Transformations of Buddhism in Germany

A DFG-Project at the Institute for Religious Studies at Heidelberg University.
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The project investigated transformations of Buddhist-inspired ideas and practices within a locally limited area (Berlin) in German contemporary society. A multimethodological approach which combined quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Capturing social reality of Buddhism from the point of view of German actors stood at the centre of the analysis. We intended to gain new insights into the meaning of Buddhist ideas and practices for the world views, lifestyles and values of actors and to better understand the different types of Buddhist practices within religious search for meaning, coping and the pursuit if well-being.

Transformations of Buddhist ideas and practices were identified in various plains:

  1. Behavioural (transformation and innovation of practices)
  2. Content-related (theological reinterpretations and innovations)
  3. Communicative (adaptation to the media infrastructure of late modernity)
  4. Actor-related (shifts in functions and competencies of actors)
  5. Socio-structural (adaptation to hierarchical structures and concepts of gender; expansion into further areas of society, for example the health sector)
  6. Organisational (changes in organisational structures)
  7. Economic (adaptation of financing models)

These transformations are not independent, rather they mutually influence and necessitate each other.

Through the project's focus on material religion, it emerged that the bodily plain is central as a medium for accessing religion within the western Buddhist context. Bodily practices and the specific perceptions of the body that are connected to these practices allow Buddhist ideas and practices to be sensually experienced. The materiality of the Buddhist context creates a space in which meaning is experienced and imparted through the senses of the actor. Although classic Buddhist terms and concepts are used, the ascribed meanings are transformed in the western context. In the interpretation of the actors, Buddhist ideas and practices become concepts and techniques that can positively influence the self and supposedly contribute to stress management, relaxation and personal "spiritual" growth. Thus, in line with Foucault, Buddhist concepts and methods are transformed in the western context to "technologies of the self", thereby parallelising macrosocial processes of late modernity.