On the Trail of Buddhism in Asia : Reflections on Tradition and Practice

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in the Buddhist tradition of Asia which has percolated into the realm of Buddhist studies in India. There is a gamut of ideas that focuses on the philosophical content of Buddhism and also on Buddhist texts. But Buddhism as a component of the cultural milieu and as a living tradition of Northeast India has not been integrated into mainstream Buddhist Studies in India. However, there seems to be considerable interest in the field outside-in the wide spectrum of Buddhist linkages often spread over maritime waters in the Bay of Bengal region. This volume On the trail of Buddhism in Asia: Reflections on Tradition and Practice seeks to integrate such ideas about Buddhism's aesthetic appeal, its regional interpenetrations and diverse traditions. The purpose here is not only to outline Buddhist presence in the Himalayan space and in the maritime belt of South East Asia but also to examine the relevance of Buddhism in the era of globalisation reflecting concerns about habitat, environment and heritage.