Journey to the Far West: Chinese Buddhism in America

Abstract

The direct application of Western religious studies classification schemes and labels to the study of Chinese religions and practices in the United States is problematic. Given the classification issues, the existing scholarship on Chinese religions and their establishments can be roughly grouped into three types. The first covers research on indigenous Chinese religions which were transplanted to the United States by the earliest Chinese immigrants between1854–1883 and the Chinese temples of Northern California built by these immigrants. The second focuses on Chinese Buddhism in the larger context of Buddhist traditions in America. The third includes short descriptions of selected Chinese Buddhist organizations in America, primarily found in encyclopedias of American religions. Hsi Lai's stated goal is threefold: to offer a spiritual and cultural center for the United States, to provide Westerners a place for learning about the Dharma, and to facilitate the exchange of culture between East and West.