Expert: Justin Choo - 1/22/2006

Question
Hello, my name is Kristin.  I am a student trying to find some information on a paper/presentation I have due for school.  The information I am seeking is "the pratice of Buddhism and how it's expressed in the United States."  Any information you might have for me would be great.  I have been searching for info. but have been, so far, unsuccessful.  I look forward to you reply (asap please)
Thank You, Kristin

Answer
Hi Kristin,

Thank you for asking me.

Your subject
"the pratice of Buddhism and how it's expressed in the United States" is not very clear.  Do you mean "how it is being practised (expressed) now in the U S" or "how it can be practised (expressed) in the U S".  If it is the former,
then it is not "expressed" in the U S simply because the U S is not practising Buddhism.  If it is the latter, then I can comment.  First we have to discuss what is this "practice of Buddhism"?   The teachings of the Buddha are about universal truths.  Truths about the nature of this world and this life. Buddhism is the name given to the teachings of the historical Buddha, whose name was Gotama. He encouraged us to use our human intelligence to see the world as it really is. He taught us to be masters of ourselves. He taught us to be free from dogmas and commandments. So long as we are fearful of something or someone we are not free. We cannot have peace of mind if we are fearful.
He taught us how to have peace within ourselves. If we do not understand the true nature of the world and this life, we will never experience peace within ourselves.
The Buddha discovered the way to peace and happiness through realizing the true nature of life and this universe. It was more than 2500 years ago in northern India where the Buddha through harnessing the power of his mind realized that if man were to be free of greed, hatred and delusion, he had to look inwards into his mind, and start cleansing his inner defilements. If one reduces one's defilements, one would experience peace and happiness. He discovered that the whole world had certain characteristics and that life continued to exist because of certain causes. This world is very unsatisfactory, because we cannot be fully satisfied in life and that nothing is permanent. He also pointed out that because of our craving for permanent and complete satisfaction, we were always miserable. But once we realize that it is the nature of this world and this life which are wrought with problems that we have to endure, then we can accept life as a package and will be at peace with the world and our lives.
The most salient aspect of Buddhism is FREEDOM in its practice. The Buddha encouraged his followers to use their common sense and human intelligence to analyze his teachings before accepting them.  The natural law of cause and effect rules the world. No matter who you are and where you are, or what you believe, this universal LAW rules supreme. There is no escape. It is perfectly impartial. In simple language, good begets good; evil begets evil.
If Americans live a harmless life, and put effort to reduce their greed, hatred and delusion, then Buddhism is "expressed in the U S".

Hope this helps.

Smile from justinchoo :-)