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34 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

First, as the saying goes, 無事不登三寶殿, one does As Buddhism does not have a single holy book, what
not ascend the Triple Gem Hall if one is not in trouble. is the best way to introduce the Dharma to new
This is usually used in a deprecating fashion to call out Buddhists, both young and old?
someone who only comes to us when in need.
There is really no best way that fits all. What has
But if we consider the Buddha’s numerous references to worked for many so far is to make it easy for them to
himself as a doctor, Dharma as medicine, and Sangha as ask questions during classes. When they attend the
nurses, it only makes sense if we go to the Triple Gem weekly Spiritual Group Cultivation (SGC) or follow up
when we are sick. So for young adults not to be very with informal lunch or tea sessions, they get to ask
interested in spiritual matters when things are going questions freely.
well, is actually very reasonable. Afterall, why should
one visit a clinic or hospital if one is not sick, or not This is rather important to get new comers started.
know that one is sick?
Beyond that, we need to also revisit how we introduce
The trouble is if they are not acquainted with Buddhism, the Dharma. Interestingly, if we look at how the Buddha
they would not feel comfortable to reach out to us for approached this, he did not simply drown everyone
help when they really need it. he met with the full set of Dharma teachings at the get
go. Rather, he spends time listening to their stories,
That’s why I often share with volunteer teachers in their questions, their tribulations, then advising them
student Dharma schools, that the first priority is to according to what they need.
help the students build a positive wholesome link with
Buddhism, and not be in a rush to school them in the As a side note, a book I find very helpful would be “In The
Tripitaka and get them to learn Dharma. Buddha’s Words”, translated and compiled by Venerable
Bhikkhu Bodhi. The beauty of this book is that it consists
With a good impression, they can learn over time and of an anthology of suttas from the Pali Canon, spread
should they encounter difficulties in their lives, they over a framework which Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi has
would feel comfortable to reach out to us for a listening crafted skillfully. His own input stays at a minimum,
ear or a helping hand. consisting of an introduction to each chapter, so one
gets in touch with the Buddha’s teachings without being
This applies to adults as well. Dharma programmes daunted by the whole Tripitaka itself.
need to give Buddhists opportunities to interact with
each other and with the Sangha as well. Fellowship Another book that would be helpful as a primer would
building has to start on day one and not only when be the “What Buddhists Believe” by Venerable K. Sri
people have troubles. It does not work that way. Dhammananda. This can be a good start if the person is
For didn’t the Buddha himself tell Venerable Ananda: not quite ready to read the suttas as yet, and at the same
“Spiritual Friendship is the Whole of the Holy Life”. SN time, it gives the reader a good overview of not just the
45.2 Upaddha Sutta: Half (of the Holy Life). Dharma, but also of Buddhism.