Old Wisdom in the New World: Americanization in Two Immigrant Theravada Buddhist Temples

By Paul David Numrich

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1572330635
• ISBN13: 9781572330634
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: University of Tennessee Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Accurate and Insightful

Numrich's book was right on the mark concerning the adaptation of Buddhism to America, in this case Theravada Buddhism. Like a potted plant that sits on a windowsill, Theravada Buddhism will remain in its pot until planted in the ground where it will grow. Numrich's investigation into two communities reflects this very dilemma facing Theravada Buddhism. Although both communities are reaching out to their own, the fashion in which it is being done relfects an Asian element and not an American element, which will keep Theravada Buddhism in its "pot on the windowsill." Numrich's indepth research concerning the issue of "adaptation" is a well documented field study that gives the reader a greater appreciation of the growth that Theravada Buddhism must experience if it wishes to take root in America.