Action Dharma: New Studies in Engaged Buddhism

Introduction: From Altruism to Activism — Presents the conceptual framework of “action dharma,” linking engaged Buddhism with social service, activism, suffering, impermanence, and not-self. Part I: Historical Roots 1. Do Bodhisattvas Relieve Poverty? — Examines Indian Buddhist textual resources on poverty, compassion, and material relief. 2. Dōgen’s Ceaseless Practice — Studies Dōgen’s teaching of continuous practice and its ethical-social implications. 3. Nichiren’s Activist Heirs — Discusses Soka Gakkai, Rissho Koseikai, and Nipponzan Myōhōji as modern activist heirs of Nichiren Buddhism. Part II: Asian Narratives 4. Buddhism and Development: The Ecology Monks of Thailand — Analyzes Thai Buddhist environmental activism. 5. Maha Ghosananda as a Contemplative Social Activist — Presents Cambodian peace activism through Maha Ghosananda. 6. Sarvodaya Shramadana’s Quest for Peace — Studies Sri Lankan Buddhist grassroots development and peace work. 7. The Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation of Taiwan — Examines Taiwan’s major Buddhist humanitarian organization. 8. Social Engagement in South Korean Buddhism — Surveys contemporary Korean Buddhist social movements. 9. Buddhism and the Burakumin: Oppression or Liberation? — Discusses Japanese Buddhism and social discrimination against the burakumin. Part III: Western Frontiers 10. Engaged and Meditating — Studies Vipassanā Hawaii and its Burmese connections. 11. Widening the Circle — Discusses communities of color and Western Buddhist convert sanghas. 12. Symbol and Narration in Buddhist Prison Ministry — Examines Buddhist chaplaincy, narrative, and prison ministry in the West. Part IV: Three Critiques 13. Engaged Buddhist Ethics — Critiques engaged Buddhist interpretations of suffering and ethics. 14. Does Buddhism Need Human Rights? — Examines the compatibility of Buddhist thought and human rights discourse. 15. Engaged Buddhism: New and Improved? Made in the USA of Asian Materials — Critically evaluates whether engaged Buddhism is modern innovation, traditional continuity, or hybrid construction.