The Social Production of Buddhist Compassion in Chinese Societies

This book explores the social production of religious compassion among Chinese communities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan in the era of shale modernity. It argues that the production of Buddhist compassionate fields is a response to rising social inequality and social needs, and examines the interconnections of reformist Buddhist teachings, charisma, gender, and state in influencing attitudes and actions. It will be of interest to scholars in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and Asian studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate realm of the social production of religious compassion in the context of shale modernity among Chinese communities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. It posits that the emergence of Buddhist compassionate fields in the 21st century is a direct response to the escalating social inequality and pressing social needs of modern society. Religious compassion acts as a powerful emotional catalyst, driving both the religious self and socio-religious groups to engage in acts of philanthropy, encompassing the provision of welfare and care services, medical assistance, education, and humanitarian aid. Through a comprehensive blend of documentation analysis and anthropological research, the book explores the interconnectedness of reformist Buddhist teachings on compassion, charisma, gender, and state in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of the sangha and Buddhist individuals in the creation of Buddhist compassionate fields within a rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape. This scholarly work holds immense appeal to scholars specializing in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and Asian studies.

Introduction:
In the contemporary world, characterized by rapid social change and technological advancements, the production of religious compassion has emerged as a significant phenomenon. This study aims to investigate and establish a theoretical framework for understanding the social production of religious compassion in the era of shale modernity among Chinese communities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. By examining the interplay between reformist Buddhist teachings, charismatic leadership, gender dynamics, and state interventions, this book seeks to shed light on how religious compassion is cultivated and expressed in these contexts.

Theoretical Framework:
The study draws upon a range of theoretical frameworks, including social constructionism, critical theory, and feminist scholarship. Social constructionism emphasizes the role of social norms, power structures, and cultural beliefs in shaping the production of religious compassion. Critical theory, on the other hand, highlights the political and economic dimensions of religious compassion, emphasizing the ways in which it is used to justify and maintain social inequality. Feminist scholarship, meanwhile, explores the gendered dimensions of religious compassion, examining how gender norms and stereotypes influence the expression and reception of compassion.

Methodology:
The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining documentary analysis, ethnographic research, and interviews with key stakeholders. Documentary analysis involves the systematic review of relevant literature, government reports, and academic studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, social, and cultural contexts in which religious compassion is produced. Ethnographic research involves immersing oneself in the communities under study, observing and documenting the practices and beliefs of Buddhist individuals and organizations. Interviews with religious leaders, activists, and community members provide valuable insights into the experiences, perspectives, and challenges associated with the production of religious compassion.

Findings:
The findings of the study reveal that the production of Buddhist compassionate fields in the 21st century is a response to the rising social inequality and social needs of modern society. Buddhist compassionate fields are characterized by a commitment to addressing the suffering of others, particularly those marginalized and vulnerable. They encompass a wide range of activities, including the provision of welfare and care services, medical assistance, education, and humanitarian aid.

One of the key findings of the study is the interconnectedness of reformist Buddhist teachings on compassion, charisma, gender, and state in influencing the attitudes and actions of the sangha and Buddhist individuals in the production of Buddhist compassionate fields. Reformist Buddhist teachings emphasize the importance of compassion as a fundamental virtue and the cultivation of a compassionate heart. Charismatic leadership plays a significant role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of the sangha, as leaders with strong charismatic qualities are often able to inspire and motivate followers to engage in acts of philanthropy. Gender dynamics also play a role in the production of Buddhist compassionate fields, as women are often marginalized and excluded from leadership positions within the sangha. However, there are also examples of women who have emerged as influential leaders in the production of Buddhist compassionate fields. State interventions, meanwhile, can influence the production of religious compassion by regulating and promoting certain forms of philanthropy or by restricting the activities of religious organizations.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book investigates and establishes a theoretical framework for the study of the social production of religious compassion in the era of shale modernity among Chinese communities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. It argues that the production of Buddhist compassionate fields in the 21st century is a response to the rising social inequality and social needs of modern society. Religious compassion serves as an emotive force that propels the religious self and socio-religious groups to commit to the performance of acts of philanthropy that includes the delivery of welfare and care services, medical care, education and humanitarian aid. Through a combination of documentation analysis and anthropological research, the book examines the interconnectivity of reformist Buddhist teachings of compassion, charisma, gender and state in influencing the attitudes and actions of the sangha and Buddhist individuals in the production of Buddhist compassionate fields in a changing socio-economic landscape. This scholarly work holds immense appeal to scholars specializing in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and Asian studies.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367751937