1 - From Diaspora Chinese to Mainland China: Buddhist Philanthropy and the Hope School Project

Abstract
The rise of the technology of the Buddhist self is attributed to the changing religious landscape in the era of shale modernity, culminating in the rise of socially-engaged Reformist Buddhism with a key focus on transnational Buddhist compassion and philanthropy. This paper explores the inter-relationship between members of the sangha, hometown connections, and local leaders in determining the decisions and performative acts of Buddhist philanthropy. Specifically, it explores the role of a proactive Buddhist monk and his members in their efforts to deliver ‘collective morality’ through the Hope School Project from the Chinese Diaspora to Mainland China.

Keywords: Buddhist self, Buddhist compassion and philanthropy, shale modernity, hometown connections, Hope School project