The Utility of the Convert/Natal Lens in the Study of Theravāda Buddhist Organizations in California
In this study of four Theravādin organizations in California, I explore the utility of the natal/convert binary construct in describing these organizations and their participants. In addition to the critiques of the model of two Buddhisms available in the literature (e.g., Hickey 2010; Han 2017), I...
| Published in: | Buddhist Christian studies |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
University of Hawaii Press
2021
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| In: |
Buddhist Christian studies
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| Further subjects: | B
two Buddhisms
B Buddhist converts B Theravāda in the United States B natal Buddhists |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | In this study of four Theravādin organizations in California, I explore the utility of the natal/convert binary construct in describing these organizations and their participants. In addition to the critiques of the model of two Buddhisms available in the literature (e.g., Hickey 2010; Han 2017), I note that conversions across Buddhist sectarian boundaries also challenge the binary. Although I note the benefit of this model in bringing to attention non-Theravāda elements brought by converts, my research demonstrates that the diversity in Asian American-led Theravāda temples in terms of temple participants' ethnic and religious backgrounds, openness to non-Theravāda elements, temple activities, orientation toward meditation practice, and missionary outreach to converts, seekers, and samplers is masked by the umbrella term "natal," which homogenizes these groups. |
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| ISSN: | 1527-9472 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Buddhist Christian studies
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1353/bcs.2021.0010 |