The Making of Buddhist Modernism

By David L. McMahan,

Book cover of The Making of Buddhist Modernism

Book description

In this book, David McMahan offers the first comprehensive attempt to chart the development of "modern Buddhism." His position is critical but empathetic: while he presents modern Buddhism as a construction of numerous parties with varying interests, he does not reduce it to a mistake, a misrepresentation, or a fabrication.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Making of Buddhist Modernism as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

McMahon’s book was a real opener for me as a practising Buddhist in my early 20s.

I’d always naturally assumed that the Buddhism I practised was essentially the same as the Buddhism of any other time and place. McMahon’s penetrating analysis of the differences between ancient and ‘Western’ Buddhism shattered that illusion, showing me that the Buddhism I followed was mainly the product of Buddhism’s encounter with the modern, Western world.

I deeply valued the doors McMahon opened for me: suddenly, I could take a much larger view of the Buddhist tradition, and I also came to realize how the…

If you love The Making of Buddhist Modernism...

Ad

Book cover of Who Is a Worthy Mother?: An Intimate History of Adoption

Who Is a Worthy Mother? By Rebecca Wellington,

I grew up thinking that being adopted didn’t matter. I was wrong. This book is my journey uncovering the significance and true history of adoption practices in America. Now, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, the renewed debate over women’s reproductive rights places…

Want books like The Making of Buddhist Modernism?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Making of Buddhist Modernism.

Browse books like The Making of Buddhist Modernism

Book cover of Tsongkhapa: A Buddha in the Land of Snows
Book cover of Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening
Book cover of The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Stoic Philosophy as Rational and Cognitive Psychotherapy

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,603

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Buddhism, stoicism, and modernism?

Buddhism 306 books
Stoicism 77 books
Modernism 31 books