Conceptualizing Buddhisization

Malaysian Chinese Buddhists in Contemporary Malaysia

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3554130
AutoresLee Ooi Tan (0000-0003-1417-395X, University of Wollongong Malaysia, autor de correspondencia)
Año2022
Volumen13
Número2
Páginas102
Fecha de publicación2022-01-21
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditorialMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel13020102
OpenAlexW4206992791
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas16

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

Aesthetics · Art · Buddhism · Ceremony · Conceptualization · Meditation · Social science · Sociology · Asian Studies and History · Education and Islamic Studies · Gender Studies · History · Philosophy · Socioeconomic Development in Asia