how do contemporary buddhist practices reflect the foundation of the religion?

Answer 1

Idolatry

Answer 2

the way i see it as a westerner who has just begun a fascination with the belief system which the Buddha wrote about is that it's pretty much exactly the same as it was when he was around!

the values of his teachings have been faithfully kept and even with the transfer to so many widely divergent cultures and places (think about the difference between the Nepalese and the Koreans. The Buddhism extant in both countries is VERY similar!!!).

i think the reason is probably that the basis was so easy to understand and undertake that it's managed to survive, largely intact.

as to the poster who put the glib "idoltary" comment here, the statues of the Buddha are designed as a focal point. nothing more. they're not there to be "worshipped" as such, they're simply there as a reminder of what it was that he was saying and as a way for us to see what we can achieve - the golden serenity of "Buddha Nature" is there for all!!!!

hope this helps!!!

Love and Light,

Jarrah

Answer 3

Although Buddhism has branched off and evolved it remains faithful to the "3 Jewels" Buddha , Dharma and Sangha. The whole Buddhist faith was founded on "Meditation" by Siddhartha Gautama and that remains today, only the methods have changed in some cases.
JesusFreak....The Buddha is NOT a god therefore it is not "idolatry", any more than having a picture of a loved one on your wall.

Answer 4

The foundation being? The "contemporary practices" in question being? It's all relevant and quite effective, if it is sincerely practiced, just like most religions. They are not necessarily contradictory. Of course, there comes a time when you have to check the metaphysical underpinnings of any philosophical/religious pursuit - and you can't ride two horses at once.

Answer 5

Buddha's text is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.