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Expert: - 3/30/2007


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

Answer
Hi Hank,

Your question covers a very wide spectrum of Buddhism today.  Bearing in mind that there are so many variations of Buddhism, to give a satisfactory answer is very difficult.  If we base Buddhism along fundamental teachings, then it is quite fortunate to gauge that Buddhism still has its fundamentals intact.  Given the fact that Buddhism is a very tolerant and practical "religion", it could accommodate the various cultures and traditions of the societies which practise it.  Those who practised Buddhism did not have to change or discard their respective traditions, rites and rituals; but instead incorporated Buddhism into their existing belief systems.  So what we see today is not only Buddhism but also the different traditions of different societies.  

In my opinion, those who follow the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, irrespective of tradition, still uphold the purity of the "religion".  As for those who cling only to their traditional rites and rituals, without actually practising the teachings, I would say they have strayed from the Buddha's path.  

Smile from justinchoo :-)  

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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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