Lecture 16: Does Buddhism fit Smith's definition of "religion," or do some Eastern religious traditions defy a Western sociological lens?
Bhuddism
Eastern origin religion.
The Beasties Boys
Songs have Buddhist themes. The song shown in class promoted connection to yourself, forgiving your enemies, and helping others.
Suffering is not a gift from God, but rather a consequence of desire, and dealing with it can get you to the truth.
Western’s religion: Communication as a tool. What you do ritualistically communicates how deserving you are to God.
Modern and Elite Buddhism vs. Popular Buddhism
popular Bhudd. is more theistic and emotionally driven, often emphasizing community practices and social engagement, which contrasts with the philosophical underpinnings of modern and elite Buddhism that focus on individual enlightenment and meditation.
Elite Buddhism
wants to distinguish itself from the lower social class.
Q: Why was it successful?
A: First, they define who they are not, then they define who they are and the communities around them. Then, who they are as monks, and who they are as a temple. Finally, they concluded who they are with Buddhism.
The elite temple is not switching or converting because it retains its distinct identity and is committed to preserving traditional practices that resonate with desired social status, thereby ensuring its place within the hierarchy of both spiritual and societal realms. Conversion is a long process, and because it is tolerant of varying beliefs, it does not require immediate compliance, allowing communities the space to integrate their unique cultural identities with Buddhist tenets, thereby reinforcing their social standings. It is also not switching because the core principles are still practiced; they are only using monks with high status to promote it to high-status individuals.
Elite Buddhism is very inspired by the US. They are introducing congregationalism to China.
inspired by Taiwan.
Non-congregational religion: This concept highlights how beliefs and practices may exist independently from organized, communal worship, focusing instead on individual spirituality and personal experience, which can be prominently observed in many Eastern traditions, including Buddhism.
It’s something you do with your communities
In the US, a Mormon will try to convert ppl to their religion, but it is not like that in China or eastern religion.
Q: How does charism affects buddhism? Why can’t we view them similarly to Mother Ann Lee or Jesus?
A: The reason is that no ritualistic God is presented to reveal a revelation. Teaching is more based on philosophical understanding and personal experience rather than on charismatic leadership or divine authority, emphasizing individual practice and enlightenment over communal rituals or the veneration of a singular prophetic figure. Monks act as teachers to guide followers to enlightenment.
elite bud = eliminate desires
Popular Buddhism = promote collective practices and community engagement, often integrating ritual and devotion in ways that can be more accessible to the lay follower, fostering a shared identity and purpose that contrasts with the individualistic approach of elite Buddhism.
Religious entrepreneurs also play a significant role in the popularization of Buddhism by adapting its teachings and practices to fit contemporary societal needs, creating a hybrid form of Buddhism that resonates with modern practitioners and offers multiple pathways to spiritual fulfillment.
The monks at the elite temple have qualifications because they are from big colleges. Their target audience is wealthy Chinese and those with upward mobility. Chinese people value education and mobility.
Sacred Scriptures
Q: How do you learn to be a Buddhist?
A: There is no spiritual world for revelation. However, there are practices that a community can do together to represent their beliefs.
ex: retreats, meditations, and charities
under mao→ a lot of atheist bc os suprression