DOI: 10.30792/2949-5768-2024-8-136-145
BUDDHISM IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION
Ulanov Mergen Sandzhievich – Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor, Chief Researcher at the Laboratory of Comprehensive Buddhist Studies, Kalmyk State University named after B. B. Gorodovikov (Elista, Russia).
E-mail: ulanov1973@mail.ru.
The article examines the problem of adapting Buddhism to the modern global world. The author suggests considering Buddhism in the context of the concept of glocalization. In relation to Buddhism, glocalization can mean the adaptation of the Buddhist principle of the «Middle Way» in relation to the processes of globalization, avoiding the extremes of globalization and localization. The «flexibility», pragmatism and tolerance of Buddhism allow it to fit into modern global socio-cultural processes quite organically and painlessly, without losing its traditions and the originality of local forms. The history of Buddhism in recent decades clearly shows that spiritual values and teachings that originated in the East can be globalized, modernized and play an important role in modern society, including Western society. The activities of recognized spiritual leaders play an important role in the process of adapting Buddhism to modern global realities. In the modern world, there is significant interest in traditional Buddhist philosophy and psychophysical practice, which, in particular, has found expression in the dialogue between scientists and Buddhist monks. Today, it is necessary to analyze the experience and potential of Buddhist culture in solving environmental problems. Many environmental activists today have found inspiration and valuable ideas in the Buddhist tradition. At the same time, Buddhists themselves are beginning to play an increasingly important role in the environmental movement. The participation of Buddhist communities in countering the pandemic and in charitable activities has shown that Buddhism is capable of responding to new social challenges.
