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FEATURES | EASTERN HORIZON 37

• Front desk volunteers. They are the first line of Conclusion
contact when Buddhists come to the temples. As
volunteers, their understanding of the core Buddhist It is a fair assessment that at the moment, the Buddhist
teachings is very important. While they are most community adopts a half-hearted or lackadaisical
welcomed to assist in the temples, they must ensure attitude towards the emergence of pseudo-Buddhist
that they are well trained in public relations and cults. Such a passive mindset has a serious and
have a good understanding of the Buddha Dharma detrimental impact on the development of Buddhism.
because they will create a good impression on Only a few monastics and lay persons are actively and
the visitors. If as volunteers they know little of persistently involved in countering pseudo-Buddhist
the Dharma, it will be difficult for them to provide cults. It is hoped that in the near future more learned
the right information when certain questions on members of the Saṅgha, both Mandarin-speaking and
Buddhism are posed to them. The situation of “a English-speaking, will actively spread the Dharma
blind leading the blind” must be avoided. Like among the nominal Buddhists so as to expose the
Committee members, they too should attend Dharma deviant teachings of the pseudo-Buddhist cults. With
talks and participate in Dharma workshops regularly. proper understanding of the Buddha Dharma, they
Likewise, employees who work in the temples must will realize that true Buddhism is not merely the
also understand Buddhism and have a sense of performance of rituals but a practical way of life that
mission in what they do. gives true meaning and happiness in life.

(This article is based on the author’s presentation titled
“Knowing What Buddhism Is” delivered at the Intra-Faith
Forum at the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Kuala Lumpur on
Sept 1, 2018.) EH

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