Social and historical developments (Buddhism)

Welcome to Social and Historical Developments in Buddhism!

In this chapter, we explore how Buddhism transformed from a small group of followers in Northern India into a global religion. We will look at how it moved across borders (migration), how it adapted to the modern Western world (Triratna Buddhism), and how the roles of women and the sangha (community) have changed over time. Understanding these shifts is vital for your exam because it shows that Buddhism is a "living" tradition that evolves alongside society.

1. The Spread of Buddhism and Migration

Buddhism didn't stay in India; it moved. Traditionally, we talk about the spread into South-East Asia (Theravada) and Northern/Eastern Asia (Mahayana). However, for your A Level, the most significant historical development is its move to the West.

How did it spread?

Buddhism spread through two main types of migration:
1. Heritage Migration: People from Buddhist countries (like Sri Lanka, Thailand, or Vietnam) moved to the West for work or to escape conflict, bringing their local traditions with them.
2. Conversion: Westerners became interested in Buddhist philosophy, often focusing on meditation and mindfulness rather than the cultural or ritual aspects.

Key Concept: Acculturation

Acculturation is a fancy word for "blending." As Buddhism moved to countries like the UK or USA, it had to adapt. Scholar R. Gombrich has noted how Buddhism changes when it meets different cultural values. For example, in the West, there is often a much higher focus on laypeople (non-monks) practicing meditation, which was traditionally a job for monks.

Quick Review: Buddhism spread through trade, missions, and migration. In the West, it often becomes more "psychological" and less "ritualistic."

2. The Rise of Triratna Buddhism

If you are looking for a perfect example of a modern, "Westernized" version of Buddhism, Triratna is it. Founded in 1967 by Sangharakshita (formerly known as the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order or FWBO), it was designed specifically for the modern world.

What makes Triratna different?

1. Neither Lay nor Monastic: In traditional Buddhism, you are either a monk/nun or a layperson. Triratna rejects this "two-tier" system. Members are "Order Members" who live in the world but are deeply committed to the Three Jewels (the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha).
2. Ecumenical: They don't stick to just one school (like Zen or Theravada). They take what they find helpful from all of them.
3. Focus on the Three Jewels: As the name "Triratna" (which means Three Jewels) suggests, they believe that "Going for Refuge" is the central act of being a Buddhist.

Why is this a "Social Development"?

Scholar Vajragupta explains that Triratna seeks to create a "New Society." It shows how Buddhism can move away from Eastern cultural "baggage" to find a expression that fits 20th and 21st-century Western life. However, critics sometimes argue it loses the authentic "depth" of ancient traditions.

Key Takeaway: Triratna is a "modern" movement that removes the strict wall between monks and ordinary people, focusing purely on commitment to the Three Jewels.

3. The Role of Women in Buddhism

This is a major area of debate in Religious Studies. Historically, the Buddha established an order for bhikkhunis (nuns), but it has faced many challenges.

The Early Sangha and Mahapajapati

The Buddha’s aunt, Mahapajapati, was the first woman to ask for ordination. Initially, the Buddha refused, but after Ananda (his cousin/assistant) intervened, he agreed. However, he imposed the Eight Garudhammas (heavy rules) which essentially made nuns subordinate to monks. Some scholars, like K. Armstrong, suggest the Buddha was a man of his time, while others argue these rules were added later by male editors of the texts.

The Modern Struggle

In many Theravada countries, the lineage of ordained nuns died out centuries ago. Without a "valid" lineage, many traditionalists argue women cannot be fully ordained today.
- The Change: In recent years, there has been a massive push for the revival of full ordination for women. Scholars like N. S. Salgado and T. Bartholomeusz have studied how women in places like Sri Lanka are reclaiming their status, sometimes facing great social pressure to stay as "lay-precept holders" rather than full nuns.

Don't worry if this seems tricky: Just remember that the debate is between Tradition (keeping the rules as they were) and Equality (adapting to modern views on gender).

4. The Changing Sangha

The word Sangha traditionally referred to the community of ordained monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis). Today, that definition is widening.

From Monastic to Lay-Led

In the past, the monks were the "experts" and the laypeople were the "supporters" (providing food and money to gain merit). In the modern world:
- Laypeople are now teaching meditation (once a monastic-only skill).
- Technology allows the Sangha to be "virtual." You can listen to a Dharma talk by the 14th Dalai Lama on YouTube from your bedroom!
- Socially Engaged Buddhism: This is a movement where the Sangha gets involved in politics, environmentalism, and social justice. Instead of withdrawing to a cave to meditate, they "meditate in the streets" by helping the poor or protesting war.

Key Scholar Insight

D. Keown points out that as Buddhism moves West, the distinction between the "religious" and "secular" starts to blur. The Sangha is becoming less about robes and rituals and more about a shared lifestyle and community values.

Key Takeaway: The Sangha is shifting from a closed "club" for monks to an inclusive, global community where laypeople play a leading role.

Summary Table: Then vs. Now

Area: Location
Traditional: Centered in Asia (India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, etc.).
Modern: Global; strong presence in the West via migration.

Area: Authority
Traditional: Monks and Nuns hold all the knowledge.
Modern: Laypeople are teachers; Triratna rejects the monk/lay divide.

Area: Women
Traditional: Subordinate to monks; lineages often broken.
Modern: Active movements for full ordination and gender equality.

Area: Focus
Traditional: Gaining merit and ritual practice.
Modern: Meditation, psychology, and social activism.

Quick Review Quiz

1. What is the name of the movement founded by Sangharakshita? (Answer: Triratna)
2. Who was the first woman to be ordained in Buddhism? (Answer: Mahapajapati)
3. What term describes the blending of Buddhism with new cultures? (Answer: Acculturation)
4. What are the "Eight Garudhammas"? (Answer: Rules that place nuns under the authority of monks.)

Note: For more information on how these developments relate to specific moral issues, see the chapter on "Religion and society (Buddhism)". To see how the Bodhisattva ideal fits into this, check "Works of scholars (Buddhism)".