This document is a final research paper completed for a Columbia University course, Buddhism East Asia (UN 2308). It was submitted by Christian Boujaoude in December 2017 and received a grade of A-.
This paper is valuable for students and researchers interested in the globalization of East Asian Buddhism, specifically its transmission and adaptation within an American context. It’s relevant for coursework focusing on comparative religion, Asian American studies, or the history of Buddhism. The assignment demonstrates a college-level research project, outlining sources and a clear argumentative structure.
This paper does not offer a comprehensive overview of East Asian Buddhism itself, nor does it provide a complete history of Buddhism in America. It focuses specifically on the westward expansion *from* East Asia. It is a single student’s interpretation and analysis, and further research may be needed for a broader understanding.
The full paper includes a historical overview of Buddhism’s arrival in America, an analysis of geographic concentrations of Buddhist practice within the US, a case study of a Chan Buddhist temple in California, a comparison of American and traditional East Asian practices, and a discussion of the perceptions and potential tensions surrounding Buddhism in America. This preview only provides context about the paper’s scope and purpose; the full research and analysis are contained within the complete document.