How much longer will Buddhism survive?

Question

I am worried that the force of mass stupidity and ignorance will drive out Buddhism. Buddhism has threatened no one and seeks not to convert anybody, yet the Christian and Islamic invaders are like birds hovering around Buddhism to pick it apart. Buddhism is the smartest religion on the planet and I feel the force of stupidity is its greatest enemy.

Answer 1

Be at peace my friend. The Lord Buddha's Dharma has survived for over 2,500 years. Everything is in constant flux and change is inevitable for all things yet the Dharma survives. Be not concerned for those things over which there is no control, our experience is always in a state of change, we ourselves change, our planet changes, change is part of Life.

Be not worried about Buddhism, only be concerned with your consciousness and other's happiness, these are the things which will affect your own happiness, by worrying about Buddhism you are affecting yourself and causing some measure of suffering to your psyche, give yourself some peace and resist the temptation to be concerned for something as uncontrollable as change.

Concentrate on ridding your consciousness of these clinging attitudes and you will see them for their true nature. Release your fear of change and you will find a happier consciousness.

Fear not for Buddhism it is only a thing, fear not for the Dharma for it is in our hearts, fear not for the Lord Buddha for he is not afraid. Fear not for the Sangha for they too are not afraid.

There is no enemy for us to fear only fear itself which is fleeting and often caused by our changing perspectives.

Be at peace and show compassion and Love for others for there you will find true happiness.

Peace my friend from a Buddhist...

Answer 2

I have a great respect for Buddhism, and I wonder where you get the idea that people are picking on it or trying to drive it out of existence. Most people in this part of the world tend to ignore Buddhism, and since the Buddhists don't generally go around starting wars, I don't see what anyone would have against them. I wouldn't worry; I think Buddhism will do just fine.

Answer 3

“Buddhism holds that everything is in constant flux. Thus the question is whether we are to accept change passively and be swept away by it or whether we are to take the lead and create positive changes on our own initiative. While conservatism and self-protection might be likened to winter, night, and death, the spirit of pioneering and attempting to realize ideals evokes images of spring, morning, and birth.”
- Daisaku Ikeda.

Figured it was worth sharing, given the quote. Thus, I think that Buddhism will survive because it looks for the good in the world, not the bad or that which is not it, and tries to create further good. Ultimately all religions started out doing this. I prefer to be an optimist and believe that the spirit of wonder in all people - what the Quakers call the light of God in everyone - will never die. As long as that doesn't die, and as long as people look for it, then questing, searching, pioneering schools of all religions (Quakers, Sufi, probably all three main schools of Buddhism, and so forth) will always survive.

Answer 4

Buddha explains 5 reasons for the downfall of Buddhism. Unfortunately, those 5 reasons are already taking place in the world.

1.Disrespectfulness towards Buddha
2.Disrespectfulness towards Dharma (Doctrine of Buddhism)
3.Disrespectfulness towards Sangha (Monks who are in the path of stream-attainment which finally ends up at the Great Arahantship)
4.Disrespectfulness towards Sila (morality), Samadhi (non-dualistic state of consciousness) and pannya (wisdom)
5.Disrespectfulness towards Samadhi (non-dualistic state of consciousness)

I don’t think the pure Buddhism would last that long unless we do something about it. Buddha refers Dharma (Doctrine of Buddhism) to the sunlight because they both want shine when covered. For the Dharma to shine, it should be open to the world. Some people have already altered the doctrine of Buddhism. Thus, real Buddhism taught by Buddha is in the downfall. We must not let that happen.

Answer 5

Buddhism is about peace, hard work, and wonderful therapies (for me, at least). Many people who are practicing other religions do use some Buddhist techniques for relaxation, exercise, and much more.

I am not a Buddhist, but very much enjoy reading anything written by the Dalai Lama (probably spelled that wrong). He is a wonderful inspiration to people of all beliefs. His words actually make me feel peaceful.

Answer 6

Buddhism is a way of living and self-awareness.
For those who are not religious extremists, they all have a little buddha jumping inside of them. They just don't know yet, or won't admit it.
Although they may not be as many people yelling thier believes as in other religions, it will never extinct, as long as there are sane people around.

Answer 7

Buddhism is one of the passive religions. Who would have thought that Wicca would come back after 500 years? Christianity might have the loudest followers, but I think the future is in the quieter, more peaceful religions.

Answer 8

I agree with you that Buddhism is the best religion out there, but it's growing, so I don't think it's going away. Imagine if it wasn't in the world.

Answer 9

It will survive as long as there are true followers and practitioners. Truth has a way of surviving. And who says ( certainly not Buddhism) that peaceful co-existence cannot take place? It can thrive alongside Islam, Christianity or any other religion.

Answer 10

*Couldn't have said it better than Gaz.
His answers are always insightful, as well as encouraging.

Peace. From a Student of Buddhism.