ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the characteristics of the globalized world, which allow for unprecedented flexibility and fluidity of culture, identity, worldview, and information flow, and how these facilitate the spread of Tibetan Buddhism. It looks at how mediatization dilutes the borders between own and foreign, subsequently preparing the ground for a new religious phenomenon to sprout. The chapter discusses how an unexpected turns from modern to traditional, and from virtual to real time, is observed. Online discussion forums play an important role in negotiating what was learned and in creating a sense of community and belonging. The transcendence of cultural practices and values is not uncommon, both on the level of societies and individuals. In terms of religion, M. Mobert and K. Granholm claim that popular culture and mass media contribute to “de-exotification” of ideas and tenets from marginal religions, thus making them more familiar and visible to a Western mind.
