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Buddhists/contemporary buddhism practices

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Expert: - 5/21/2009


Question
How do contemporary Buddhist practices reflect the foundations of the religion?

Answer
Hi kimmie,

I think I've answered this question before but couldn't find it in the archives.  

Your question seems academic and open-ended.  What do you mean by contemporary?  At any given time, there will always be those who practise in the correct way, while others not so.  We cannot soundly judge a religion by just looking at the followers.  It is most important that we study the foundations of that religion, and how the followers should correctly practise.  

In my opinion "contemporary practices" cannot reflect the "foundations" of a religion.  It is the foundation of a religion that influence the practice.  If the practice deviates from the original foundation, then the practice cannot be said to reflect on the foundation.

Be that as it may, if there be an answer, then I would say the foundations of Buddhism have kindled the human motivation to live in peace and not harming others. If this holds true, then "contemporary" Buddhist practices have truly reflected the "foundations" of Buddhism which are compassion and harmlessness.

Take care.

Justin Choo

Buddhists

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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