The transplantation, development and adaptation of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism in Britain
Despite the advances of scholarly research into the nature and development of British Buddhism, its Tibetan and Zen forms remain a neglected area. This study analyses the transplantation, development and adaptation of the two largest Tibetan and Zen organisations currently active: the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (OBC). To account for their current identity, practice and position within the British religious landscape, the historical and ideological trajectories of the groups are outlined and the factors influencing their transplantation explored. The dynamics of history and identity construction are also considered. To ensure that the diversity of practice within Buddhist organisations is not overlooked, the attitudes and beliefs of individual group members are examined. Indeed, the dialectical relationship between group leadership and membership, and between text and context, are major theoretical concerns. Part One surveys the available literature, identifying the main scholarly perspectives to be explored and tested throughout. A survey of Tibetan and Zen Buddhism in Britain is provided in order to place the groups within their broader contexts. Part Two examines
Kay, David Neil
New Kadampa; Contemplatives; Mahayana
The transplantation, development and adaptation of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism in Britain. Despite the advances of scholarly research into the nature and development of British Buddhism, its Tibetan and Zen forms remain a neglected area. This study analyses the transplantation, development and adaptation of the two largest Tibetan and Zen organisations currently active: the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (OBC). To account for their current identity, practice and position within the British religious landscape, the historical and ideological trajectories of the groups are outlined and the factors influencing their transplantation explored. The dynamics of history and identity construction are also considered. To ensure that the diversity of practice within Buddhist organisations is not overlooked, the attitudes and beliefs of individual group members are examined. Indeed, the dialectical relationship between group leadership and membership, and between text and context, are major theoretical concerns. Part One surveys the available literature, identifying the main scholarly perspectives to be explored and tested throughout. A survey of Tibetan and Zen Buddhism in Britain is provided in order to place the groups within their broader contexts. Part Two examines
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