Buddhism in the United States

It has al most(prenominal) become part of a regular routine. exchangeable a habit. Practitioners enter this character reference of monastery to chant and meditate using Tibetan mantras while sitting cross-legged on mats, simultaneously being lead by a lama. Their surroundings bright Tibetan paintings depict of a scene quite unfamiliar from their own. Indeed this picture ass exhibit an Asiatic vista, but it is non in Asia.This is private in the verse Center, located just off Interstate 35 in Kansas City, name as one of approximately 1,000 Buddhisticic centers in the coupled States (Browning, 2007). In 2006, National Geographic magazine accounted that Buddhism has become one of United States piety with an increasing number of supporters, given an estimated 1. 5% of the agriculturals congeries population (Jan Hai, 2006). This is strongly held up by an established 2,000 Buddhist societies and associations of motley sizes found in the United States (Jan Hai, 2006).To fu rther highlight the prevalence of Buddhism in the West, Dalai Lama, the Tibetan leader, has done several visits to cities of the United States for public talks and an an other(prenominal)(prenominal) forms of assemblies with young peacemakers, scientists, the academe, business executives and to solely other budding faithful Ameri faecal matters (Lampman, 2006). jibe to the 2006 edition of the Christian Science Monitor, Dalai Lamas visits spotlights the fact that with 1. 5 million adherents, Buddhism is Americas quartetth largest religious belief. Buddhism is steadily growing in the region and is incessantly spreading as American-born leaders present this traditionally ancient belief structured into the Western perspective and conditions (Lampman, 2006). America, with its diverse environment and cultures for Buddhism, lays out a unique history on how this religion hardened its tail and further distinguished itself towards a continuing process of breeding in the nation (Wikip edia, 2007). Buddhism making History in the United States Buddhism originated as a progeny of Hinduism in India (Zukeran, 1994). Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Enlightened One) in the sixth century B.C. , Buddhisms central focus is to sought the answer of the founding of pain and suffering in this sphere (Browning, 2007). The basic teachings of Buddhism the Four portentous Truths and the Eight-fold Path aim to address these. It is only through the total felo-de-se of desires made by following these teachings is one able to attain the never-ending state of being called, paradise (Zukeran, 1994). This belief was carried on to various move of Asia, with almost every denomination represented selenium Asian, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Korean, Chinese and Nipponese varieties of ancient Buddhism (Gross, 2005).Buddhism endlessly spread across Asia. James Browning, an English minister of religion of Englewood Baptist Church line of descentd that Buddhism came to the United States i n the 20th century collectible to three whatsoever factors (1) large number of Asian Buddhist immigrants, and the contact of Westerners with Asia during and later the World War II (2) diaspora of Buddhist leaders from Tibet, China and Southeast Asia instigated by the Marxist Revolutions and (3) the various missionary activities of Buddhist teachers in the United States (Browning, 2007).With the Asian immigrants spreading across the United States with their teachings in Buddhism, American intellectuals were start to become involved and took interest to this religion or belief. (Wikipedia, 2007). To name a few, Englishmen William Jones and Charles Wilkins initiated translation works from Sanskrit to English to comprehend the ancient religion. Even total heat David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson took the extra mile in understanding the Buddhist philosophy and make later the archetypal English version of the Lotus Sutra.Henry Steel Olcott was the first popular American to public ly convert himself to the religion. And the most remarkable shell in the history of Buddhism in America was when the World Parliament of Religions was held in Chicago in 1893 to pave way for a public meeting place wherein Buddhists can freely communicate with the rest of the Western public (Wikipedia, 2007). Types of Buddhism in the United States With the successful emergence of Buddhism in the United States, even to date, some(prenominal) immigrants and native-born continue to practice Buddhism in diverse forms (Browning, 2007).According to some scholars such(prenominal) as Charles Prebish, three broad types of Buddhism in America argon predominantly being carried out (Wikipedia, 2007). The oldest and largest is the immigrant or what is called ethnic Buddhism. The next oldest and what is accorded to be the most evident is the import Buddhism, which is in like manner sometimes called as elite Buddhism. Finally, the newest cabal of Buddhism actively purported in America from va rious backgrounds is the export or evangelistic Buddhism (Wikipedia, 2007).The differences and distinctions of these three types will be elaborated further below. Immigrant Buddhism is largely the Buddhist tradition brought about by the early Asian Buddhist settlers in the United States. This is home to the Buddhists