ABSTRACT
In this chapter, key underlying themes embedded in the discussion of Buddhist thought and its arrival in an American context are introduced. Both the study's methodology and important philosophical concepts of Buddhist spirituality are presented in order to establish a foundation for examining the architectural sites explored in this project. The method here is centered on the humanistic elements intrinsic to the fundamental ideas of the Buddhist faith unearthed while investigating the religion's architecture. Yi-Fu Tuan's humanistic geography informs this approach. Important ideas from Buddhism's scriptural record and its emergence in America are explored. Of these, the concept of “heart” takes precedence. These form a basis of understanding from which the investigation and its findings ultimately develop.
