Carving a niche in Buddhist Philanthropy: Chinese women and transnational religious volunteerism

Abstract

The emergence of socially-engaged Buddhism in the last few decades have brought about a myriad of activities from various Buddhist organizations that have now become global entities. Starting with the work of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, women are becoming increasing involved in volunteerism in their quest for spiritualism. The fact that socially-engaged Buddhism focused on this-worldly asceticism and this-worldly attainment of nirvana has prompted many housewives and professional women to become increasingly involved in Buddhist charity and philanthropy. This paper will explore the dynamics that are involved in the creation of a Buddhist philanthropic niche by these women, the types of activities they are involved in and how they redefine socially-engaged Buddhism in modernity.