‘Buddhism(s) for this World’ and ‘Engaged Buddhism’: Some Key Differences

This article highlights the key differences between two approaches to Buddhism adopted worldwide, ‘Buddhism(s) for this World’ and ‘Engaged Buddhism.’ Although these two terms seem interchangeable, the article presents some differences arising from specific historical circumstances. While the former originated in a reform movement within Chinese Buddhism at the beginning of the twentieth century, the second one, which emerged later, encompasses a much wider variety of Buddhist movements. While ‘Buddhism(s) for this world’ started as a reformist movement, it has become in some cases the vehicle of nationalism. Meanwhile, ‘Engaged Buddhism,’ a somewhat more diverse movement indirectly inspired by his predecessor, has embraced many social justice causes but struggles to institutionalize. The article presents the geopolitical context of international rivalry in which these two trends seek to affirm their respective perspectives.