Hello fellow Buddhists and meditators!I've started this blog primarily as a discussion forum for various issues in Buddhism as we move forward into the 21st century. I also hope to be able to share what little wisdom I myself have gained through my own practice and maybe hear about yours.
I think one of the issues of particular significance today is the need to separate Buddhism from some of the cultures it has developed in. As Westerners we bend over backwards to try to accomodate the host culture. But can it really work? Whether it be offering oneself body and mind to the lama or blindly following the regimented dogmas of Theravada, is this appropriate for those of us coming from Western culture? I always think the Buddha himself was such a fine example of independence of spirit, so why do we slavishly follow as soon as we affiliate with a particular group? Do we really have to become Tibetan, Japanese or Thai to get enlightened? Can we not keep our own culture where it's suitable?
Another important subject is the much taboo idea of an eclectic approach, i.e. drawing from several different traditions at the same time. Most of the main schools of Buddhism jealously guard their traditions and see mixing other practices in as the ultimate heresy. How does this affect Westerners? It usually leads to a feeling of being shackled and hence limitation and frustration. It is in our spirit to explore as many ways as possible, and this should be seen as something positive and creative.
Anyway, enough for my first blog. More to come in my future ones.
Happy meditation!
Robert
2 comments:
Many people do not have any problem with embracing the Buddhist faith and practice the 6 or 10 Pāramitās –depending on the tradition while maintaining a harmonious lifestyle in their own western culture, customs and values. Are they aiming at enlightenment in one life time? Probably not, Christians in their good mind do not seek to be crucified on a cross in expression of their independence of spirit, but may become missionaries.
Some western people make the transformation to a member of the Buddhist Clergy in traditions of Tibetan, Thai or Japanese Buddhism in composed manner. There are plenty of bright minds that will leave a legacy of accomplishments for history to evaluate.
I must admit that I do not belong in either category. I assume that in every religion a few people, individuals, leave the comfort of the flock, the society they grew up in, the language of their ancestors and the national pride of their kith and kin to live their drive, with their belief, conviction or mission in life. I would disagree with the word choice of ‘”jealously’ guard their traditions” these days, not in Japanese or Tibetan Buddhism as far as I know, in Thai? They all strongly adhere to their own particular traditions, no doubt, but I can not see how that should affect all Westerners in their right mind, leading to a feeling of being shackled and hence limitation and frustration as an inevitable result of adhering to the traditions of any particular school of thought. Personally I feel that these frustrations can happen to anyone living and integrating in a foreign culture without mixing religion into it, just by the scientifically recorded facts of culture shock.
I’m not against a civil debate on the issue of faith but I’m not much of a debater. I wish to spend my time on more creative matters that need less criticism while adhering to my Buddhist faith and practicing ZaZen in the Rinzai School of Japanese Buddhism.
Suren
Hi Suren,
I too like to think of myself as being someone who practices Buddhism and maintains his own culture. But in order to do that I need to hang pretty loose.
I was referring more to those that get closely involved in a particular branch, e.g. Tibetan Buddhism or Theravada. When I was involved in the former, I always felt under pressure to conform very strictly to every aspect, both philiosophical and cultural. And the whole lama - disciple approach is arguably as much a cultural phenomena as a religious one. Compare the lama's role with zen master's role for example. Quite different!
"Jealously guard" is a standard idiom im English. It just means "keenly" really. Again, I didn't feel Tibetan Buddhists encouraged an eclectic approach even vis-a-vis other schools of Tibetan Buddhism. I remember when I belonged to the Kagyu sect, it was frowned upon to attend anything Gelugpa, let alone another form of Buddhism such as zen!
I'd guess that one of the reasons you can practice Rinzai Zen so effectively is that you're not formally committed, and have a certain amount of freedom. Anyway, enjoy practicing it!
Let's hope someone else comments.
Nirvana Bobb (my old nick name when I was about 20!)
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