Theories of the Self, Race, and Essentialization in Buddhism: The United States and the Asian "Other", 1899-1957

This book explores how Buddhist discussions of the Aryan myth and scientific racism shaped Buddhism in the United States and globally, challenging colonial tropes and presenting Buddhism as a superior tradition. It will interest academics in Buddhism, race, and religion, and American religious history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into Buddhist discussions of the Aryan myth and scientific racism, exploring how these narratives have shaped Buddhism in the United States and globally. It traces the evolution of Aryanism within Buddhist publications from 1899 to 1957, focusing on the so-called "yellow peril," or historical racist views in the United States concerning Asian others. During this period, the Aryan myth was widely accepted as scientific fact, and Buddhists capitalized on this notion through a vast global publishing network that disseminated their teachings. By challenging dominant narratives of colonialism and the Aryan myth, Buddhists sought to disprove the notion of Western dominance and promote Buddhism as a superior tradition in world historical development. Through a combination of emic discussions about the Aryan myth and comparisons between Buddhism and science, Buddhists sought to undermine colonial tropes and assert their religious superiority. This portrayal of Buddhism as a superior tradition helped to create space for Buddhism within the American religious landscape.

The book is of significant interest to academics studying Buddhism, race and religion, and American religious history. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between Buddhism, cultural ideologies, and historical processes, shedding light on the ways in which religious beliefs and practices are shaped by social and political contexts.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of religious studies, offering a comprehensive analysis of Buddhist discussions of the Aryan myth and scientific racism and their impact on Buddhism in the United States and beyond.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367626402