to rise significantly, as Buddhism's influence permeates various aspects of society. Beyond the numerical presence, Buddhism has led to an increase in meditation practices among individuals who identify as Buddhist, even surpassing those who claim a Buddhist identity. A century ago, this would have been unthinkable. The journey of Buddhism to attain such a prominent position in American cultural landscape is explored in The Making of American Buddhism. This book reveals how second-generation Japanese American Buddhists, known as "Nisei," played a pivotal role in establishing an American identity that embraced their religious heritage. Through their involvement with the Berkeley Bussei, a magazine published from 1939 to 1960, Nisei Buddhists argued that Buddhism was not only what made them good Americans but also what they could contribute to the nation. They presented Buddhism as a rational and scientific religion of peace that aligned with American values. The Making of American Buddhism also delves into the behind-the-scenes efforts that made Buddhist modernism possible. The Bussei was just one among many projects embedded within Japanese American Buddhist communities and connected to national and transnational networks. These networks shaped and facilitated the spread of modernist Buddhist ideas. Nisei Buddhists contributed to the development of religious infrastructure by creating communities, publishing magazines, hosting scholarly conventions, and engaging in translation projects. Their efforts laid the foundation for the later Buddhist modernists, Beat poets, and white converts who are often credited with popularizing Buddhism in the United States. It is important to note that Nisei activists did not invent Buddhism in America. Rather, they embraced and adapted it to the American context, making it relevant and accessible to a broader audience. Buddhism's journey in America has been a complex and multifaceted one, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the Buddhist community. It has evolved and adapted to the changing cultural landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among practitioners. As Buddhism continues to grow and evolve in the United States, it will undoubtedly continue to shape and influence American culture in profound ways.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197641569