Customer Reviews

American Buddhism

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At the time this book was published in 1979, Charles S. Prebish taught at Pennsylvania State University. He is also the author of books such as "Introducing Buddhism," "Luminous Passage: The Practice and Study of Buddhism in America," "Buddhism: A Modern Perspective," etc.

He wrote in the Introduction, "The idea for this book was born in the spring of 1972 when one of my students asked me what I thought of Philip Kapleau... I realized that for me, prior to that moment, there was no Philip Kapleau---only a faceless force that had authored a reasonable book... When I realized how little I knew about Buddhist groups in America I asked myself what I was going to do about my ignorance... This book is intended to document the nature of this transition in America.'

Prebish begins with a historical introduction, then surveys eight different Buddhist groups (with subtopics such as "Sectarian Affiliations"; "History"; "Key and/or Special Doctrines"; "Rituals, Services, and Practices"; "Future Plans"; "Publications," etc.), including the Buddhist Churches of America; Nichiren Shoshu; San Francisco Zen Center; Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center; Shasta Abbey, etc., and ends with a chapter about the future of American Buddhism.

Here are some quotations from the book:

"(Philip) Kapleau remains one of the most sincere, hard working and effective teachers of Zen in America." (Pg. 12)
"In designating the figure of Amida Buddha as the object of worship, it should be noted that when worshippers bow in reverence before the statue, they are not praying to Amida but are revering the wisdom and compassion of Amida, which the statue symbolizes." (Pg. 61)
"A quick glance at the geographical dispersal of the Buddhist Churches of America movement reveals at once that the South and Midwest are not cultivated at all... Further, the East is poorly represented by church affiliates." (Pg. 69)
"More than any other Buddhist group in America, Nichiren Shoshu emphasizes AMERICAN culture. Talk about Japan is discouraged, enabling its members to firm the underpinnings of their own cultural heritage." (Pg. 80)
"Nichiren Shoshu appeals more than any other Buddhist organization in America to minority groups." (Pg. 82)