Nirvana for Sale?: Buddhism, Wealth, and the Dhammakāya

Nirvana for Sale?: Buddhism, Wealth, and the Dhammakāya Temple in Contemporary Thailand
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Explores the relationship between material prosperity and spirituality in contemporary Thai Buddhism.

What is the proper relationship between religion and prosperity? Rachelle M. Scott looks at this issue in a Thai Buddhist context, asking when the relationship between Buddhist piety and wealth is viewed in favorable terms and when it is viewed in terms of conflict and tension. Scott focuses on the DhammakÄya Temple, an organization that has placed traditional TheravÄda practices, such as meditation and merit-making, within a modernist framework that encourages personal and social prosperity. The Templeâ€™s construction of a massive religious monument in the late 1990s embodied this message, but also sparked criticism of the Templeâ€™s wealth and fund-raising techniques and engendered debates over authentic Buddhism and religious authority. Scott situates this controversy within the context of postmodern Thailand and the Asian economic crisis when reevaluations of wealth, global capitalism, and â€œAsian valuesâ€ occupied a preeminent place in Thai public discourse.

â€œ...impressive â€¦ Featuring clear, accessible prose and an admirable attention to detail throughout, this is an excellent book.â€ â€” Journal of Buddhist Ethics

â€œThere are many laudable qualities of Scottâ€™s work â€¦ this book is clear, well organized, and accessible to both students and scholars â€¦ Scott has made a great contribution to the study of prosperity religions, as well as the fields of Thai studies and Buddhist studies.â€ â€” H-Net Reviews
Country USA
Brand State University of New York Press
Manufacturer State University of New York Press
Binding Paperback
UnitCount 1
Format Illustrated
EANs 9781438427843
ReleaseDate 2009-09-17

Country	USA
Brand	State University of New York Press
Manufacturer	State University of New York Press
Binding	Paperback
UnitCount	1
Format	Illustrated
EANs	9781438427843
ReleaseDate	2009-09-17

Nirvana for Sale?: Buddhism, Wealth, and the Dhammakāya Temple in Contemporary Thailand

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