Old Wisdom in New World: Americanization First Edition, Edition Contributor(s): Numrich, Paul David (Author) |
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ISBN: 1572330635 ISBN-13: 9781572330634 Publisher: Univ Tennessee Press
Binding Type: Paperback - See All Available Formats & Editions Published: August 1999 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Buddhism - Theravada - Social Science | Anthropology - Cultural & Social |
Dewey: 294.3 |
LCCN: 95004361 |
Physical Information: 0.49" H x 6.02" W x 8.97" L (0.63 lbs) 208 pages |
Themes: - Religious Orientation - Buddhist |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Focusing on two well-established institutions--one in Chicago, the other in Los Angeles--Old Wisdom in the New World is the first systematic examination of the growing presence of Theravada Buddhist temples in the United States. Paul David Numrich's socio-historical analysis highlights a number of classic Americanization themes of establishment, growth, and adaptation. These have surfaced, the author shows, in debates over the retention of Old World culture and language, the "problem" of the second generation, and the role of the laity in religious institutions. Going beyond such familiar themes, Numrich also uncovers the intriguing phenomenon of ethnically defined "parallel congregations" in these temples, as he reveals the ways in which Asian-immigrant Buddhists and American converts pursue substantively different expressions of the Theravada tradition under the direction of a shared clerical leadership, the resident monks. In the author's view, these Theravada case studies underline the complexity of the present Americanization process. By examining the intersection of two important trends--the steady growth of Asian immigration and an increasing indigenous interest in new religious movements, especially those of Asian origin--this book points to some fascinating new directions for the study of religious and cultural diversity in the United States. The Author: Paul David Numrich is a research associate in the Religion in Urban America Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. |
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