The Oxford Encyclopedia of Buddhism

The earliest examples of Buddhist studies originating in the Western world tended to frame Buddhism as a religion similar to Abrahamic monotheisms.This involved, among other things, an emphasis on philological, doctrinal, and textual studies, as well as an assumption that the Buddha compares directly to the messianic figures central to other traditions.Starting in the late twentieth century, Buddhist studies scholars have been creatively moving outside of this rubric, and indeed outside of the familiar boundaries of the academy.This movement has allowed them to examine subjects, perspectives, and methodologies not previously engaged by the mainstream of Buddhist studies.Such a wider approach fosters greater awareness of external versus internal critiques of the religion, inclusion of new disciplines and previously marginalized voices, and an appreciation of the decentralized nature of Buddhism and the varied personal experiences of lived practice.As a result, Buddhist studies has attra