Title:
Won Buddhist coping in America among the 1st and 2nd generation Korean immigrant population
Author:
Hye Sung Park
Thesis Advisor:
Joseph Stewart-Sicking
Committee Member:
Kari A O'Grady
Committee Member:
Robert J. Wicks
Committee Member:
Sharon A. Suh
Committee Member:
L. Mickey Fenzel
Committee Member:
James J. Buckley
Degree Granting Institution:
Loyola University Maryland--College of Arts and Sciences
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Loyola University Maryland
Date Created:
2015
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
born digital
Abstract:
Research indicates that there is a need for better understanding of Buddhist spirituality coping strategies, including mindfulness and other sources of resiliency, during times of struggle for the Korean immigrant population. To solve this problem, the study seeks greater depth of understanding of Won Buddhist members coping through qualitative research. Won Buddhism is a new form of Buddhism in Korea, and its emphasis on mindfulness in action and other forms of coping could be an important key to understanding the Buddhist population in the pastoral counseling field. This study adopted a grounded theory approach to build upon the perspectives of Buddhists themselves in their own cultural settings. The sample for this study is the Korean immigrant Won Buddhist community in the U.S. The researcher conducted 60-90 minute face to face interviews with 23 participants. Using the Grounded Theory Method, the researcher thematically analyzed the transcripts from the interviews. Key findings are the common central practices of Mindfulness and Faith in Dharma. Within these practices, there are generational differences. In their entirety, thirteen themes are manifest: Mindfulness; Faith in Dharma; Acculturation; Temple; Religious and Spiritual Practice; Education; Sense of Identity; Calm and Peace; Understanding and Openness to others; Acceptance; Understanding of Karma; Morality; and Compassion to oneself and others. These themes are closely related to each other and center on realizing a sense of identity, which is a confirmation of, or longing for, who one truly is. Mindfulness and meditation are unique positive coping methods in Buddhist tradition. However, Faith in Dharma is equally important as a coping method for Buddhists. While this study focused on Korean immigrant Won Buddhists in the U.S., it would be valuable to have additional qualitative research on Buddhist coping for the Euro-American Won Buddhist population to identify similarities and differences between the two groups within the same religious order.
Subject:
Electronic dissertations
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Level:
Doctoral
Discipline:
Pastoral Counseling
Restrictions on Access:
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Identifier:
ParkHS-15
