Dzogchen Ponlop on an American Buddhism.

Interesting view point from a author of "Rebel Buddha" (see my review of a book by clicking upon this sentence) upon a possibility as well as viability of an "American Buddhism." Special thanks to a "Rebel Buddha" blog for a video. This isn't coming from a pop-star, luminary or a person who tries upon a latest, "Buddhist flavor of a month." This is Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. A really respected, world-renowned, Tibetan Buddhist scholar, as well as a single of a highest teachers in a Nyingma lineage. He is additionally an accomplished Karma Kagyu origin holder, as well as monk of Dzogchen Monastery, which is a single of a good monasteries of his lineage.
James: Even if there evolves a mixed-Buddhist origin in America from a cauldron of melting Buddhist ideas; there will still be a place for a traditional lineages. Zen, Theravada, Tibetan, Pure Land, as well as a others will regularly have a strong, undiluted foot-hold here in America. However, it is inevitable as a Rinpoche describes for a specific American Buddhist convention to form. No a single can contend what it will demeanour like just though a melting is well underway.

I privately am happy right where we am in a Zen convention of Thich Nhat Hanh. However, we would have to kindly remonstrate with a idea which Buddhism in Middle East is "pure." Buddhism in Vietnam for example is a blend of Mahayana, Theravada as well as Pure Land Buddhism. Yet, not many people attack it as a bastardization of Buddhism as a little contend of Buddhism in America.

Culture wise, Tibetan Buddhism is rsther than sold to Tibet, Nepal as well as Bhutan. Their informative traditions have been really different from contend a traditions of use in Thailand or Japan for example. Yet, not many contend they have been a watered down disaster of Buddhist ideas. All we am saying is which Buddhism is fluid as well as theme to shift! as well as adjustments like any alternative phenomena in this ever elaborating life-span. Personally, we keep putting in service my Soto Zen origin though delight in a proliferation of ideas merging together in a cauldron of change.

I contingency admit which It is a bit peculiar to me which a people who oppose a blending of traditions to form a unique "American Buddhism" have been so resistant to shift when Buddha taught which it is inevitable. Why would Buddhism be defence to it? And, because pretence which shift contingency be "bad" or "less than" alternative forms of Buddhism because it's bettering to a new culture -- American culture? Perhaps a traditionalists need to probe their discomfort with such a shift as well as meditate upon because it bothers them so much. There is copiousness of room for everyone, as well as not everybody walks a exact same trail in Buddhism -- even inside of a same origin or tradition. Including a older, established ones such as in Theravada. Even inside of Theravada (which is arguably a convention which sticks to unity a most) has it's variations.

We all contingency remember which shift isn't necessarily regularly "bad." That said, an "American Buddhism" won't be for everybody as well as that's not just fine, it's a approach things have to be in a complex, diverse, ever-changing world. If it adheres to a 3 jewels, a 4 noble truths, as well as a eightfold trail while teaching compassion, void as well as a alternative biggies in Buddhism afterwards we acquire it.

~Peace to all beings~