Expert: Stuart Resnick - 8/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: What are some changes Buddhism underwent from its founding and why? Difference in practice/belief from past to present.

ANSWER: Centuries ago, Buddha saw a star and got enlightenment. His words and actions, and the tradition that has developed since then, are only about pointing to the Truth that's already appeared in front of you in this moment. What do you see right now? What do you hear? What are you doing?

No beliefs are necessary, only open your eyes and perceive this moment. The practice never changes: keep a clear, questioning mind, that reflects this moment like a mirror. When you encounter other beings, try to help them.

It doesn't matter what happened in Buddhism historically. Actually, Buddhism itself doesn't matter. All that matters is what you're doing right now.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I just some basic difference like how the religions branches spit up and why? Like what are the difference that they split up because of?
ANSWER: Buddha gave sermons for many years, talking about the Truth he experienced. After Buddha died, they wrote down those sermons; they're called "sutras."

There are different schools of Buddhism because different schools focus on different sutras. They concentrate on understanding different things that Buddha said.

The Zen school is again different, because in that tradition, Buddha's words don't matter. All that matters is finding Buddha's mind for yourself.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Last question what are some tradition changes in Buddhism, like you know how woman's now participate in Buddhist community now while they couldn't in the past.

Answer
Americans today tend to be more independent than the original Chinese Buddhists centuries ago. Also, American like equality. In almost all American Buddhism, there's no longer discrimination against women. And rather than living communally or as hermits or under a strict hierarchy as in the monestaries of old, the typical American Buddhist lives more independently, working in the marketplace, getting married etc if he/she wants, etc.