Turning to Buddhism

Abstract

This study is based on Durkheim's view that religion is never completely abolished, only changed in its nature. But Durkheim allocated only one function to religion, that of uniting people. Wilson's concept of a 'personal religion' (1982) shows how religion has progressed from serving a communal function to serving a personal function. This study is also based on such an assumption. As Durkheim based himself on feelings, such as the feeling of belonging, I have also based myself on feelings, on the feelings of my respondents. Through the life histories of the five respondents I have gathered information on the lives and experiences of these people who have chosen to turn to Buddhism. Such experiences and feelings have shown how they have changed their cultural religion (Durkheim) and how religion for them serves a personal function and that they also consider religion as being an individual phenomenon and not a social one (Wilson).