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.

About the Author
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).

Reviews

'Buddhism now appears in new places: advertisements, pain clinics, brain labs and 'meditation centers.' This emerging globalized Buddhism stands in complex relation to Asian traditions on the ground. Highly useful for teachers and researchers alike, this volume uniquely combines the Asian, Western and global contexts with crucial themes - such as politics, science and gender - in our late modern world.' - John D. Dunne, Associate Professor of Religion, Emory University, USA

'This book is very much to be welcomed for those who, in a reflective and critical way, want to go beyond a basic understanding of Buddhist doctrines and Buddhism in history to see the ways in which Buddhist doctrine and practice are responding to, adapting to, and adopting the modern world even as they are adopted and adapted by those within it.' - Paul Williams, Emeritus Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy, University of Bristol, UK

'Edited by David L. McMahan, a scholar of Buddhism and modernity, the volume has contributions from a range of well-known and emerging scholars from a variety of fields... The volume offers a kind of refracted lens for a diverse and plural web of communities and practitioners, shining a light on multiple and often contentious social histories and intellectual, economic and political forces.' - Annabella Pitkin, Barnard College,USA in Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly

'What distinguishes McMahan's edited volume from previous works is its collective scope, integration of current scholarship, and accessibility to students who are unfamiliar with Buddhist traditions. Buddhism in the Modern World brings together scholars of high caliber and provides much needed groundwork in the still burgeoning interdisciplinary track of Buddhist Studies.' - Michael K. Jerryson, Eckerd College, USA in Religion

Book Information
ISBN 9780415780155
Author David L. McMahan
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 606g