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Future of Buddhism
An increasingly popular tradition, Buddhism continues to penetrate western ideas of science, psychology, and spirituality. What might we expect from the sectarian facets of the Buddhist community? How will American Buddhism differ from its historic roots? Patheos engages these questions in its Future of Religion series. Contributing authors include: Mushim Ikeda, Thubten Chodron, Rev. George Tanabe, Les Sponsel, Chade-Meng Tan, James Coleman, Natascha Bruckner, Venerable Jaguang, Stephen Levine, Alan Senauke, Chan Master Sheng Yen, Philip Ryan, Josh Bartok, Maia Duerr, Jeff Wilson, Paul Numrich, Christopher Queen, Bernie Glassman, Charles S. Prebish, and Susan Kaiser Greenland.
Future of Religion
by Gary Gach
As preface or afterword, random notes from the editor of the series.
An Interview with Josh Bartok (Senior Editor, Wisdom Publications)
Did you know? the first printed book was Buddhist? Here’s an update on Dharma publishing, and what it portends, from one of its leading practitioners.
by Natascha Bruckner (Managing Editor, Mindfulness Bell)
In the recognition of our being truly one may rest not only the future of Buddhism, but also of humankind.
by James William Coleman (California Polytechnic State University)
Buddhism is clearly moving from the fringes of American religious life into its mainstream.
by Maia Duerr (Five Directions Consulting)
The growth of Buddhism in the West can be located within a larger phenomenon of contemplative practices. Does this constitute a movement, and how might it move forward in the future?
An Interview with Bernie Glassman (Founder, Zen Peacemakers)
From the monastery to the streets, Zen Houses emerge to care for the poor.
by Susan Kaiser Greenland (Co-Founder, Inner Kids Foundation)
Kids are our future. Witnessing the awakening of their mindful awareness, the future looks good.
by Venerable Jaguang Sunim (Buddhist Nun)
The trend toward combining psychotherapy with Buddhism is a mismatch, through which true Dharma teachings and practice can be lost.
by Stephen Levine (Author and Teacher)
Time is an illusion and Buddhism is but a word, a lens. Looking beyond words, through our own wisdom eye, we can awaken to What Is, opening the heart of the heart.
by Mushim Ikeda-Nash (Teacher, East Bay Meditation Center)
A former Zen nun shines a light on how Buddhism can serve America’s multicultural, democratic society, and how such social realities are shaping the future of Buddhism.
by Paul David Numrich (Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Trinity Lutheran Seminary)
North American Buddhists often discuss the relationship between the monastic and lay paths. The monastic path may be more viable than many think.
by Charles S. Prebish (Utah State University)
A leading scholar of Buddhism in America, who’s also a practitioner, looks back -- and ahead.
by Christopher Queen (Harvard University)
Social action has become the spiritual practice of many Buddhists in the West.
by Philip Ryan (Web Editor, Tricycle Magazine)
Notes from a veteran at the interface of Buddhism and the internet, currently at the front lines, serving up the dharma digitally, for the welfare of all beings.
by Hozan Alan Senauke (Clear View Project)
Western Buddhism is strongly shaped by three forces or three “marks” in Buddhist language: lay practice, the empowerment of women, and social engagement.
by Vinessa Shaw (Soka Gakkai International (SGI)–USA)
The Soka Gakkai since its establishment in 1930 has made dialogue the central point or “heartbeat” of its movement.
by Chan Master Sheng Yen (Founder, Dharma Drum Mountain)
A beloved Buddhist sage’s vision of the future is rich with promise and guidance. These opportunities for putting wisdom and compassion into practice all originate in the Buddha, never more true than today.
by Leslie E. Sponsel (University of Hawai’i) and Poranee Natadecha-Sponsel (Chaminade University)
The future of Buddhism shines, not only in diagnosing the ultimate problem, but also in prescribing the ultimate solution.
by Chade-Meng Tan (Google University)
Buddhists in the 21st century are mingling teachings from different branches. In so doing, they often empower their finest capacities -- such as wise humor and compassionate wit.
by George Tanabe (University of Hawaii)
Japanese Buddhism in Hawaii is dying from its attachment to tradition. It is in need of leaders like Shinran and Honen, heretics who created new orthodoxies.
by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron (Founder, Sravasti Abbey)
A renowned American Vajrayana Buddhist nun offers a global checklist of concise, probing questions pertinent to the future of Buddhism.
by Jeff Wilson (Renison University College)
Though Buddhism faces many challenges within and without, these may also present opportunities in the years ahead.
