The Autoethnographic Genre and Buddhist Studies: Reflections of a Postcolonial ‘Western Buddhist’ Convert

Authors

  • Edwin Ng Deakin University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/arsr.v25i2.163

Keywords:

Western Buddhism, Buddhist modernism, Buddhist critical-constructive reflection, autoethnography

Abstract

Is there a place for autoethnography in Buddhist Studies, particularly the emerging discourse described as Buddhist critical-constructive reflection? Predicated on a commitment to be always mindful of the colonial, Orientalist heritage of Buddhist Studies and the role of the subject in its own discourse, Buddhist critical-constructive reflection brings together the sacred and scholarly pursuits of the Buddhist practitioner-scholar to develop new interfaces between Buddhism, academia, and society. This article explores the possible contribution of autoethnography by sharing the autoethnographical reflections of the author, who despite growing up in Singapore where Buddhism forms a part of his ancestral, cultural heritage, only embraced it as a life-pursuit after discovering in Australia Western interpretations of Buddhist doctrine and practice.

Author Biography

  • Edwin Ng, Deakin University
    Edwin Ng works in the School of Communication and Creative Arts at Deakin University. His current research explores the relationship between Buddhist and poststructuralist thought to interrogate ethico-political debates about religion, spirituality, and the role of faith in academia and contemporary society. He is ambivalent about being a postcolonial ‘Western Buddhist’ convert, and is curious to explore hospitable encounters between ancient and contemporary wisdom, between sacred and scholarly pursuits.

Published

2012-10-15

How to Cite

Ng, E. (2012). The Autoethnographic Genre and Buddhist Studies: Reflections of a Postcolonial ‘Western Buddhist’ Convert. Journal for the Academic Study of Religion, 25(2), 163-184. https://doi.org/10.1558/arsr.v25i2.163