The Transmission of Buddhism in the Era of Globalization

Abstract

In the context of intensifying globalization, Buddhism has emerged as a significant transnational religious and ethical force, shaping global discourses on mindfulness, morality, and human well-being. This article examines Buddhism’s global transmission through the conceptual framework of religious soft power, with particular attention to Thai Theravāda Buddhism. Drawing on theories of globalization and soft power, the study analyzes how Buddhist teachings, meditation practices, and monastic traditions function as non-coercive sources of cultural and moral influence. Rather than expanding through institutional conversion or political authority, Buddhism exerts global influence through attraction, ethical credibility, and experiential relevance. Thai Buddhism, rooted in canonical discipline (vinaya), meditation, and moral cultivation, plays a pivotal role in shaping global perceptions of Buddhism as a practical path for personal transformation and social harmony. The article further explores challenges arising from globalization, including tensions between traditional monastic norms and contemporary social contexts, critiques of institutional authority, and ethical accountability in the digital age. It argues that Buddhism’s continued global relevance depends not on institutional power, but on the authenticity of its ethical vision and its capacity to respond constructively to global challenges. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that Buddhism functions as a form of religious soft power that reshapes values and worldviews rather than political structures.