The Radical Edge: Buddhism and Consumerism

As Buddhism becomes more popular in the West, is it in danger of being co-opted by 21st century consumerism? Are Western Buddhists really living the Buddha’s teaching, or simply following a trendy fad? Inspired by David Loy’s Money, Sex, War, Karma, Dh. Vadhaka’s ideas about neo-liberal cap­it­al­ism, and personal concerns about the com­modi­fic­a­tion and sec­u­lar­isa­tion of mind­ful­ness as a near enemy of the Dharma, Arthavadin asks these pro­voc­at­ive questions in a talk at Manchester Buddhist Centre’s Triratna Night, 5th January 2015. Arthavadin covers A brief history of Buddhism in the West The Western context in which Buddhism is taking root A Buddhist per­spect­ive on consumerism How consumerism is shaping the Western approach to Buddhism Some ideas on returning Buddhism to its radical edge A renunciation prayer The post The Radical Edge: Buddhism and Consumerism appeared first on Manchester Buddhist Centre.