Developing an alternative paradigm for Asian Heritage conservation: a Buddhist-systemic perspective

The essential proposition in this chapter is that the current theories and representative wealth of charters and guidelines which govern the contemporary conservation practice are the 'tip of the iceberg'. Beneath lies an immense body of cultural, philosophical, and religious thought and traditions that underpin the entire sphere of Western approaches to conservation. This chapter poses a fundamental question: How would the rich and unique cultural heritage of Asia be interpreted and conserved if the theories and guidelines that were to underpin it were based on the cultural and philosophical traditions of the region? In this context, the chapter explores the interconnections between Buddhism and Systems Theory to develop a conceptual framework as the foundation of a suitable approach to the conservation of heritage in Asia. In this study heritage is conceptualised as a complex system within the larger system of the culture in which it resides, thus providing the development of a theoretical foundation to a conceptual framework. The functions and elements of Systems Theory are analysed to evaluate their usefulness in an approach to the conservation of built heritage. The first half of the chapter provides a broad overview to Systems Theory, its beginnings and various directions looking at systems in other disciplines. The subsequent section reinforces and explores the links made between Systems Theory and Buddhist philosophy as developed by Churchman (1968), Ellis and Ludwig (1962), Khisty (2006a, 2006b), and Macy (1991a, 1991b, 1976). An analysis of these two overlapping worldviews is crucial to be able to propose Systems Theory as a credible framework for an 'Asian' approach to conservation of heritage in the region. The final section of the chapter applies and critiques the proposed conceptual framework. The chapter concludes by arguing for this alternative paradigm for the conservation of heritage in South and Southeast Asia.