Issues facing Buddhism?

Question

What are three issues currently facing Buddhism in America?

Answer 1

Clearly the pressure from some elements of the Christian right to erode the historic separation of church and state is an issue that should be of concern to all spiritual traditions. While the 1st Amendment assures that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," our politicians have pandered to large and influential religious groups to the point that religion, type of religion or the inability to demonstrate a life of religion are major campaign themes. So religion intruding on secular life and government intruding on religion are major concerns for us all . . . not just Buddhists. We must all be free to follow our respective spiritual traditions without political or governmental pressure.

Particular to Buddhists, I think that "critical mass" can be a problem in many parts of the country. While temples and sangha can be found in many progressive areas of the country now, there are still many areas where being a Buddhist is a lonely proposition. I sat with a young woman from a midwest state at the Dalai Lama's teachings in Madison last week, and she had very little support for her practice -- the entire Buddhist community in her town being comprised of fewer than 10 people and no teacher. In most towns in the U.S., you won't find a Buddhist temple in the yellow pages.

Finally, specific to Tibetan schools of Buddhism, the U.S. government's unwillingness to deal frankly and forthrightly with China over the illegal occupation of Tibet, with its atrocities and human rights violations that have continued unabated since the 1950s, is a national disgrace.

Answer 2

Buddhism is certainly bringing people together. Christian, Muslims, Jews, Hindu and atheist alike are embracing Buddhism It is a beautiful way of thinking.

Answer 3

One often is the upkeep of the State of Israel. Israeli administration is screwing issues rather undesirable, and they'd create a intense f*ckup that had no restore. The Iranian nukes are intense, yet i'd say no longer so intense because the entire international getting offended at Israel. With success, moderates on both part receives to an settlement, and take and carry skill adequate time to adhere to it. the different project Judaism is dealing with i'd say this is... lack of Jews!. thousands of them are unobservant and do not complication to toughen their youngsters Jewish anymore. Reform Jews have this project the most. Plus, maximum little ones of intermarriages are not raised Jewish, really, maximum of them do not actually have a operating information of judaism. round 70% of them is totally not Jews.

Answer 4

Acculturation/dialogue withAmerican religions and mindsets
dealing with sectarian fights imported from Asia
handing on Buddhism to thenext generation

Answer 5

Buddhism is a tough sell...
1. It requires that you use your brain...
But NOT your mind...! (Doo Wah!!!)

2. It's not "shiny" like the Catholics...(The Pope and Elvis wear similar clothing)

3. One of Buddhism's tenets are...
"There are no issues...!" (Doo Wah!!!)

Answer 6

No issues---- Buddhism doesn't seek followers--seekers seek Buddhism

Answer 7

Misunderstanding- Buddhists do not view Buddha as a God, and don't believe in any omnipresent deities. Buddhists view him as a teacher on the path to enlightenment. Other than that, Buddhists tend to keep a low profile, can't think of any.

Answer 8

Discrimination by Christians is the only one I can think of.

Answer 9

The three issues?

1. Lather.
2. Rinse.
3. Repeat.

For those dirty, dirty monks, at least.

Answer 10

all life is sacred
a seed lives
but only god can make it to grow
we pray over our food for that that died so we can live