This paper examines the concept of identity in the Buddhist discourse by revisiting the dichotomy between the doctrine of non-self, or emptiness, which is a foundational preposition of most Buddhist schools, and the social practices in Buddhist societies, particularly around monastic institutions. It explores the question of identity through the example of the construction of gender, which has been approached by Buddhist traditions in many, often paradoxical, ways, predominantly reflecting androcentric and patriarchal social structures. Although it seems that the doctrine of emptiness and the deconstruction of identity proposed in Buddhist doctrines have had very little impact on societal practices, particularly in relation to gender, they have still provided a margin for exploration of these questions and allowed for some creative responses. The paper proposes that the question of identity—with a particular focus on gender—requires revisiting in the light of contemporary concerns by exploring and theorising identity from new viewpoints, informed by the Buddhist doctrine of non-self.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1540119492
The paper explores the development of the model of accommodation in the Jesuit mission in China, focusing on the topic of universalism within religious dialogue.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1540067012