Abstract
This article explores the intersection of a local Buddhist neighbourhood, intimately connected to the global sphere through the main temple household (managed by a Japanese head priest and British temple wife). Utilising ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Takachiho, Miyazaki prefecture, from 2010-2012, the case study concerns a four hundred and fifty year old Jōdo Shinshū Pure Land temple that demonstrates problems common to rural locations throughout Japan; as well as illustrating the fact that non-Japanese are active practitioners in Japanese culture and religiosity in the local sphere.
This could perhaps be regarded as part of a wider new trend, particularly within Japanese Buddhism in a rapidly globalising world. By exploring the challenges faced by the local neighbourhood in decline, the article suggests ways in which the temple could accommodate these: acting as an agent of change in a new style Temple Buddhism adapted to the contemporary era.
This could perhaps be regarded as part of a wider new trend, particularly within Japanese Buddhism in a rapidly globalising world. By exploring the challenges faced by the local neighbourhood in decline, the article suggests ways in which the temple could accommodate these: acting as an agent of change in a new style Temple Buddhism adapted to the contemporary era.
Translated title of the contribution | Global connections in the Local Sphere: Innovation and Change in a Pure Land Buddhist Temple |
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Original language | Other |
Pages | 6-11 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Volume | 83 |
Specialist publication | Newsletter of the International Institute for the Study of Religions |
Publication status | Published - 20 Dec 2015 |