from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and from nearly all other Buddhist country in the world over (Wikipedia, 2007). The largest national immigrant Buddhism in the United States is the Buddhist Churches of America or the BCA. Japanese immigrants founded this organization and are linked with the Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land) stolon of Buddhism.Its model has incorporated certain devotional practices with the likes of American Protestantism (Browning, 2007). mo Buddhism on the one hand, has its nature as its definition. As American intellectuals seek the true statement and stick to a quest from a variety of countries in Asia, three trends of Import Buddhi sm score emerged, as follows demigod, Tibetan Buddhism and Vipassana (caused by Theravada Buddhism). (Wikipedia, 2007). Several Zen centers are already situated in the United States with emphasis on sitting surmisal (zazen), and are being taught by a see to it (roshi).Zen is able to attract individuals due to its minimalism, its center of attention on both spontaneity and discipline, its mystique, its appeal with the arts (examples of its respective poetry includes haiku, gardening, ink ornament paintings, and No Theater) and its likeness towards martial arts (Browning, 2007). Tibetan Buddhism stems from its ancestors teachings with the most great(p) Buddhist teacher in the world as their current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. He has attracted a number of celebrities in the Hollywood arena and ahs established a series of meditation centers, also called as Dharmadhatu (Wikipedia, 2007).Currently there are four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism in the West the Gelug, the Kagyu, the N yingma, and the Sakya (Wikipedia, 2007). The last trend of Import Buddhism is Vipassana which is rooted from Theravada teachings. With a rough translation of insight meditation, Vipassanas ancient meditative practices aim to simplify ritual and other notice activities in order to achieve a much effective and available-to-all type of meditation. This junto is more open to lay involvement which sets Theravada differently amongst other teachings (Wikipedia, 2007).Import Buddhism was earlier noted as an elite Buddhism, reason being is the nature of its origins. The elite American society with its keen interest to know more of the religion tends to go overseas in various Asian regions to pursue their explorations. Lastly, Export Buddhism focused on recruiting converts from the public, one of which is Soka Gakkais Nichiren Buddhism. Nicheren Shoshu of America or NSAs goal is world peace and harmony which can be achieved by the total transformation of lives. Their central focus in their meditation centers are on the Buddhist sculpture, the Lotus Sutra. (Browning, 2007).NSA actively promotes its chanting of mantra expressing its homage to the Lotus Sutra. The most distinct feature that sets Soka Gakkai apart is its meditative technique solely articulated through chanting. Over the years, Buddhism in the United States has authentic and made itself suitable to its environment. With the numerous sects branching out from Buddhism, it is not tall(a) that another trend has developed in the West socially intermeshed Buddhism. With the notion of quietism and passive approach to the society, this new trend sets to bring fore Buddhism in a different angle moving it outside its norms.Engaged Buddhism is but to apply its values and teachings to a wider and more involved spectrum in the society. This may concern the environment, political issues and community welfare. (Wikipedia, 2007). Role of Buddhism in Revolutionizing the West With all these sectors of Buddhism pre valent in the United States, another question boils down, regardless which sect you are involved into What is it in Buddhism that has created an enormous appeal, interest and following in the Western way of living?Perhaps what is drawing people is Buddhisms non-missionizing approach that suits the Americans search for more meaningful sacred ways (Lampman, 2006). According to Lama Surya Das, a highly-trained American lama in the Tibetan tradition, they are not building big temples, but whirl wisdom, and ways of reconciliation and peacemaking, which are so much needed. (Lampman, 2006). Westerners are in search of meaning of their traditional spiritual practices, and they pay back found answers in the transformative practices of meditation.Though this may suggest Buddhism as being able to serve as one of the answers being sought afterwards by the faithful Americans, it should also be noted that the entry of Buddhism in the United States, particularly in North America was not as na tural. Americanization of Buddhism Its Limitations Americanization of Buddhism has emerged due to the convert Buddhists whose concerns are primarily different from those of traditionally Buddhist populations (Gross, 2005). Convert Buddhists find the Asian culture forms encase Buddhism in an uncomfortable manner (Gross, 2005).They have therefore developed approaches to Buddhist teachings that suits best their new religious identity in the Western point of view. In addition to the controversial topic of Americanization of Buddhism, the determination of women was also tapped as another concern in the United States. It can be observed that in almost all