To spread the Dharma, first, without question is understanding
the Dharma.
Second, develop deep compassion and strong aspiration to
sustain the effort.
Thirdly, raising awareness and wisdom, to garner skillful means
and ability.
Let's focus on the third:
1) Gather understanding of prospective devotees, layman
practitioners, and monks. Anthropology: Mindset and social
science.
Understand the people, the country, the community,
economy ,the culture, physical, mental and spiritual needs.
learning to engage the people in a effective and positive
manner.
2) Learn proselytism methods of different religions.
especially the cultic type of mind reinforcement
.
Understanding their core beliefs, indoctrination,
and it's relative effectiveness..
Studying initial short term, and long term
integration methods:-
Isolation techniques, new identity creation , etc...
Soft power of proselytizer of dominant host country, and of
course, cold hard cash, understand its appeal to people
living in hand to mouth as compared to conversion in affluent
country like ours.
Another effective method to study, is the Hearts and Minds used
by the special forces, in recruiting the marginalised peoples.
3) Study effective Buddhism movement current in use, effective
historical periods where Buddhism was thriving and expanding.
Example cultural exchange and patronage, both royal and
private. Also understand its decline, especially in peaceful
times.
4) Understand reasons of Buddhism spreading to West in
modern times, and Western beliefs to the East.
See the level of social consciousness, flow of knowledge, and
values.
Spreading the Dharma is like applying the appropriate medicine
to affliction.
Different ways of approaching it is preparing for war or
defence, for example, Singapore's Total Defence. Another, is
venturing to a new business market.
With these we have tried and tested working models
These are the organisational aspects, easily understood and
applied.
But It needs to be pioneered by a person endowed with the first
two requirements.
Another way, it to affiliate with a current functioning Buddhism
charitable organisation, or just join them.
There are inspiring role models to emulate, but to emulate their
commitment is not easy.
