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Heartwood: The First Generation of Theravada Buddhism in America
Contributor(s): Cadge, Wendy (Author)

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 ISBN: 0226089002     ISBN-13: 9780226089003
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
OUR PRICE: $42.00  

Binding Type: Paperback - See All Available Formats & Editions
Published: December 2004
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Annotation: Theravada is one of the three main branches of Buddhism. In Asia it is practiced widely in Thailand, Laos, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. This fascinating ethnography opens a window onto two communities of Theravada Buddhists in contemporary America: one outside Philadelphia that is composed largely of Thai immigrants and one outside Boston that consists mainly of white converts.
Wendy Cadge first provides a historical overview of Theravada Buddhism and considers its specific origins here in the United States. She then brings her findings to bear on issues of personal identity, immigration, cultural assimilation, and the nature of religion in everyday life. Her work is the first systematic comparison of the ways in which immigrant and convert Buddhists understand, practice, and adapt the Buddhist tradition in America. The men and women whom Cadge meets and observes speak directly to us in this work, both in their personal testimonials and as they meditate, pray, and practice Buddhism.
Creative and insightful, "Heartwood" will be of enormous value to sociologists of religion and anyone wishing to understand the rise of Buddhism in the Western world.

Click for more in this series: Morality and Society (Paperback)
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Buddhism - Theravada
Dewey: 294.391
LCCN: 2004000207
Series: Morality and Society (Paperback)
Physical Information: 0.6" H x 6.44" W x 8.92" L (0.82 lbs) 268 pages
Themes:
- Religious Orientation - Buddhist
Features: Bibliography, Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 12/13/2004 pg. 63
Library Journal 02/01/2005 pg. 84
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:
Theravada is one of the three main branches of Buddhism. In Asia it is practiced widely in Thailand, Laos, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. This fascinating ethnography opens a window onto two communities of Theravada Buddhists in contemporary America: one outside Philadelphia that is composed largely of Thai immigrants and one outside Boston that consists mainly of white converts.

Wendy Cadge first provides a historical overview of Theravada Buddhism and considers its specific origins here in the United States. She then brings her findings to bear on issues of personal identity, immigration, cultural assimilation, and the nature of religion in everyday life. Her work is the first systematic comparison of the ways in which immigrant and convert Buddhists understand, practice, and adapt the Buddhist tradition in America. The men and women whom Cadge meets and observes speak directly to us in this work, both in their personal testimonials and as they meditate, pray, and practice Buddhism.

Creative and insightful, Heartwood will be of enormous value to sociologists of religion and anyone wishing to understand the rise of Buddhism in the Western world.

Contributor Bio(s): Cadge, Wendy: - Wendy Cadge is professor of sociology and women's, gender, and sexuality studies at Brandeis University.
 
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