major world religions, it is always male-dominated, similar to that of Buddhism. With Japan as an exception, another feature to note is that all traditional Buddhist societies or associations are empowered by lay-monastic dichotomy.Male denouncers for their religion are often labeled with prestige and honor, yet it is the other way aro und for women. Finally a deeper complication sur flavord. The very teachings of Buddhism, when extrapolated, can be seen as depicting mostly lineage ancestors of men (Gross, 2005). Nevertheless, this did not hinder American women from participating in American Buddhism. It is apparent that women had taken the task in meditation centers and other Buddhist forums.Based on some observers, they claim that this is the most noticeable difference between Asian and American Buddhist centers (Gross, 2005). This seemingly key concern of women involvement in American Buddhism can be highly attributed to the second wave of feminism simultaneously occurring when the Asian Buddhist immigrants arrived in the United States. They say that if it were not for this coincidence, the face of American Buddhism will have changed forever (Gross, 2005). Buddhism spatial relation by Side ChristianityAmerican Buddhism clearly made its mark in the region being the fourth-largest religion, after Christianity, Judaism and Islam (Lampman, 2006). According to Dr. Seager, a professor of religious studies in Hamilton College, immigrants from Asia may have accounted for 67% of the total and the converts around one-third. Christianity being the number one religion practiced in the United States can be set in a comparative study between Buddhism to further illustrate what sets the deuce apart and how the two are so different (Zukeran, 1994). Here is a brief review of these two religions.As much of the Buddhist scriptures, Lotus Sutra for instance, were indite hundreds of years after the death of Gautama, the factor of accuracy is questioned. In Christianity, however, the tidings is made of human testaments, of eyewitnesses surrounding the life of Jesus and the events taking place then (Zukeran, 1994). The apprehension of theology also differs between the two religions. Buddhists claims that the unequivocal does not play a vital role in their unremarkable living, unlike for Christians, wher e God is the central of the universe omnipotent and omniscient.The Christian God is a personal god (Zukeran, 1994). It was also made clear that Buddha is not deity. Jesus, on the other hand, claimed to be God, the Saviour of mankind. Although various sects in ecumenic sees Buddha as having a status of god, Buddha clearly and solely sees himself as the way-shower of Nirvana (Zukeran, 1994). The final distinction that can be illustrated further here is the concept of the final destination where does one religion aim to go to? Buddhism does not aim for salvation or life after death as with Christianity.After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christians no longer fear death as they themselves have witnessed that their God did conquered the grave. Buddhists hope to enter the state of Nirvana, despite its unclear exposition of what it really is (Zukeran, 1994). Intensification of Buddhism in the United States Finally, Buddhism has definitely proven its firm foundation in the Western c ulture when the variety of Buddhist groups started establishing institutions of higher information in America. (Wikipedia, 2007). Naropa University was the first four-year Buddhist College in the U.S, founded by Chogyam Trungpa. It is a richly accredited institution which offers degrees not necessarily or not right away related to Buddhism. His Lai University is also another Buddhist university. There is also the Dharma kingdom Buddhist University which is a four-year college university offering mainly subjects into Buddhism, but also including extrapolate ones. BCA runs its own Institute of Buddhist Studies in California which offers a seminary-type of Buddhist Studies (Wikipedia, 2007). The contemplative practice of Buddhism infiltrated successfully that of the United States.The Buddhist experience infinitely challenges its practitioners and adherents to cope with the cultural demands and social implications, at the same time, to reap and fate the merits of this religion. I t goes on further, as the sphere of influence of Buddhism in the United States is even-tempered in-progress. References James Browning. (2007). Buddhism in the United States. Retrieved from www. ethicsdaily. com Jan Hai. (2006). Spread of Buddhism. Retrieved from www. bjreview. com Jane Lampman. (2006). American Buddhism on the Rise. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved from www. csmonitor.com Pat Zukeran. (1994). Buddhism. Retrieved from www. leaderu. com Rita M. Gross. (2005). How American Women Are Changing Buddhism. Retrieved from www. shambhalasun. com Ven. Mahinda Deegalle. (2004). Buddhist run through in North America. Retrieved from www. uri. org Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2007). Buddhism in the United States. Retrieved from www. wikipedia. org Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2006). Buddhism in the United States. Retrieved from www. wikipedia. org Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2006). Timeline of Buddhism. Retrieved from www. wikipedia. org