Thelle, Notto R.2019-09-252019-09-252017-07-2720110009-4668http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12424/166213The paper is concerned with the tendency among some Western intellectuals to weaken the traditional religious elements of Buddhism and to define it as a sort of humanism without religious implications. It is inevitable that Buddhism—or any religion—goes through processes of transformation and reinterpretation when it is transmitted to new cultures and contexts. The article describes some of the characteristic Western ways of receiving Eastern religious traditions and the inevitable transformations that take place. One option is to weaken or even cut the religious roots of traditional Buddhism, redefining it as a humanistic life stance, religiously uncommitted, or even secular in character. The paper raises the question whether some of the original spiritual energy may be lost if the traditional religious practices and commitments are drained off.engWith permission of the license/copyright holderBuddhism -- Western authors Buddhism -- DefinitionHumanismOrientalismBuddhism -- Study and teachingChinaReligious ethicsComparative religious ethicsIntercultural and contextual theologiesAsian theologiesComparative religion and interreligious dialogueChristian-BuddhistArticle