This episode starts off our exploration of post-traditional Buddhism, or better, post-traditional approaches to Buddhism. This might just be a major feature of the future of Buddhism in the West, if Buddhism actually manages to survive the rest of the century here as a powerful source for personal and social change. David Chapman may not think so, but who knows? If Buddhism was to benefit from a sufficient degree of cultural innovation, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t find itself once again providing meaningful responses to some of our wider concerns.
After a short preamble and our usual silliness, we get into a serious discussion of the power and appropriateness of post-traditional approaches to Buddhism, even touching on how traditional Buddhists might explore such an approach themselves. Stuart gets in yet another dig at Shambhala…but if you are a good ol’ Shambhalian, do try to avoid taking it all too seriously.
We also include our end of year awards for 2016. A strictly tongue in cheek affair, it will give you the chance to hear all about the big Buddhist winners from last year with categories including; Buddhist scandal of the year, best book, best website and best German.
Sponsor
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Music
The imperfect Buddha podcast supports up-and-coming musicians in Bristol groups. Hundred Strong and Joseph Malick provides this episode’s music. Do have a listen and if you like what you hear, support the artist at the band camp site: https://hundredstrong.bandcamp.com/album/all-aint-the-samelp
The Imperfect Buddha 
Enjoyed the chat, but wanted to check with you as to name of the Yogic tradition referred to, something like “arroterre” ? Just curious to look into it some more, thanks.
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It’s called the Aro ter. Site link: http://arobuddhism.org/
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Dear Matthew,
above you write that ‘this episode starts off our exploration of post-traditional Buddhism, or better, post-traditional approaches to Buddhism. This might just be a major feature of the future of Buddhism in the West, If Buddhism actually manages to survive the rest of the century here as a powerful source for personal and social change. David Chapman may not think so, but who knows?’
From my knowledge of David’s work, I think he is somehow creating a posttraditional approach to Buddhism. So what is it in your view David could disagree upon?
Best wishes, Matthias
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Hi Matthias,
This episode seems like a lifetime ago already but I do remember the point that was being made. David had previously spoken of his belief that Buddhism would not survive this century in any culturally meaningful form in the West. The link is in that and not to post-traditional expressions of Buddhism.
That said, I am not sure whether David is doing any explicit post-traditional work on Buddhism, but rather is motivated in critiquing Buddhism and culture more broadly. His excellent Meanignness project is an example of that.
Matthew
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