ABSTRACT

Buddhism, the Internet and Digital Media: The Pixel in the Lotus explores Buddhist practice and teachings in an increasingly networked and digital era. Contributors consider the ways Buddhism plays a role and is present in digital media through a variety of methods including concrete case studies, ethnographic research, and content analysis, as well as interviews with practitioners and cyber-communities. In addition to considering Buddhism in the context of technologies such as virtual worlds, social media, and mobile devices, authors ask how the Internet affects identity, authority and community, and what effect this might have on the development, proliferation, and perception of Buddhism in an online environment. Together, these essays make the case that studying contemporary online Buddhist practice can provide valuable insights into the shifting role religion plays in our constantly changing, mediated, hurried, and uncertain culture.

chapter 1|20 pages

Introduction

ByDANIEL VEIDLINGER

part |2 pages

PART I Methodological Considerations

part |2 pages

PART II Historical Approaches

part |2 pages

PART III Buddhism, Media, and Society

chapter 8|19 pages

Buddhist Apps: Skillful Means or Dharma Dilution?

ByRACHEL WAGNER, CHRISTOPHER ACCARDO

part |2 pages

PART IV Case Studies

chapter 9|18 pages

Virtual Tibet: From Media Spectacle to Co-Located Sacred Space

ByCHRISTOPHER HELLAND

chapter 12|17 pages

The Way of the Blogisattva: Buddhist Blogs on the Web

ByBEVERLEY FOULKS MCGUIRE