Heartwood the first generation of Theravada Buddhism in America / [electronic resource] :
Wendy Cadge.
- University of Chicago Press, 2004.
- 1 online resource (x, 268 p.) : ill.
- Morality and society series .
- Morality and society. .
Includes bibliographical references (p. [246]-262) and index.
Note on terminology; Acknowledgments; 1 Arrivals and a map of the journey; 2 The history of theravada buddhism in america; 3 New organizations: wat mongkoltepmunee and the cambridge insight meditation center; 4 Lived buddhism: the construction of teaching and practice at wat phila and cimc; 5 Refuge in the sangha: the shape of buddhist communities; 6 Ascribed and achieved buddhist identities; 7 Observations through a gendered lens; 8 Taking stock, looking forward; Appendix A: Research methods; Appendix B: Rrefuges and precepts; Notes; Reference list; Index.
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, cu.
Theravāda Buddhism--History--United States--20th century. Southeast Asian Americans--Religious life. Buddhist converts--Religious life--United States. Buddhist centers--History.--United States RELIGION--Buddhism--Theravada.