Historical Context Flashcards
How did engaged Buddhism arise in Asia?
Response to extreme conditions of invasion, civil war, and tyrannical government
Buddhist science vs Buddhist philosophy vs Buddhist religion
Discusses nature of the external world and how the mind engages
Discusses conventional and ultimate modes of existence of persons and phenomena
Describes the basis, path, and result of spiritual practice, and emphasizes its liberating aspirations
Buddhist teachings have a ____ approach?
Secular (no religious/spiritual basis)
What kind of changes did Gandhi focus on? What was his approach?
Social, political, and moral changes to contribute to individual freedom and development within a society
Nonviolent approach
What was the problem with Gandhi’s writings and views on modernity?
Early writings were seen as racist since they only considered ideas of his culture and time
He was against technology and industry and aimed for ancient village life
Ariyaratne
What does Sarvodaya Shramadana mean?
Ariyaratne was frustrated that practices for children in Buddhist villages were confined to the classroom and books
Created a new society that awakened individuals, families and communities to see their own potential (implemented leadership and technological skills training programs for youth)
The awakening and welfare of all
Sulak Sivaraksa
Addressed issues of peace, social justice, and human rights
Called Buddhism “buddhism” (with small b) to strip it form civil religion - Called it personally transformative buddhism
Wanted change to be authentic/organic and foster a sense of community and ethnic identity
Soka Gakkai
On of the largest movements of Buddhist activism in Japan involved in education, peace, environmental concerns, and cultural development
Initially dogmatic in its views of its righteousness but has now mellowed out
- Some accusations of power seeking corruption and exclusiveness
