Buddhism in America

by Richard Hughes Seager

With a history stretching back to ancient India, Buddhism has influenced American culture since the American Transcendentalist movement in the 1830s and '40s. Only in the past few decades, however, has this transplanted philosophy begun to blossom into a full-fledged American religion, made up of three broad groups: a burgeoning Asian immigrant population, numerous native-born converts, and old-line Asian American Buddhists. In "Buddhism in America, " religious historian Richard Seager offers a perceptive and engaging portrait of the communities, institutions, practices, and individuals that are integral to the contemporary Buddhist landscape.

The book begins with a brief survey of Buddhist beliefs -- the story of the Buddha's life, the meaning of enlightenment, realization, the cultivation of nonattachment, and other core concepts -- and Buddhist history in both Asia and the United States. In part 2, Seager presents six well-crafted profiles of Buddhist traditions that have been brought to the United States from Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere. This section highlights challenges and problems that have come with transporting and adapting an Asian religion to late twentieth-century America: Who can teach and who can lead? What are the proper roles of laypeople and monks in a society lacking a strong monastic tradition?

The last section takes up the general theme of Americanization, looking at recent developments in three important areas -- gender equity, progressive social change, and intra-Buddhist and interreligious dialogue. Arguing that the gulf between recent converts and new immigrant communities is the most prominent feature of the contemporary scene, Seager assesses American Buddhism as a whole and looks into its future: Will the dharma, traditional Buddhist teachings, be watered down to suit the lifestyles of middle-class, consumerist Americans? Will this highly decentralized religion develop strong national associations, as Catholicism and Judaism have? What institutions -- universities, monasteries, or dharma centers run by and for laypeople -- will be most effective in preserving and developing an American Buddhist tradition? This lucid survey lays the foundations for understanding one of the United States' most vital new religions.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, History, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative as a whole, but sometimes feels strung together and could use some overall structure of discussion. I say this because the best part by far is the discussion of denominations in America, as the structure of each section allows it to highlight the important points more effectively. Definitely read at least the center section if you're curious about differences between denominations and what you can find in terms of organized Buddhism in America.

[Si Squires-Kasten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief, readable survey of the diversity of Buddhist communities in America. My only qualm is that due to the timeline of conversion and immigration, the communities he describes were almost uniformly in a state of transition in 2000 -- I would love to read a follow-up detailing the changes in these communities over the last 20 years.

[Brian Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enlightening historical account of the origins, transmission, and development of Buddhism (and its various schools) in America from the 19th century to the present.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense history of Buddhism in America. Skimmed through much of it. Paid attention to the three main branches, the many variations of the tradition, Therevadan Buddhism, and Vipassana or Insight Meditation.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

great reference for finding teachers/writers to read

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent history of Buddhism in America but a little dry.