Virtuosity, Charisma and Social Order: A Comparative Sociological Study of Monasticism in Theravada Buddhism and Medieval Catholicism

by Ilana Friedrich Silber

Overview

This is a comparative study of the interaction between monasticism and society in Theravada Buddhism and medieval Catholicism. Building on Weber's classical analysis of religious virtuosity on one hand, and opposing recent comparative historical sociology's neglect of structures of meaning on the other, the author demonstrates the combined impact of religious orientations, macrosocietal structures, and virtuoso radicalism in shaping the ideological power of religious elites in the historical framework of the Great Traditions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521021371
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/20/2005
Series:	Cambridge Cultural Social Studies
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.63(d)

Table of Contents

Part I. Virtuosi and Society: Elements of Macrosociological Approach: 1. The Weberian legacy; 2. Monasticism and social order: a multidimensional perspective: Part II. Virtuosi asnd Society in Theravada Buddhism: 3. Ideological groundings: hierarchy and ritualized exchange; 4. Virtuosity institutionalized; The Sangha in Social Context; 5. Virtuoso radicalism: the triumph of a syndrome; Part III. Virtuosi and Society in Medieval Catholicism: 6. Ideological groundings: plurality and conditional exchange; 7. Virtuosity institutionalized: monasticism in social context; 8. Virtuoso radicalism: a self-defeating triumph; Part IV. Virtuosity, Charisma and Social Order: 9. Virtuosity and the virtuoso-society syndrome; 10. The virtuoso syndrome in comparative historical perspective; Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

Silber's approach is ideal for a study of Theravaada Buddhism because...the salvational orientations of the virtuosi are an integral part of the relationship between those virtuosi and society both on an individual and institutional level....Silber['s]...careful delineation of the historical, cultural, and religious dimensions of the two traditions involved in her study shows that solid comparative work is possible. Her careful and detailed argument throughout lends weight to her conclusions.
— Journal of Buddhist Ethics \

Mavis Fenn

"...a learned analysis....Silber's book should quickly become a classic in comparative religious research and deserves a place on the syllabus of any graduate course in the field." Sociology of Religion

"...Silber's account is largely convincing, and her intention can only be applauded. The book will be essential reading for those interested in Weberian scholarship, especially for its conceptualization of religious virtuosity and its treatment of the "worldly facets of otherworldly religious orientations." For specialists in medieval Christianity and Theravada Buddhism the book offers an insightful and provocative interpretation of the literature. Moreover, sociologists of culture will find a stimulating empirical exploration of the issues involved in the relation between culture and structure." American Journal of Sociology

"...Silber's analysis of the material raises new theoretical questions and suggests some cogent answers. ...well-worth attending to. An important contribution to comparative historical sociology." Choice

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