Tao, from another thread: (there's probably a whizzy way to do it but I don't know how!)
Quote: Originally Posted by Tao_Equus
Though looking at a map seems to me that Buddhism is under assault on many fronts, its heartland multiply punctured. Do you think it will grow or diminish?
Which map? Care to share?
Care to elaborate while I think?!
(I actually tried to put some “facts” in my OP of this thread, if you'd care to peruse).
As a general point, I think it is difficult to identify trends because official figures don’t of course always give an accurate picture; England is officially CoE but seems to be more and more secular, Japan is Shinto_Buddhist I think, but more and more secular…
s.
Is it possible for Buddhism to expand out of its home range in East Asia. Its under threat from Islam and yet may gain ground in China, if secularism does not evolve. I cannot see it expanding much in the west but I may be wrong. So what do you think?
Is it possible for Buddhism to expand out of its home range in East Asia. Its under threat from Islam and yet may gain ground in China, if secularism does not evolve. I cannot see it expanding much in the west but I may be wrong. So what do you think?
This Buddhist thinks that this is not a popularity contest.
The Buddha's teachings will impact who it impacts.
But of course answers like this...
don't make for great discussions.
The mindset is too focused on individualism
I don't think Buddhism will take off in the US. The mindset is too focused on individualism to be compatible with a view that is centered on selflessness.
Snoopy said:
Some religions have a tradition of evangelising, that Buddhism does not engage in (or for me, should not; I’m ignoring SGI), which as mature adults we would not welcome perhaps, but for the religion itself may be a means of ensuring its growth or survival. The truth of the dharma we may think is evident upon our own enquiry but can this sustain it into the future, where evangelising and coercion seem to loom large?
Does that mean that it's about half way through this cycle?Namaste Snoopy,
thank you for the post.
the Buddha actually advocated that the Sangha go forth and spread the Dharma impartially to all beings... i think that the negative connotations of such actions by the Abrahamic faiths has led to a rather unusual view of the Buddhas teachings on spreading the Dharma. recall that the Shastras are repleat with stories of monks of various religious paths engaging in lengthy debate to determine which philosophical view was superior... this debating method is still taught in many Vajrayana monestaries and is included in part of the final exams, so to speak.
regarding the future of the Buddhadharma on this world system... it will end. in roughly 2,400 years the true Dharma epoc will end and it will be the time of the Sembelance Dharma... the Suttas go into more detail regarding the time line and such regarding the fading of the Dharma on this world system. indeed, it will be at such time that Maitreya takes rebirth on this world system to Turn the Wheel of Dharma once more.
my thoughts.
metta,
~v
Does that mean that it's about half way through this cycle?
That reminds me. I think it's punishment for a Buddhist to become a Theravadan if they mess up as a Mahayanan.Perhaps Yanks could all be Theravadans![]()
Actually all vehicles of Dharma are thought to be equally efficacious on the road to enlightenment-but, of course, various practitioners of various vehicles often show "team" pride that makes many say "one gets the best gas mileage from my vehicle."That reminds me. I think it's punishment for a Buddhist to become a Theravadan if they mess up as a Mahayanan.(Don't quote me on that.)
Actually all vehicles of Dharma are thought to be equally efficacious on the road to enlightenment-but, of course, various practitioners of various vehicles often show "team" pride that makes many say "one gets the best gas mileage from my vehicle."earl
However, it has been conclusively demonstrated that choir logic does not lead to enlightenment.
Nick, since this response makes no sense to me, it must be like a koan-what is the sound of 1 conspiracy theorist clapping?earl
the Buddha actually advocated that the Sangha go forth and spread the Dharma impartially to all beings... i think that the negative connotations of such actions by the Abrahamic faiths has led to a rather unusual view of the Buddhas teachings on spreading the Dharma.
The Kalama Sutta makes the difference between the approaches clear...As ever, I am grateful for your thoughts.
I am aware that the Buddha could be described as an evangeliser; it is the fine line today that I see where this greys into the "my way or the highway" approach of some organisations. Difficult call I think.
s.