Originally posted by yamizi:
The usual outlook of what I observed in a norm buddhist temple,
people are usually unfriendly looking, much of the opposite of what
I see in church. In certain churches, they are so friendly that
when they see that you are standing alone, they will approach you
to check that whether are you a newbie whom couldn't find a cell
group, or a total newbie to the church. They will be quick to
strike up a conversation and play host to you. Just recently when I
called a particular Vihara to ask for QnA, the nun told me coldly
they only have chanting and nothing else and she was quick to hung
me up. Until a few days later, I called the same Vihara, a
different nun picked up and we had a healthy discussion for about
30 min on the phone.
My comment are in blue.
I'm afraid I have to agree with you,
that this is my general impression of most temples and any staff
(including venerable monks and nuns). Sad, but true, whenever I ask
any half-taoist, half buddhist friends about their impressions of
temples and the monastic order. Haiz...
Originally posted by yamizi:
You can do a simple observation yourself, probably you will
discover people around the 20s, call themselves buddhists simply
because they go to certain big or famous temple to pray, so they
think that is what Buddhism is. From a self-discovery, self-help
journey into praying for external help.
Another dimension would also be the lack of good image. When I was
in my poly, even till now, usually buddhists would be more sloppily
dressed as compare to church-goers. This image would probably much
giving people an inferior impression on Buddhism. Of course not
saying must wear branded and trendy but buddhists should take care
of their own personal grooming.
I have similar observations too, I'm
afraid.
Originally posted by yamizi:
Probably you can start this movement from yourself. Everyone is a
leader in Buddhism. You share whatever you know. Those that you
don't know, you go and find out, then share again! This is how
multiplying effect should be done.
Come to think back to the times when I met the christians when I
was in poly, I doubt they were strong in their theology, just that
back then I wasn't smart enough to throw harder questions that's
all. All it takes is the genuinity, sincerity and perseverence to
convince people for your cause. Putting doctrines aside, I would
have really prefer christians over buddhists as you see that they
have the zest in the things they do. Buddhism somehow give people
the impression that they should detach, probably it should be said
to detach what should be detach and not to detach as a total.
Buddhism even till now gives me the impression of sloppiness.
Buddhists, out there, hear there? We
can do more, much more to reach out to people like yamizi.
Buddhism talks about detachment, not indifference. The human touch
and warmth must be there, it has to be felt by the public so that
they are willing to come a bit closer to us. Or else, do we want
dharma talks to be attended mainly by Buddhists or any person from
other religions, or free thinkers who come merely to see and hear
what is being taught so that they can refute them when coming into
contact with those who might be starting to get interested in
Buddhism?
Yamizi, you pointed out my main goal of wanting to do something to
bring about the multiplying effect in reaching out and guiding
members of the public who has not yet heard of Buddhism or start to
develop some interest in Buddhism. Even those who are not
interested will gradually be able to want to know more if we are
passionate, wise and practical in starting this 'revolution' or
'momentum'.
Originally posted by yamizi:
Movements would much depend on the organisation. I find that one of
the things that Buddhism would have wasted a lot of money is
building over-elaborated statues. As you can see for churches, they
would have build modern and sophiscated auditoriums for their
sermons and prayers and would have used the money to fund the
church in grooming more workers to do outreach. Another passive
movement is that there is a very mistaken message that has been
embedded in everyone's head, and that is all religions are the
same. If all religions are the same, then go tell the other
religions that they are the same! Rather then confused the
already-confused buddhists that all religions are the same! Even
the AEN here can say Jesus is bodhisattva. So if Jesus is
bodhisattva, then we should be happy for the christians as it would
have made no difference to whether one follows Guanyin or Jesus
anymore.
Again, quite true. I wouldn't say
Jesus is bodhisattva, as for those who have not yet have proper
education and practice of Buddhism, the statement would indeed lead
non-believers to think all religions are the same and and the same
time indirectly, unintentionally, prompting more youths and adults
alike to stay happy with their own beliefs and religions. The worse
part is really they start to close their mind to everything they
may get to hear about Buddhism when such a mentality gets more and
more entrenched in Singapore and around the world.
Originally posted by yamizi:
Compassion is the drive for one to help others while Wisdom is the
key for you to know when the help is indeed applicable. Buddha
would probably be unable to give you any of these as these are what
we acquire along our spiritual path by practice the Dhamma.
It's true that the Buddha cannot give
me compassion or wisdom, as it is not something material and like
you've said, something I should cultivate and bring out from
within.
However, when Buddhists say this, I think they are reminding
themselves that Buddha is always with them and they need not feel
alone, tired and overwhelmed in the path of spiritual cultivation.
It is always good to be mindful of the Buddha's virtues, to
constantly reflect on those virtues with the intention to encourage
oneself to strive to be better, to be eventually become a
Buddha.
Sui2 yuan2 (follow the flow of conditions) doesn't mean sui2 bo1
zu2 liu2 (follow wherever the wind blows).
Amituofo! Thank you for taking the time to share so much about your
views and observations about buddhism. To recognise the problem is
the first step. The second step would be addressing the
problem.
