Published by When people think of Buddhism the first thing that comes to most people’s minds in the western world is a fat jolly bald guy sitting down with a big belly. Then they probably think of bald Asian guys in red robes chanting, bowing, or meditating. This is view gives a very inaccurate idea of how Buddhism really is around the world. In truth Buddhist belief’s, and practices vary depending on location. America and other western countries have a much different form of Buddhism then the majority of Buddhist countries.
While Buddhist temples do exist in America they are not as prevalent as in other countries. This is to be expected since there are not as many Buddhist however a smaller percentage of practicing Buddhists go to temples at all. Those of an Eastern heritage often still follow the Buddhists traditions of their homeland but for those who have adopted Buddhism as their own religion or a philosophy go a different path.
Unlike many Asian countries where particular forms or Buddhism are prevalent America is a melting pot of Buddhist teaching. A new practitioner will typically learn through books on the subject. These books are often simple “Guide for Dummies” type books and can lead into the student of Buddhism getting other more in depth books.
For Americans Buddhism is typically not as structured and a practitioner may take parts of one from of Buddhism and then another part from another school and use what works for them. There is nothing wrong with this doing this in fact because Buddhism can be used in such a manner it has been able to survive along other religions quite well. For many Buddhism is not a religion but a philosophy and this view is also acceptable. In Buddhist teaching each person ultimately must find their own way to enlightenment and while texts and more rigorous organization may help direct that path the individual must make the journey on their own.
So Buddhism is a great system to follow regardless of your religious background. In this hectic time we live in it can be useful to teach us calm and balance and to have high morals, and to live a better life. Enlightenment or Bodhi might be an ultimate goal for a Buddhist but if you have your own religious views it need not be. Even if you choose to accept Buddhism attaining enlightenment is a long process and if you live in the world of today it can be difficult to make that journey so you can follow Buddhist teachings to improve yourself, which is part of the Noble Eightfold Path. The path for each person is different and each must follow what path is right for them.
For me, enlightenment is THE INSTANT and not an instant. It is not an outbound journey, it is returning home to our own true nature. For years I practiced with some very kind people who accepted me into their Temple. Like many temples in this country, it was not marked with a sign, from the outside it looked like a dentist’s office. Tsai Jien.