Buddhism, the Dharma, and ones practice is a personal and individual relationship and experience. It is a relationship between you, your teacher, and the Dharma.
Buddhism has it’s roots strong in the west. It has been here for a long time. Some are concerned that Buddhism is being “secularized”. I believe this so called “secularization” is an indication that Buddhism and the Dharma is even further permeating our society.
When one learns the truth from a mindfulness or mediation only practice, from a Tolle book, or some “secularized” source, this is just as well, if it suits this individual to end their suffering. The truth comes in many different ways, but when one opens this door, it still leads to the truth. All of these doors can lead to a healthy western Buddhist practice.
We have wonderful innovations in publishing technologies to deliver the Dharma, such as podcasting, and varying flavors of teaching approaches emerging here in the west, but there is no new truth emerging. There is no truth 2.0. Ultimately, it is the Dharma, and teaching of the Buddha, ending delusion one person at a time, and that journey starts where I started this message, by the individual; between the teacher, the Dharma, and the practice, and this is very accessible here today in the west.
If you follow the teachings of the Buddha, it is not about attachment to a religion. “Find your own light”, and eventually you do not need the teachings. When the truth is in your heart, and seen by your own eyes, you do not need it described to you any longer, it is no longer your religion, it is your being, and that is freedom. That freedom is available to you here in the west.
Be diligent in your practice. Find your teacher, and find many. If you feel your not getting the whole truth seek more. You may need many teachers to experience the full Dharma. Even the Buddha himself used many techniques. You will find a rich soil here in the west to plant your practice.
I’m thinking very positive about Buddhism in our society. There has been a major change in our culture. Buddhism is changing western society, not the other way around. Let me repeat that, Buddhism is changing western society, not the other way around.
I’m happy to say that Buddhism is very alive and well, in the west. May it help you find your freedom, and experience the true wonder of life.
Filed under: Buddhism, Dharma, Practice | 1 Comment
I always love when someone says what is in my head far better than I ever could. I have been recieving much good Dharma from zencast in the last year or so and would like to thank you for it.
cheers,