Abstract

Max Weber’s theorizing is prominent in the sociology of religion. He spent a great deal of time and effort examining the relationship between “social action” and religious beliefs. This study examines the origins and credos of Shambhala Buddishm, a new religious movement founded by Chogyam Trungpa in the late twentieth century with reference to Max Weber’s typology of the “paths to salvation”. The emphasis is on describing Trungpa’s vision that an enlightened society will necessarily result as an intended consequence of adopting and practicing Shambhalian meditation.