How do contemporary Buddhist practices reflect the foundations of the religion?

Answer 1

I don't really think of myself as a 'western practioner'. I follow the teachings of the Buddha and the Dalai Lama. I have a teacher who is a Tibetan Geshe (highest order of monk) ordained by the Dalai Lama. I think it's harder to practice the dharma given all of the distractions but that's where the work is. It has to be every moment living the dharma. I don't like watered down teachings because that really doesn't help me, personally. However, I think it works for some. It really depends on what and how you practice. In the end, we are responsible for seeking teachers and contemplating the texts and living the dharma....it's a lot of work but I think it's worth it.

Answer 2

In the Tibetan tradition, the practices among the monks and nuns are virtually the same as they have been for 1,000 years. It is the world that has changed. When Westerners, in particular, approach the Dharma, it might seem too difficult, or not relevant, but the essence of the Dharma is as relevant today as it was when there were 20,000 monks at Nalanda, maybe more so, as I'm sure Yogini can attest. If you were digging for oil, would you dig 500 one foot holes or one 500 foot hole? I would hope you would say one 500 foot hole. You have to get below the surface. So, ethical behavior is a foundation, and it is still intact. Compassion and love are still intact. Bodhicitta, the mind that aspires to enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient being is still intact. The ordained discipline is still intact and is the conduit through which the oral tradition of the lineages has been passed down through the ages maintaining their integrity. So, in short, to the practitioner, there is no difference because the Teaching is valid, relevant and traceable to the source. In fact, through devotion to one's Teacher, all the blessings of the buddha's of the three times and ten directions can be bestowed. It is with this faith that certain realizations and attainments can come. I, myself, am very childish and have only an intellectual understanding of this.