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in India more than 2500 year ago. During the time of the Buddha,
Buddhism spread across a vast part of northern India, which was
With the advent of
Globalisation- Greedabalisation, the then an amalgamation of many different countries of diverse
languages and political background, in what is today’s equivalent
Its Impact on central position of of a globalising phenomenon. Later, during the time of Emperor
Asoka, its globalising influence was extended to countries like Sri
human beings is now
1
Malaysian taken over by “greed” Lanka, Suvarnabhumi , Afghanistan, Egypt, Syria and even Greece
and North Africa . Later still, the spread of Buddhism to Central
2
Buddhism or “money”. Humanity Asia and China, and then Korea and Japan was a spectacular event
in human history that brought about great transformation to the
has been alienated.
civilisations of these countries.

Recent development of economic globalisation, characterised
Abstract by borderless transaction of capital, goods and services, and speedy
transmission of information through ICT, has provided a new
This paper begins with a description on how Malaysian impetus for Buddhism to globalise itself further. Many Buddhist
Buddhism is being globalised by the entry of several foreign based organisations and movements, which were originally confined to
Buddhist organisations into Malaysia. It is observed that this their countries of origin, are now taking Buddhism to every corner
scenario has brought about a greater awakening of Buddhism in of the earth. As a result, many foreign Buddhist organisations are
Malaysia. On the other hand, there are some negative effects but now appearing in Malaysia.
fortunately these are well managed. The later part of this paper
discusses how economic globalisation has also brought about Economic globalisation also brought about new challenges to
cultural imperialism and alienation of humanity. It is noted that the development of Malaysian Buddhism. Cultural imperialism
cultural imperialism and alienation of humanity have created and alienation of human values are two such challenges, which are
a negative impact on the development of Malaysian Buddhism. gradually changing the landscape of Malaysian Buddhism.
The paper ends by summarising the challenges of globalisation
on Buddhism in four areas, i.e. marginalisation of practice,
McDonaldisation of enlightenment, commercialisation of temples,
and alienation of monks. 1. The exact location of Suvarnabhumi or Land of Gold has always been a subject of
debate.
Introduction 2. See 2500 Years of Buddhism, Edited by P. V. Bapat. Published by the Publication

Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Pg 59.
Buddhism has been a globalising force ever since its advent

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