As Buddhism becomes more popular in the West, is it in danger of being co-opted by 21st century consumerism? Are Western Buddhists really living the Buddha’s teaching, or simply following a trendy fad?
Inspired by David Loy’s Money, Sex, War, Karma, Dh. Vadhaka’s ideas about neo-liberal capitalism, and personal concerns about the commodification and secularisation of mindfulness as a near enemy of the Dharma, Arthavadin asks these provocative questions in a talk at Manchester Buddhist Centre’s Triratna Night, 5th January 2015.
Arthavadin covers
- A brief history of Buddhism in the West
- The Western context in which Buddhism is taking root
- A Buddhist perspective on consumerism
- How consumerism is shaping the Western approach to Buddhism
- Some ideas on returning Buddhism to its radical edge
- A renunciation prayer