Legal Consciousness: Torts Ghosts And Karma In Thailand By David Engel

The response to the spread of Buddhism in China differed according to one’s social position.

This week’s article “Situating Legal Consciousness: Experiences and Attitudes of Ordinary Citizens about Law and Street Harassment” by Laura Nielsen studies people’s attitudes towards the regulation of offensive public speech by race, gender and class and the reasoning behind their attitudes. Nielsen introduces the idea of legal consciousness, which reflects on the unique backgrounds within these disadvantaged groups and how it affects their understanding and importance of law (RELATION?). This study found that the majority was against legal regulation of offensive public speech based on the assumption that they can handle these situations on their own, similar to the idea of in house dispute resolution offices in which these situations are

When reading a Record of Buddhist Kingdoms, by Fa-hsien I recognized a recurring theme. Fa-hsiens travels, through different kingdoms provides the reader with insight on the life and teachings of Buddha, and the tenets of the religion he founded. Although I recognized many themes, I will reflect on three that I found insightful, and inspiring. They are self-denial, Kindness to strangers, and sacrifice.

In this paper it will discuss the influence of the Buddha and how Buddhism came to America and the impact it had upon its arrival. How the American culture westernized Buddhism in their own way and how it looks today. It will also cover the difference of ethnic Buddhism and convert Buddhism in America. More specifically the objective of this paper is to explain descriptively and analytically and go over the historical time line of

“What does Eastern Religions mean to Americans?” Starting in the 19th century, Buddhism began to make its way to America through the immigration of the Chinese whom brought their religious traditions with them. Buddhism continued to gain popularity in America when Buddhist texts, as well as Buddhist teachers, were brought here to share and spread their religion. It wasn’t until the late 1950’s/early 1960’s that we see the interest in Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism, blossom throughout the country. Through the memoir “Sacred Hoops” by Phil Jackson, an NBA player and coach, we are able to see how Zen Buddhism not only altered his life, as well as his players, but how the religion also adapts to American culture. From reading both “Sacred Hoops” and learning about Buddhism throughout this semester, I would argue that Eastern religions, specifically Zen Buddhism, is not only a way for Americans to escape the reality of American culture but also provides a complete alternative to Christianity and other similar religions that are predominate in America.

Next Scott examines how this embracement of a modernist prosperity-gospel model of Buddhism becomes problematized within the socio-historical context of the Asian economic crisis of the late 1990s. After this, she expands the analysis looking at “the broader field of debate over the commercialization of Buddhism” and its commodification “as a product” as well as “the effects of consumerism on contemporary Thai society” (17). This is contextualized through an overview of the discourses of various “principle voices within this discussion” (17) such as Bhikkhu Buddhadasa, “a well known promoter of dhammic socialism. These diverse voices help to contextualize and complicate the discourse surrounding both the modernist prosperity Buddhism of Dhammakaya Buddhism through a post-modern commentary. It is this post-modern commentary that is the focus of the concluding chapter, in which she frames the commentary as a “rallying cry for religious reform” (17).

Our interactions within the law and society may be described as acts of legal consciousness. The term 'legal consciousness' is used to describe an understanding of the law, society, and ones place within. This awareness is informed by, and informs our societal interaction at both a group and individual level. It is my strong belief, that through critical reflection of our legal consciousness, we are empowered with the ability to influence and analyze the role of law and its effectiveness within society. Legal consciousness is both a form of scrutiny and a device of law. It is the basis for the formation of opinions on some of the more difficult ethical or moral questions posed, such as; abortion and euthanasia.

