< Issue No. 2 (2006)Article
Inherited Buddhists and Acquired Buddhists
Sugunasiri, Suwanda H.J., Nalanda College of Buddhist Studies, Trinity College, University of Toronto
Abstract
The face of Buddhism in the West has come to be diverse and complex, going beyond the traditional geographic and/or ethnocultural boundaries. Pointing out the ‘descriptive inadequacy’ of the current labeling such as, e.g., ‘Ethnic Buddhist’ and ‘Western Buddhist’, this paper suggests alternative terminology, ‘Inherited Buddhist’ and ‘Acquired Buddhist’, using four criteria: choice, exposure, knowledge and motivation. In addition to Buddhism, it draws upon studies in language acquisition, intelligence and spirituality. It is suggested that if the proposed terminology may be applicable to other lands and other times in relation to Buddhism, it may also be applicable to other religious communities.