Charles Prebish’s latest ebook “Looking West: A Primer for American Buddhism”
2012 FEBRUARY 24
by Tanya McGinnity
If you are interested in reading a bit more about Buddhism in America, I would recommend checking out Charles’ memoirs “An American Buddhist Life” which was previously reviewed on this blog.
I just recently finished reading the latest ebook by Charles Prebish one of the foremost experts and scholars in American Buddhism and do recommend it wholeheartedly for those who are looking for a comprehensive introduction to the who, what, where and hows of American Buddhism.
Titled “Looking West: A Primer for American Buddhism” this digital publication covers much ground in exploring each of the various Buddhist traditions. Ideal for both those looking for demographic information as well as those curious about the full offering of forms of Buddhism in North America, this ebook provides a glimpse into both the differences and similarities present running across race, culture, location and practices whether they be from Theravada, Mahayana, or Vajrayana traditions. With descriptions of the various Asian masters who came to America to spread the dharma as well as mention of the next wave of Buddhist teachers, including those teachers who are less about teaching Buddhism and more about teaching meditation and mindfulness practices, this ebook describes itself as offering “a clear typology for examining the American Buddhist tradition which includes ethnicity, practice, democratization, social engagement, and adaptation.”
Prebish dips a toe in the virtual worlds of the cybersangha and Buddhablogs and looks at how younger Buddhists are both creating new communities and participating in the existing molds created by the first wave Boomer generations. Some mention is made to socially engaged Buddhism as well as global dialogue amongst global Buddhists, interfaith participation and various other manners in which Buddhists are going beyond the walls of our centres and into our communities to engage in practice and be of service.
To come full circle, the future of Buddhism in America is examined and after putting down my Kindle, I must say that a LOT of ground is covered in these 93 digital pages. I recommend this book for those who would like to find out more about the past and present of Buddhism in America and read Prebish’s thoughts as to where it’s headed.
I appreciate Charles Prebish for his ability to compile in his writing, a well-documented survey of American Buddhism. I’m not sure how completely different it is up here in Canada and for that I would direct you to read “Wild Geese : Buddhism in Canada” by Victor Sogen Hori, John S. Hardin and Alexander Soucy which may add a bit of the ‘eh’ to the snapshot of Buddhism in North America. Please stay tuned for a long overdue review of this book as it has been on my shelf for some time.
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