The first scholarly study of the emergence of American Buddhist Studies as a significant research field, approaching issues such as identity in Asian-American Buddhism, the new Buddhism, and the scholar's place in American Buddhist Studies.

This is the first scholarly treatment of the emergence of American Buddhist Studies as a significant research field. Until now, few investigators have turned their attention to the interpretive challenge posed by the presence of all the traditional lineages of Asian Buddhism in a consciously multicultural society. Nor have scholars considered the place of their own contributions as writers, teachers, and practising Buddhists in this unfolding saga. In thirteen chapters and a critical introduction to the field, the book treats issues such as Asian American Buddhist identity, the new Buddhism, Buddhism and American culture, and the scholar's place in American Buddhist Studies. The volume offers complete lists of dissertations and theses on American Buddhism and North American dissertations and theses on topics related to Buddhism since 1892.

'Each one of the authors contributes to the present volume, making this work represent the whole state of the field. So, how does the book (and the field) look? In a word, vibrant. The quality of inquiry and the variety of methodological approaches in the field are remarkable. The chapters ividly capture the field's breadth.' - Franz Aubrey Metcalf, Japanese Journal of Religios Studies 'Consisting of thirteen contributions, this volume is the most comprehensive scholarly treatment of American Buddhism to date.' - Traditional Yoga Studies 'Buddhism and Buddhist Studies in America have come a long way, and this volume traces some of their historical pathways in addition to providing the best available demographics and sociological overview.' - Traditional Yoga Studies