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fact that scientific investigations generations or many others in the improvement (Arahant idea)
may produce contradictory results twenty-first century. If someone is more essential than helping
at different times. Nevertheless, in asks me what I think could be done others (bodhisattva idea). We have
light of scientific breakthroughs in to make traditional Buddhism more to be specific about this issue.
areas such as democracy, ethics, the appealing to young people in Asia, Most Theravāda vihāras/centers
dynamics of the mind and mental I could advise the local temples to do not greet newcomers in the
factors, environmental protection, get more young people by showing same way that newcomers are
and gender ethics, Buddhism can be them how they can work with the welcomed. They have their own
presented as a feasible resolution youth-friendly programs. Also, we way of greeting people that doesn’t
for contemporary generations. cannot state that not all Buddhists welcome newcomers. However,
This is because Buddhism provides in Malaysia and Singapore practice it is not really friendly. On the
answers to a substantial number ritualistic Buddhism; yet, many other hand, if the centres do not
of questions that are on par with newcomers study Buddhism and welcome them properly, it may be
those answered by science in go beyond the traditional level of the newcomers’ first and only visit
contemporary life. In summary, understanding Buddhism. However, to the centres. We should, in fact,
Buddhism is not a religion or many people still follow rituals. study under the Buddha the skill
philosophy; rather, it is a way of life. I think it is acceptable so long as of welcoming others. It is said that
they recognize that it is a ritual and the Buddha is the first to greet and
In the West, Buddhism is well devote more time to practicing the converse with guests. Furthermore,
accepted by those who are highly Buddha’s dhamma teachings. the Buddha never imposed his
educated. But in countries like teachings on others, and even when
Malaysia and Singapore, it is A possible approach is to direct those who were receptive to his
the reverse as Buddhism is seen the general Buddhist audience to talks desired to be converted to
as old fashioned, superstitious read some Dhamma from authentic Buddhism, he declined and advised
and ritualistic in nature. How sources. Temples may develop them to maintain their existing faiths
do you suggest we change this programs to provide them with while adhering to the principles of
perception? high-quality Dhamma content. Buddhism. If this is the manner in
Monastics could talk about how which the Buddha rewarded novices
It is possible that by majority it
to distinguish between traditional and others, then why do most of
would be so. The primary reason
and cultural Buddhism, as well as the Theravāda vihāras not follow in
for this is that cultural Buddhism
how to engage more in dhamma his footsteps? Why do they operate
has influenced the decision of
activities that advance the mind. a vihāra as if it were a site for a
numerous individuals to adopt
non-profit organization that solicits
Buddhism into their lives. We A common complaint of many only donations after conducting
cannot deny, however, that a people when they go to a some dhamma activities? A more
considerable number of Malaysian Buddhist temple is the lack of comprehensive discussion regarding
and Singaporean Buddhists warmth compared to when they this unwelcoming matter is required.
are studying the religion from enter a church. Is this due to
a contemporary standpoint. In the “come and see” (ehipassiko) However, if we look at early
my opinion, the perception that attitude whereby Buddhists have Buddhist teachings, we can see
Asian Buddhism is an antiquated very little motivation to promote that the Buddha encouraged us
doctrine originates primarily Buddhism to others? to practice both self-care and
among elder Asian generations. In
other-care simultaneously. If we
contrast, Buddhism is not regarded I don’t think it’s related to the
encourage both self-care and other-
as a predominately ritualistic or concept of come and see. I believe
care components, many Buddhist
superstitious doctrine by the newer it is linked to the ideal that self-
temples (especially Theravāda) will