Atmospheric Buddhism: How Buddhism is Distributed, Felt, and Moralized in a Repressive Society
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A growing number of lay Buddhist practitioners have sought out alternative ways to incorporate Buddhist teachings in their daily practices and make positive changes in society by “doing good” for others. Sometimes recognized as part of “humanistic Buddhism,” this approach emphasizes general morality and focuses on people who need help as a way to fulfill Buddhist teachings in this world. Some Chinese Buddhist practitioners who follow the Tibetan Buddhist tradition also carry out similar humanistic engagements but use more subtle space-making processes and often “brand” these as Buddhist practices. Drawing on the ethnographic observations of lay Buddhist practitioners in urban China, this article examines how urban practitioners promote (middle-class) morality and well-being lifestyles through what I call “atmospheric Buddhism.” Ultimately, the article argues that an alternative mode of Buddhist practice is emerging in Chinese urban environments in order to cope with politically constrained environments.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Religious Ethics |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 4 |
Pages (from-to) | 701-719 |
ISSN | 0384-9694 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Religious Ethics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Journal of Religious Ethics, Inc.
- atmospheres, branding Buddhism, Chinese Buddhist practitioners, morality, Tibetan Buddhism, well-being lifestyles
Research areas
ID: 389361266