Adaptation and Developments in Western Buddhism: Socially Engaged Buddhism in the UK

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In recent years, there has been a growing academic acknowledgment around the world of a contemporary Buddhist phenomenon described as Engaged, or Socially Engaged Buddhism (SEB). It is a contested phenomenon variously associated with finding Buddhist solutions for social, political and ecological problems. The debate about its origins, practice and legitimacy has stirred academics and practitioners alike. Firstly, does such an approach to Buddhist practice constitute a departure with the past, in which case a new expression of an ancient practice is being experienced all around us Or is this really a continuity of practice, adapted to inform current understanding given that some would describe Buddhism as always having been engaged Adaptation and Developments in Western Buddhism examines the UK Socially Engaged Buddhist experience captured through a series of five case studies of Buddhist groups and a survey undertaken over two years in the field. The volume is a ground-breaking and benchmark analysis of Socially Engaged Buddhism in the UK, drawing for the first time on evidence from practitioners experiences with which to characterise the previously dichotomous academic debate. Ultimately, the volume locates Socially Engaged Buddhism in the UK and places it within the broader and global context of an emerging Western Buddhism, characterising the phenomenon and its relationships to the wider Buddhist world.

Reviews

This is a welcome addition to the growing body of studies of Buddhists in UK. It presents through some quantitative research and more importantly in a qualitative examination of five groups which can be seen as socially engaged an analysis of what this term means in their contexts. -- Peggy Morgan, Lecturer in the Study of Religions, Mansfield College, University of Oxford, UK
This ground-breaking informative study, a welcome addition to the field, is the first book to examine socially engaged Buddhist groups in the UK. It is based on a significant amount of fieldwork and survey research, and providers a comparative analysis that brings to light common themes and differences among the five main socially engaged Buddhist groups: Amida Trust, the Network of Engaged Buddhists, the Community of Interbeing, Triratna Buddhist Community (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) Right Livelihood businesses, and the Rokpa Trust. It offers critical reflections on some of their claims, and places them in the context of scholarly debates about socially engaged Buddhism in Asia and the West. -- Peter Harvey, Professor Emeritus of Buddhist Studies, University of Sunderland, UK

Author Bio

Phil Henry is Director of the Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Derby, UK.