The Making of Buddhist Modernism - Assignment Example

No: Buddhism The newly introduced terminologies of modern Buddhism are a) protestant Buddhism and b) the modernist Buddhism. The cited categories are influenced by a) cultural dominance and b) intellectual forces that leads to modernism. Still no comprehensive definition of modern Buddhism is available which may refer to modernist traditions. Scholars who considered an authority on the subject matter gave credit to the influence of Protestant and the Enlightenment forces. According to Mr. McMahan its a true reflection of rationalism, naturalism and romanticism (McMahan 320). Separation of worldly materials, rituals, ceremonies and other widely practiced traditions may be taken as binding culture and practices, which are dispensable and sometimes inconvenient and uncomfortable to practice it in daily life (McMahan 314). Buddhism is a way of life wherein the monks have to practice their rituals according to the teachings of Lord Buddha and to find out the true nature of reality. They practice meditation that develops their qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom. The tradition and practice developed over a period of time inculcate in them Enlightment and Buddahood. Enlightment is the beacon light for the Buddhist spiritual life, thus presenting themselves as the symbol of end of suffering for those who wish to join their fold. A considerable number of Buddhists believe in modernist tradition. The followers of non-convertable Buddhists are against the hold of western countries in leading the Buddhism. Therefore, they are trying hard to keep its originality from diluting by the converted Buddhists. In other words, it is being shifted from historical traditions to de-traditions (Lopez 264). Yes, it is correct to say that mentioned characteristics introduced by modern reformists have no coincidence with the teachings of Lord Buddha (Lopez 267). 2. Blavatsky, Arnold, Olcott, and Carus have thoroughly studied the teachings of Buddhism and travelled to India and Sri Lanka before its transformation to modern Buddhism, which is easily understandable and accessible to the westerners. Yes, there is a difference between the modern Buddhism and the actual Buddhism in view, that many rituals of original Buddhism are not performed by the modern Buddhists. In accordance with Professor Lopez and Christian missionaries, the lives of Buddhists are under the command and control of superstitious and exploitative forces. The mentioned segments of the society believe that time has come for ethnic and non-ethnic Buddhists to return back to the essence of real Buddhism. The foundation of Buddhism lies within the text and philosophy of Buddha and not in the regular round of monks, chanting sutras, performing rituals for the demise and keep intact monastic properties (Steinfels 2012). In modern Buddhism, the major shift was meditation. It has now become a practice for the modern western Buddhists who do not have confidence in old age rituals of solemn commitments for the cherish purpose of life, purification, expiation and binding by faith which are so common and in vogue throughout Asia and considered as an external ingredients which made its way to the traditions (Steinfels 2012). 3. The Theosophical Society of the USSR, which was headed by the charismatic lady Blavatsky and the Colonel Olcott who tasted the American Civil War were influenced with the teachings of Buddha. They provided assistance in promoting and nurturing the Buddhism in the western countries. They both made in roads for the teachings of Buddha in the hearts and minds of the western People. Moreover, they helped a lot in reviving the true religion in Sri Lanka, which was badly damaged and deshaped by the Christian Missionaries (Origins of Western Buddhism). Theosophists were lay the foundation of scientific religion based on new discoveries of geology and the archeology coupled with spiritual evolution rather than the physical evolution finding their way in the theories of Darwin. It was also referred to it by its founders as enlightened masters known as the Brotherhood of White Lodge. The Theosophists in fact to the large extent are Buddhist since their ideas are part of New Age. Their key role in transmitting the Dharma to the West can be applauded. Olcott, a known character of 19th century, played a vital role in devising and preaching the modern Buddhism and also a term widely used for White Buddhist in Sri Lanka. A book entitled “Buddhist Catechism” published in the year 1881 helped a lot to re-educate the young minds of the Sri Lankans. Amongst the re-educated Sri Lankans the name of David Hewivitarne who later on known as monk did a lot of work in translating and shifting the work on the teachings of Lord Buddha to Sinhalese (Origins of Western Buddhism). 4. For the past many decades, Buddhists are segmented into certain categories of Buddhists in the United States of America in specific and the other parts of the globe in general. These segments are different due to a) way of practice b) institutional strength c) chain of communication to the U.S. d) ethnicity. They refined teaching of Buddhism however, reflects some of the features of American Buddhism leaving others rituals of real Buddhism not to perform. It indicates that they parted their ways with the true teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhists previously do not believe in worshiping the God or gods, therefore Buddhism cannot be treated as religion to be practiced in routine life. The essence of Buddhism are a) be practical and straightforward b) nothing is permanent c) actions have its own consequences d) change is inevitable. Buddhism has nothing to do with the gender, cast, creed and religion. It focuses on the practical aspects of human lives and make them fully responsible for their lives. Due to parting ways in terms of old Buddhism and modern one, a line can be drawn between the actual followers of Buddhism and the followers of converted Buddhism. Deviation from the path of actual Buddhism created many ethnic groups amongst Buddhists. All these groups comprised of Buddhists and refugees that migrated to America (Hickey 2011). Thorough study of Buddhism indicates its two dynamics a) impact of cultural racism on the progress and prosperity of the American Buddhists and b) white privileges in relation to scholarly matters. The modernist form of Buddhism is in fact the diversion of Buddhism outside the purview of Asia (Hickey 2011). Works Cited Hickey, Wakoh S. Two Buddhisms, Three Buddhisms, and Racism. 2011. 16 May 2012. Lopez, Jr., Donald S. Buddhism & Science: a Guide for the Perplexed: Buddhism and modernity. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008. McMahan, David L. The Making of Buddhist Modernism. London: Oxford University Press, 2008. “Origins of Western Buddhism”. 16 May 2012. Steinfels, Peter. The Roots of Today’s Buddhism. UrbanDarma.org. 17 May 2012. Read More