Buddhism in disguise? A conceptual analysis of (western) mindfulness, its popularization and the emergence of Buddhist modernism.

Mindfulness as a therapeutic practice without the incorporation of its origin has been on the rise in recent decades. This results in the popularization of a practice that is removed from its original shapes found in Buddhism. Besides the popularization of mindfulness, the formation of Buddhist modernism has developed in the same places. This thesis aims to determine how these developments occurred and answer the question how the global popularization of mindfulness corresponds to the emergence of Buddhist modernism in the late 20th century. Using a historical approach, the influence of secularization and scientific rationalization on Buddhism and mindfulness have been analyzed. Reaching the conclusion that the popularization of mindfulness and emergence of Buddhist modernism are simultaneous developments influencing each other as a result of secularization and further detraditionalization and demystification of eastern traditions by western cultures. This research has been...Show moreMindfulness as a therapeutic practice without the incorporation of its origin has been on the rise in recent decades. This results in the popularization of a practice that is removed from its original shapes found in Buddhism. Besides the popularization of mindfulness, the formation of Buddhist modernism has developed in the same places. This thesis aims to determine how these developments occurred and answer the question how the global popularization of mindfulness corresponds to the emergence of Buddhist modernism in the late 20th century. Using a historical approach, the influence of secularization and scientific rationalization on Buddhism and mindfulness have been analyzed. Reaching the conclusion that the popularization of mindfulness and emergence of Buddhist modernism are simultaneous developments influencing each other as a result of secularization and further detraditionalization and demystification of eastern traditions by western cultures. This research has been conducted by the help of a qualitative analysis of academic and popular literature from archives and public journals to enhance the knowledge and insight of contemporary mindfulness’ origins and the nature of Buddhist modernism today.Show less

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Buddhism in disguise? A conceptual analysis of (western) mindfulness, its popularization and the emergence of Buddhist modernism.