Conceptualizing Buddhisization: Malaysian Chinese Buddhists in Contemporary Malaysia

Lee Ooi Tan

doi:10.3390/rel13020102

Abstract

This article conceptualizes the term “Buddhisization” to understand religious manifestations of Buddhist communities in contemporary Malaysia. By Buddhisization, I refer to a process of influencing or being influenced to be a Buddhist. The purpose of this conceptualization, apart from basic description and definition, is to outline some contexts for the use of Buddhisization and rationale behind the process. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Malaysian Chinese Buddhists, this study proposes six aspects of Buddhisization from the common experiences of Malaysian Chinese Buddhists. These aspects are the formalization of the taking refuge ceremony, participation in Buddhist associations, Buddhist examination, popularization of meditation courses, Buddhist weddings and Buddhist funerals. From experiences in Malaysia, this article suggests that the Buddhist minority context has enabled the process of being Buddhist at individual and institutional levels through initiatives and efforts of the Buddhist community. Urban educated middle-class Chinese Buddhists are inclined towards an acceptance of Buddhisization. As a consequence, it has complicated the journey of nation building in multi-religiosity Malaysia.

Highlights

Conceptualizing BuddhisizationThe study of modernity and Buddhism has taken a primary focus on religious transformations in the late nineteenth century
The data set at institutional level were derived from a macro perspective by analyzing data collected from in-depth interviews and activities of three major Buddhist associations, namely the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA), Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) and Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia (Tzu Chi)
Drawing on data collected from the in-depth interviews and supplemented with secondary data of three major Buddhist associations, MBA, YBAM and Tzu Chi, this section offers an overview of each aspect and analyzes the notion of Buddhisization

Summary

Introduction

The study of modernity and Buddhism has taken a primary focus on religious transformations in the late nineteenth century. The conceptual formulation of Buddhist modernism has been constructed and emphasized from an internal dynamic of the religion and its larger interactions with society and politics. This article aims to discuss the term “Buddhisization” through an appraisal of the notion of Buddhist modernism. It focuses on the definition, concept, case study and condition of the Buddhisization of Chinese Buddhist community in contemporary Malaysia. I argue that the term Buddhisization entails a form of social interaction with common shared problem. This article is not a critique of modern Buddhism per se, but rather a critical reflection of its extension in understanding the multiplicities and forces at work of underlying expressions of modern Buddhism

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Conclusion