BODHI DAY
LOTUS SUTRA TALK 

12/1/2024

 

Mapping the Place of Rissho Kosei-kai in the Buddhist Universe

In the 21st century, Buddhism has found itself in a unique position. Today, we can encounter nearly all forms of Buddhism in close proximity to one another. A Zen center might be located just down the street from a Tibetan Buddhist Dharma center, and elsewhere in the city, one might find a Burmese or Thai Theravada Buddhist congregation, or perhaps a Chinese or Vietnamese Buddhist temple. This diversity is something to be celebrated, but it can also present challenges when it comes to understanding the place of one’s own practice within the broader Buddhist tradition or explaining it to others. Many RK members may share these questions: What is Rissho Kosei-kai’s place within the broader Buddhist family?

 

In this talk, we’ll explore where Rissho Kosei-kai fits within the historical development and vast diversity of Buddhism. The aim is to provide members with a clearer “map” of Buddhism and Rissho Kosei-kai’s position within it, enabling them to better share Rissho Kosei-kai and the Lotus Sutra tradition with others.

 

Dominick Scarangello obtained his PhD from the University of Virginia 2012.  His interests include Lotus Sutra Buddhism in East Asia, Japanese religions, and religion and modernity.  Dr. Scarangello has taught at the University of Virginia and was the Postdoctoral Scholar in Japanese Buddhism at the University of California, Berkeley (2013-2014).  Presently he is the International Advisor to Rissho Kosei-kai, coordinator of the International Lotus Sutra Seminar, and also works with the international Buddhist Congregation, a Rissho Kosei-kai group for international residents of Japan.

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