Western scholarship has hitherto described the assimilation of Buddhism in Korea in terms of the importation of Sino-Indian and Chinese intellectual schools. This has led to an overemphasis on the scholastic understanding of Buddhism and overlooked evidence of the way Buddhism was practiced "on the ground." Domesticating the Dharma provides a much-needed corrective to this view by presenting for the first time a descriptive analysis of the cultic practices that defined and shaped the way Buddhists in Silla Korea understood their religion from the sixth to tenth centuries. Critiquing the conventional two-tiered model of "elite" versus "popular" religion; Richard McBride demonstrates how the eminent monks; royalty; and hereditary aristocrats of Silla were the primary proponents of Buddhist cults and that rich and diverse practices spread to the common people because of their influence.Drawing on Buddhist hagiography; traditional narratives; historical anecdotes; and epigraphy; McBride describes the seminal role of the worship of Buddhist deities―in particular the Buddha Úâkyamuni; the future buddha Maitreya; and the bodhisattva Avalokiteúvara―in the domestication of the religion on the Korean peninsula and the use of imagery from the Maitreya cult to create a symbiosis between the native religious observances of Silla and those being imported from the Chinese cultural sphere. He shows how in turn Buddhist imagery transformed Silla intellectually; geographically; and spatially to represent a Buddha land and sacred locations detailed in the Avataṃsaka Sûtra (Huayan jing/HwaÅm kyÅng). Emphasizing the importance of the interconnected vision of the universe described in the Avataṃsaka Sûtra; McBride depicts the synthesis of Buddhist cults and cultic practices that flourished in Silla Korea with the practice-oriented HwaÅm tradition from the eight to tenth centuries and its subsequent rise to a uniquely Korean cult of the Divine Assembly described in scripture.
#7904580 in Books Jonathan David Publishers 1996-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 6.50 x 1.25l; 1.54 #File Name: 0824603842372 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I've met the rabbi many years ago and loved his talks with the congregationBy CustomerI've met the rabbi many years ago and loved his talks with the congregation. He was a dynamic speaker and a very humble person but warm hearted.Jewish Folklore is one of the best of read in that it's drama; jokes; short stories and long; and whether a person is Jewish or not; they will find it difficult o lay it down.In time I plan on adding more of David Max Eichhorn's books to my library.As a rabbi; his foremost ministry was overseas in World War II; and how he gathered the soldiers even in the combat zone and led services. Eichhorn is gutsy in his writing; gutsy in the front lines; and had his jeep adorned with the star of David; taunting the German soldiers and the SS. The man is a legend. I know I'll read Jewish Folkware again and again. And with a message; he's that funny;0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Jewish history book for those with little time!By Steven M. ShapiroAnyone who is intrigued by the trials and travels of Jewish immigrants as they dispersed throughout the US will find this interesting. The book is separated into sections of the country with stories about people and places over the last 200 years. It's an easy read with short segments no longer than 4-5 pages.
