User:3rdspace/AmericanDharma
{{Short description|Academic book by Ann Gleig exploring contemporary American Buddhism.}}
{{Infobox book
| name = American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity
| image = | author = Ann Gleig
| country = United States
| language = English
| subject = Buddhism in the West, American Buddhism, Modern Buddhism, Postmodernism, Mindfulness, Engaged Buddhism
| publisher = Yale University Press
| release_date = 2019
| media_type = Print (Hardcover, Paperback), E-book
| pages = 376
| isbn = 978-0300215809
| oclc = 1056193796
| preceded_by = Homegrown Gurus: From Hinduism in America to American Hinduism (as co-editor)
}}
American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity is a 2019 academic book by American scholar Ann Gleig, published by Yale University Press.{{cite book |last=Gleig |first=Ann |year=2019 |title=American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity |publisher=Yale University Press |url=https://www.yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300215809/american-dharma |access-date=2025-05-19}} The book delves into how contemporary Buddhism has changed in North America, particularly as it moves from a modernist approach to more postmodern forms.
Ann Gleig completed her bachelor's degree at Bristol University, her master's at Lancaster University, and earned her PhD from Rice University.{{cite web |url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/tracing-the-contours-of-buddhism-in-america-with-ann-gleig/ |title=Tracing the Contours of Buddhism in America with Ann Gleig |last=Weller |first=Casey |date=2017-09-08 |website=Buddhistdoor Global |access-date=2025-05-19}}{{cite web |publisher=Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, University of Notre Dame |title=Faith in the Story: Trialogues for Enhancing Religious Literacy – Final Workshop: Amplifying the Conversation – Participant Bios |url=https://ansari.nd.edu/conference/faith-in-the-story-trialogues-for-enhancing-religious-literacy/final-workshop-amplifying-the-conversation/participant-bios/ |access-date=2025-05-19}}{{cite web |url=https://cswgs.rice.edu/alumni/ann-gleig |title=Alumni: Ann Gleig |website=Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, Rice University |access-date=2025-05-19}}
Overview
Ann Gleig explores how Buddhism brought to the United States has changed in recent decades. The book argues that American Buddhism is moving past its "modernist" phase: a time focused on meditation, secular practices, and individual well-being. Gleig describes Buddhism now entering a "postmodern" era. This brings a new focus on ethics, community, social fairness, and a closer look at issues like race, gender, and power within Buddhist groups.{{cite web |url=https://aarweb.org/ann-gleig-program-unit-director-candidate-statement/ |title=Ann Gleig: Program Unit Director Candidate Statement |website=American Academy of Religion (AAR) |access-date=2025-05-19}}
Gleig's research uses ethnography, including interviews with Zen and Vipassana practitioners and teachers. She also analyzes online discussions and media, and addresses the secularization and commercialization of mindfulness (so-called "McMindfulness"). The book also explores the effects of misconduct and power abuse scandals involving teachers{{cite web |url=https://www.eckerd.edu/news/2018/07/eckerd-professor-awarded-luce-funding-to-document-sexual-abuse-in-american-buddhism.html |title=Eckerd professor awarded Luce funding to document sexual abuse in American Buddhism |publisher=Eckerd College |access-date=2024-05-19}} along with generational shifts in practice between "Baby Boomer" and younger practitioners, and the role of digital platforms and new technologies in Buddhist communities.
Reception
Scholars in religious studies, Buddhist studies, and American studies have given American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity positive reviews. Reviewers have praised its strong research based on observing people, its careful analysis, and how it helps readers understand where Buddhism in the West is now and where it may be headed.{{cite book |last=Gleig |first=Ann |year=2019 |title=American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity |publisher=Yale University Press |url=https://www.yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300215809/american-dharma |access-date=2025-05-19}} Justin Whitaker, writing for Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly, praised the book for showing "an American Buddhism filled with contradictions and a growing awareness of its own internal problems... Refreshingly even-handed... A monumental contribution."{{cite web |title=American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity by Ann Gleig, Hardcover |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/american-dharma-ann-gleig/1129229954 |website=Barnes & Noble |access-date=2025-05-19}}
Natalie Fisk Quli, in the Journal of Global Buddhism, stated that the book "is sure to become a classic in the field" due to its "strong theoretical foundation and primary materials based analysis."{{cite web |title=American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity: 9780300215809: Gleig, Ann: Books |url=https://www.amazon.com/American-Dharma-Buddhism-Beyond-Modernity/dp/0300215800 |website=Amazon.com |access-date=2025-05-19}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300215809/american-dharma American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity] on Yale University Press
- [https://www.amazon.com/American-Dharma-Buddhism-Beyond-Modernity/dp/0300215800 American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity] on Amazon.com