Transcript Buddhism In The West

Buddhism came west in two main ways
1. Travel from French, Dutch and British
to the Far East over the last 120
years in particular bringing back
Buddhism
2. Buddhists moved west
Why did Buddhism come west?
1. Refugees / conflict:e.g. Tibetans fled conflict when the
Chinese took over Tibet in 1950
Wars in Indo – China in 1950’s and
1960’s ( Vietnam )
2. Businesses established in the west
from Buddhists in Thailand
What was the result of Buddhism
coming west?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Buddhist benefits brought
Buddhist centres set up
Meditation practice
Talks
Chanting
Make offerings
Why is it difficult to measure the
impact of Buddhism in the West?
1. Does not lend itself to gregarious
activities
2. No devotional services
3. Does not encourage its members to
meet for worship / prayer
4. No God
5. No better salvation for souls
Why is it difficult to measure the
impact of Buddhism in the West?
( cont )
6. Very personal e.g. Dharma,
Buddha, Sangha
7. Organised and collective religious
activity unknown
8. Little use for society once own
salvation is worked out
What type of Buddhism came west?
1. Theravadan – Amaravati:- quiet and
and peaceful
2. Tibetan – Tara Centre:- lively
ringing bells, questions and active
3. Japanese Zen – Throssel Hole
Abbey:- restrained and much
meditation
4. Korean Zen – Golden Buddha
Centre in Devon:-walking meditation
and chanting