Contemporary Buddhism

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Scholarship on Buddhism in a Global Context

Introduction

Welcome to the Contemporary Buddhism information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Contemporary Buddhism, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1463-9947
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2010 to 2023
AbbreviationCONTEMP BUDDHISM / Contemp. Buddhism
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Contemporary Buddhism' serves as a critical platform for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of Buddhism in modern contexts. It aims to bridge traditional Buddhist teachings with contemporary issues, providing a scholarly space for interdisciplinary research and discussions.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research on Buddhism:
    The journal encourages contributions that integrate various disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, religious studies, and cultural studies to explore Buddhism's role and expressions in contemporary society.
  2. Cultural and Ethical Dimensions of Buddhism:
    A consistent focus on the cultural practices, ethical teachings, and social implications of Buddhism, reflecting on how these elements interact with modern global challenges, including humanitarian issues and environmental concerns.
  3. Buddhism's Global Influence:
    The journal examines the spread and adaptation of Buddhism across different cultures and regions, analyzing how local contexts shape Buddhist practices and beliefs.
  4. Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    There is a strong emphasis on how Buddhism addresses contemporary issues such as climate change, social justice, and mental health, demonstrating its relevance in today's world.
  5. Historical Contextualization:
    The journal often situates current Buddhist practices within historical frameworks, providing insights into the evolution of Buddhist thought and practice over time.
The journal 'Contemporary Buddhism' has seen the emergence of several themes that reflect the evolving landscape of Buddhist studies and its engagement with contemporary global issues.
  1. Buddhism and Climate Activism:
    Recent publications highlight how Western Buddhists are integrating Buddhist principles with climate activism, indicating a growing concern for environmental issues within Buddhist communities.
  2. Secularization and Modernization of Buddhism:
    There is an increasing focus on how Buddhism is being secularized and adapted to fit modern contexts, showcasing its dynamic nature and responsiveness to contemporary societal changes.
  3. Socially Engaged Buddhism:
    The rise of themes related to socially engaged Buddhism, particularly in relation to humanitarian law and conflict resolution, reflects a heightened interest in the practical applications of Buddhist ethics in real-world scenarios.
  4. Youth Engagement in Buddhism:
    A notable trend is the exploration of young Buddhists' experiences and ethical journeys, emphasizing the importance of generational perspectives in the evolution of Buddhist practice.
  5. Buddhism and Globalization:
    Emerging discussions around the global spread of Buddhism and its entanglement with local cultures and politics indicate a growing recognition of Buddhism's role in a globalized world.

Declining or Waning

While 'Contemporary Buddhism' has a rich tapestry of themes, certain areas have seen a decline in prominence, reflecting shifts in scholarly focus and societal relevance.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Studies:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers focusing strictly on traditional doctrinal teachings without contemporary application, indicating a shift towards practical and engaged Buddhism.
  2. Historical Analysis of Ancient Texts:
    Research centered solely on ancient texts and their historical contexts has waned, as scholars increasingly seek to connect historical teachings with present-day issues rather than purely academic analysis.
  3. Buddhist Art and Iconography:
    Topics related to the aesthetic and artistic aspects of Buddhism, while still relevant, are appearing less frequently, possibly due to a growing emphasis on Buddhism's sociocultural implications rather than its artistic representations.
  4. Buddhism in Isolation:
    Studies focusing on Buddhism as a monolithic tradition, disconnected from global influences or contemporary societal issues, are becoming less common, reflecting a broader trend towards integrative and contextual approaches.
  5. Theoretical Examinations of Buddhism:
    There seems to be a decline in theoretical explorations of Buddhism that do not engage with practical applications or contemporary relevance, as scholars increasingly prioritize actionable insights.

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