Buddhism in the West

 Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:  

• Buddhist developments in the west; 

• western interpretations and adaptations of the vinaya; 

• psychological interpretations of Buddhist cosmology. 

Candidates should be able to discuss these areas critically

• 
  
• Buddhism in the West is in constant evolution as it adapts to the area
• You contrast this to the Buiddhism in the homeland which traditions remain the same

Two points to discuss here would be:

1. Is this adaptation of Buddhism just skillful means?
2. How much can a religion change before it becomes a new religion?

Negative Effects

• The matter of religious authority: Would the Dalai Lama hold the same authority for Uk Buddhists as Tibetan Buddhists? A good example of this is the Manjushuri temple which has been known to make false allergations against the Dalai Lama
• The Status of women: Women in the East do not normally recieve the same status and equality as tose do in the West. Does this mean Buddhis is harder to adapt to different social status's?
• Materialism: The west are far more unlikely to suceed because of there materialistic neeeds. people are obsessed with financial security. How do you convince someone to give up there life savings? (Better ask the Majushuri centre on this one). However, the East are additionally beocming more materialistic as the West, Is the West changing Buddhism in both the West and the East?
• Monasticism: Rereats would not work in colder climates, people can't walk around in rags as they are more likely to die tottering around in a pair of slippers. Difference in climate makes a difference in traditions. Allthough, there is a retreat in Scotland which has managed to make an adaption to this, Shownig that it may not nessecarly be an issue.
• Economical issues: In the East, Buddhis recieves rather alot of funding and it relies upon donations in return for community help. However, There is very little funding in the West for Buddhism as a religion because more dominant religions such as Christianity are a more familar religion.
• Scriptures: Many Scriptures have failed to be translated for Westerners to read, making sources of information hard to acquire. By having a lack of spirtual resources, It makes it harder for Westerners to follow the Buddhist Path. However, With the avaliability of the internet, Scriptures are actually very easy to get hold of online!
• Tradition: Constant Evolution destroys tradition. There is no community of elders in Western Buddhist communities.

Positive Effects

• Buddhism and Science: Abidharma and Shunyatta fit very well with Western Science. This means scientific intellect is an advance in understanding  adavcned texts. however, poeple need motivation and meditation, they can not just rely on intellect.
• Growth: Is growing steadily in European countries. There are more and more 'White converts's. However, is this beacause of refuge and immigration of Buddhists? Or could it simpley be that Buddhism is a 'trend'? left over from the 60's?
• Technology: Making Buddhism mmore available to others through instant access eg. Wikapedia