Brittany North Coast -:- Photo by David Brazier
WHY THE WORLD NEEDS BUDDHISM
In this items I would like to suggest that the currently popular strategy of adapting Buddhism to contemporary modernist, secular, predominantly Western culture, although popular in the short run, may be misguided in the longer term as it implies that the culture that we modern people have is best and so, in order to be acceptable, Buddhism should reform and conform. In fact, however, many people will be aware that the culture we have is deeply flawed and is precipitating us toward disaster. It is unlikely that Buddhism can avert such a disaster because it does not have the necessary sway or influence. The role of Buddhism in the present phase should, therefore, be to assert and bear witness to a different vision Against the time when the current social equation begins to break down.
Buddhism is
- a teaching of harmony with the natural world.
- instead of praising ever more complexity, the Dharma advocates a simpler life that puts less stress upon the world's resources.
- it is respectful: a teaching that values the wise members of society.
- it honours tradition and does not chase newness for its own sake.
- Buddhism says, "small is beautiful": it is in favour of small scale communities, crafts and enterprises
- it is devotional and respectful of all religions and spiritual paths that practise peace
- it advocates a gift culture in which generosity and hospitality are fundamental virtues
- it is non-punitive: in favour of education and reform rather than punishment and vengeance
- it is psychologically sophisticated, but is not simply a set of mind tools.
Liz Allmark writes: "In Buddhism we understand the idea of community, of sangha. We value our relationships with others. We put the concern of others ahead of ourselves. We are not the most important person in the universe. There are others with whom we share this planet - we are part of the same community. We are grateful for the many blessings we receive and believe in sharing these with others to the best of our ability. These basic attitudes underly a spirit of generosity and altruism and also in the belief of something greater than ourselves which is more important in our lives. We view ourselves only as another person in the world and not the one of primary importance. We understand that there is something greater than ourselves which will support us, honour us and accept us just as we are."
TODAY'S PODCAST
Today's podcast is of interest both to the Dharma Ocean and to the Buddhist Psychology students, being concerned with how Buddhism came to China. See link above.
SUNDAY MEETINGS
Both meetings are informal meetings for friendly discussion among Dharma practitioners on topical or personal matters.
Sunday 10:30 Interest Group
An informal meeting for all.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88974912642?pwd=N2VyQnc0MUM4WUU0YTFTdCt0QWVmQT09Meeting ID: 889 7491 2642 -:- Passcode: 537296
Sunday 20:00, GS Friendship Group
An informal meeting for all
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87394084532?pwd=eEY3eUhHcjN0b0xLanZXcTNqVmVzdz09Meeting ID: 873 9408 4532 -:- Passcode: 519784