R e s e a r c h A r t i c l e Journal of Global Buddhism 2 (2001): 1-43 Global Buddhism: Developmental Periods, Regional Histories, and a New Analytical Perspective. By Martin Baumann Copyright Notice Digital copies of this work may be made and dis- tributed provided no charge is made and no altera- tion is made to the content. Reproduction in any other format with the exception of a single copy for private study requires the written permission of the author. All enquiries to
[email protected]. h t t p : / / j g b . l a . p s u . e d u Journal of Global Buddhism 1 GLOBAL BUDDHISM: DEVELOPMENTAL PERIODS, REGIONAL HISTORIES, AND A NEW A NALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE BY MARTIN BAUMANN RESEARCH FELLOW AND LECTURER UNIVERSITY OF HANNOVER, GERMANY
[email protected] INTRODUCTION In summer 2000, the northern German city of Hannover hosted the World EXPO, which had an overwhelming, if not confusing, variety of technical and cultural presentations of various nationsÕ achievements. Upon joining the visitors flowing into the spacious fairgrounds at the northwest entrance, the dome of the Nepalese pagoda soon caught oneÕs interest. A few steps onward, the Thai pavilion attracted visitors with a miniature reproduction of a golden traditional temple. Pagoda and temple were marvelously illuminated during the evenings. Strolling on, in front of the Sri Lankan pavilion a huge Buddha statue stretched up to the roof. However, one of the most discussed and admired national pavilions was the Bhutanese pagoda, enthusiastically portrayed as Òa jewel of the Himalaya.Ó Bhutan was represented by a traditional, entirely wooden construction—a three-part temple with carved ornaments, icons, and symbols of Buddhism.