Neo-traditionalism Buddhism


neo-traditionalism that, while seeking a return to tradition, possesses striking progressive ideas.

  1. The Buddhist contribution to the worldwide so-called ‘green’ movement; *[my emphasis]
  2. A reaction against Buddhist nationalism; *[my emphasis]
  3. Reassertion of the teachings and values of traditional Buddhism;*
  4. Radical return to the roots of Buddhism (e.g. Santi Asoke);*
  5. Renewal of the ideals of the ‘forest-dwelling’ monks;*
  6. Revival of Samatha meditation;*
  7. Revival of ritualism; *[my emphasis]
  8. Syncretism with various other Buddhist traditions; *[my emphasis]
  9. A tendency towards ‘remythologization’; *[my emphasis]
  10. Reassertion of women’s rights. *[my emphasis]

Lance Cousins. 2002. “Aspects of Esoteric Southern Buddhism.” In Peter Connolly and Sue Hamilton (eds.). Indian Insights: Buddhism, Brahmanism and Bhakti: Papers from the Annual Spalding Symposium on Indian Religions. Luzac Oriental.