RT Article
T1 Inherited Buddhists and Acquired Buddhists
JF Canadian Journal of Buddhist Studies
VO 2
SP 103
OP 142
A1 H.J, Sugunasiri, Suwanda
LA English
PB Simon Fraser University, David See Chai Lam Centre for International Communication
YR 2006
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1838209859
AB The face of Buddhism in the West has come to be diverse and complex, going beyond the traditional geographic and/or ethnocultural boundaries. Pointing out the ‘descriptive inadequacy’ of the current labeling such as, e.g., ‘Ethnic Buddhist’ and ‘Western Buddhist’, this paper suggests alternative terminology, ‘Inherited Buddhist’ and ‘Acquired Buddhist’, using four criteria: choice, exposure, knowledge and motivation. In addition to Buddhism, it draws upon studies in language acquisition, intelligence and spirituality. It is suggested that if the proposed terminology may be applicable to other lands and other times in relation to Buddhism, it may also be applicable to other religious communities.,