Thousands of years ago, with the expansion of monarchies came the spread of numerous ideas specifically, religion. The culture and daily lives of those living within an empire was based on their faith. At its core, religion was a way to teach people how they should implement their lives, and it was a key part of unifying such large empires. The spread of a religion created countless impacts, with lasting effects on monarchies, that are demonstrated in modern society today. Some of these influences were negative, however they all caused impacts on all aspects of the areas they expanded in. The expansion of Buddhism in Japan and the spread of Christianity in the Americas, demonstrates how the spread of religion results in civic, governmental, and financial repercussions. Between 600 CE and 1700 CE, these monarchs were having impactful changes due to the expansion of a religion. Positive and negative social, political, and economic impacts were created as a result of the expansion of

The tendency, of sacrificing, or changing parts of one’s culture in order to adapt to a new culture, is experienced by almost everyone who has any culture other than the predominant one. Nguyen was just an individual who had to let go of some aspect of her culture in an attempt to blend in, but there have been whole religions and followers who go through this process. One example of a religion that had been Americanized is Buddhism. Although there have been proper and preserved denomination of Buddhism in America, there have also have been groups such as Buddhist Churches of America that have changed their method and practice to fit in America (Seager 3). To assimilate into American society Buddhist Churches of America has tried to resemble

The religious group I wish to write about is Buddhism. According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, Buddhism is defined as a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Gautama Buddha that suffering is inherent in life and that one can be liberated from it by mental and moral self-purification. The religion of Buddhism differs from other religious groups is that there is no one Almighty God. In Buddhism, the ultimate objective of followers is enlightenment and/or liberation from Samsara; rather than to go to a Heaven (or a deva realm in the context of Buddhist cosmology). Buddhism does not point fingers or judge others as other religious groups do. I believe

“Given modern medical knowledge, legal claims for wrongful life are inevitable. The common law must therefore now provide a satisfactory response and this it could easily achieve”. Discuss this statement critically.

Neoliberalism best explains the living law because the regulations governments have in place today benefits corporations over individuals (Portelli & Konecny, ____). Living laws are the rules society or organizations follow without having official legal documentation (CITE TEXTBOOK). According to neoliberalism theory, corporations and government have developed a working relationship in today’s society. Governments act on behalf of corporations, due to the monetary gains corporations produce for the Canadian economy. Glasbeek expands on the government association with corporations, “Increasingly, governments, having become dependent on these large-scale enterprises for the provision of society's economic

A slow yet, gradual increase of individuals in the West are coming to terms about the positive efforts of socially engaged Buddhism. Actualizing that modern Buddhism in Asia has transformed into this meditative vehicle for spiritual liberation which includes liberation movements for social and political changes. Engaged Buddhism is a form of dedication through movements committed to addressing social, political, economic and environmental concerns including the spiritual needs of beings. In efforts to solve problems of extreme magnitudes, specifically during times of social crisis. keeping Buddhist philosophy's at the forefront of these movements, they manage to propagate widespread awareness of current asian issues.

Buddhism in the twenty-first century is still applicable in such a fast paced and confusing world. Despite all of our advanced science and technology, we understand even less our reason for existing and we know more than ever just how big the universe is and how uncaring. These circumstances drive people to seek out spirituality even today in order to achieve the basic comfort required for them to conduct their daily lives. The recent episodes of tremendous violence have placed an unsavory patina of stifling ignorance over the religions of Christianity and Islam as they continue to carry on like demented spinsters in the decaying finery of their former glory with no intention of acknowledging the catastrophe of their current circumstances. Buddhism, with its sterling values of moderation, peace, and detachment from the impermanent things of this world, now appears dignified and splendid as the ancient beauty of Asia to modern seekers. No longer do we seek judgment and rigid, inexplicable rules from our God, with the hellfire and damnation that once drove us onward. We crave logic and sense from our world and in those circumstances, this faith tells us that lusting after expensive cars and clothes which we do not need will make us miserable. That is easy to understand. That makes

Throughout the chronology of civilization across our terraqueous globe, there has been one aspect of society which facilitates our stability. That aspect is our adherence to moral ethics and just laws. This developed cultural trait has ensured the progression of society and the safety in developing a complacency to fear or harm. It is law, that protects us from the dangers of ourselves and the malevolence of others. However, the law has never been indefectible or paradisiac. The laws of man often reveal their faultiness, and their vulnerability to pervasive interpretation. During the 17th century, the New World suffered greatly in developing new laws, regulations, and experimental societal structure. The 17th century contemporary philosophy on community, family, and religion formed the guidelines in which all societal rules would be formed.