Buddhism as a value source in the course of new identity and lifestyle formation in the Czech Republic
Abstract
This study is focused on cultural phenomena of contemporary Europe: the creation of a new religious identity without cultural precedent in European cultural history. I concentrate on non-Asian Buddhist converts, who have adopted religious world views different from that of their ethnic heritage and the mainstream culture they live in and who use Buddhism as the value-source for their children''s upbringing.
The parents who, to a certain degree, master Buddhist practice and are attached to this particular religious culture, accumulate a specific religious capital which develops when there are higher levels of religious participation, knowledge and experience, including social networks. The aim of my study is to illustrate how accumulated religious capital and value models affects parental choice regarding children''s education.
How are these values transmitted within the families of different Buddhist streams? What is the role of the local Buddhist community in family life?