Responding to Evan Thompson’s Critique of Buddhist Modernism

A Buddhist friend recently brought Evan Thompson’s critique of Buddhist modernism to my attention. As someone who has engaged in modernizing Buddhism in the last thirty years, I would like to share my perspective, which considers both the traditional and evolving dynamics of Buddhism, particularly from an Asian standpoint. Thompson’s arguments highlight valid concerns about the authenticity and preservation of tradition, but he may overlook how modern Asian Buddhists understand and approach the role of tradition and modernization.

1. A Limited Perspective on Asian Modernism: Thompson critiques Buddhist modernism largely from a Western perspective, which may not fully encompass the nuances of how modern Asians perceive Buddhism’s role in society. Having grown up in Hong Kong, I am well aware of a longstanding Chinese perspective that some aspects of traditional Buddhism represent “old thinking,” often seen as part of the cultural heritage that could hold society back. Chinese intellectuals and other modern Asians who value both Buddhist and global perspectives seek ways to align Buddhism with contemporary life without losing its spiritual essence. Thompson’s critique does not consider the nuances of this outlook, which sees the evolution of Buddhism not as a departure from its roots but as an adaptation that keeps it meaningful and relevant.