Post-modern Shinshu: part one

Somewhat related to our last episode on the one thing that unites all Buddhist schools, this week Harry and Scott talk about a post-modern Shin Buddhism. To really talk about post-modernity, of course, we needed to dwell a bit on modernity and how its use of meta-narratives helped explain the world. But the meta-narratives also ranked and valued different cultures (and since they were the ones doing the ranking, the Europeans usually came out on top). This is what post-modernity reacts to by deconstructing narratives, opening up the possibility of multiple and relative truths. Despite how unsettling that can be, we suggest it’s not such a bad thing to be critical of our inherited narratives, especially in Buddhism. Before running out of time, we touch on the multiple narratives within the Mahayana as well as inter-sectarian debate and dialogue within contemporary Buddhism. This is part one of a two parter, so don’t forget to check back on the March 20th for the conclusion. (And our one-year anniversary!) And as always, please feel free to send us questions either through the site or our Facebook page. In this episode, Scott quotes from Religion and Globalization by John Esposito, Darrell Fasching, and Todd Lewis.