April 21, 2007
Buddhism in the west and east - What Difference?
Back in the old days, we would have never dreamed that Buddhism would flourish in the west. yet interestingly, buddhism has taken its firm root in the western society, where they have different lifestyle and way of thinking altogether! over the years, buddhism in most part of bhutan and in the east has taken a newer and different dimension from what it actually could mean. as the buddhism in the east is complex with more focus on tantrisism and rituals, the buddhism in the west is simple, as buddha would have taught! so, in the long run, would the buddhism taught in the western countries be more pragmatic to practice than the buddhism in some of the eastern countries, mostly tibetan buddhism?
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2 comments:
My observation is this:
The first big wave of Buddhism in the west was Zen, and perhaps some Theravada forest tradition. But Tibetan Buddhism has grown quite remarkably in the last few years. What has not grown is a monastic tradition. The monastic system is particularly good for one thing: intense and concentrated study and practice.
The monks in the west are teaching the same practices as they did in the east, but the differences in lifestyle mean that the way these are carried out will have to change...somehow. I don't think this has been entirely worked out, or if it can be in a "western" way. All these practices require time and dedication, and I guess those who are determined to follow this Dharma will make the time.
I don't know what the answer will be, but if Tibetan style Buddhism really takes hold, then western society will change too. Some sort of accommodation will be made from both sides.
thank u so much for the comments larry. it is an eye opener...
i must think about what u wrote, thanks again...:)
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