Buddhism: Religion and secularisation

This topic explores the relationship between Buddhism and the process of secularisation in modern societies. Secularisation refers to the declining influence of religion in public life, and Buddhism presents a unique case because it is often perceived as a 'philosophy' or 'way of life' rather than a traditional religion. Students will examine how Buddhist communities in the UK and globally adapt to secular contexts, including changes in practice, authority, and identity. Key debates include whether Buddhism is inherently compatible with secular values (e.g., rationality, individualism) or whether secularisation undermines its core teachings.

Understanding this topic is crucial for AQA A-Level Religious Studies because it connects to broader themes of religion in contemporary society, such as pluralism, privatisation, and the decline of institutional religion. Buddhism's emphasis on personal experience and meditation aligns with secular trends like mindfulness, but this raises questions about authenticity and commodification. Students must critically evaluate sociological theories (e.g., Berger, Bruce, Davie) in relation to Buddhist communities, and consider case studies such as the Triratna Buddhist Community or Soka Gakkai International in the UK.

This topic also intersects with debates about 'spiritual but not religious' identities, the role of women in Buddhism, and the impact of globalisation. MasteryMind recommends that students familiarise themselves with key terms like 'detraditionalisation', 'religious switching', and 'vicarious religion' to analyse how Buddhism navigates secular spaces. By the end of this topic, you should be able to assess whether secularisation poses a threat or an opportunity for Buddhist traditions in the 21st century.