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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 35

start questioning what the key is accepted by Westerners. Even teachings that you find very
made of, where is it from, etc., before in Asia, this was a long process helpful for this group?
you used it? Or would you do what that spanned centuries. How will You are not only starting off in your
the Buddha said and put the key in monasticism stay relevant, or life, but also the great adventure!
the lock, walk outside, and see the develop, in the West? I do not know. This adventure includes the very
beauty of the world? rare opportunity to learn and
I believe the role of monastics needs practice Buddhism. It is like going
This might not provide the answer to evolve only slightly. The stability on a journey where you can discover
that some are looking for in the and traditions of monastics are what a hidden world that enriches you in
discussion about scientific validation sentient beings like us need. We go ways that were unimaginable to you.
of Buddhist concepts, but we to the temples as our hospitals, to
must also admit we can’t really be healed by the Buddha’s teachings I think one of the best things about
“prove” a lot even with science. For (Dharma), under the guidance of the Buddhism for young people like
example, how medicine works can monastics as the Buddha’s assistants yourselves is that with Buddhism
be mysterious even to scientists. (“nurses”). This “Triple Gem” is our you have both a best friend and the
Scientists often say something like refuge from the stormy conditions of ability to become powerful.
the “mechanisms of action” are Saṃsāra.
unknown about how a particular The Buddha (and other Buddhas and
medicine works in the body. This Monastics, with the help of the lay Bodhisattvas) are helping to awaken
means they usually have no idea community and volunteers, should you to hidden truths that keep
how it does what it does, but the embrace the online world. Many you safe, allow you to live without
intended result works and that’s all are already doing this with online suffering, and truly love. These
that really matters. and virtual meetings, classes, and enlightened beings are like your best
services. Some are taking to short friend who often gives you the truth,
Would you not take medicine form videos that explain Buddhist even when it is uncomfortable to
that would save your life until teachings in a manner of seconds or hear, because they care deeply for
scientists prove – scientifically – the minutes. you. For many traditions, we also
mechanism of action? Many of us believe Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
would not wait for such a validation While this should not replace are there to guide and aid us on the
instead of saving our life from an coming to temple, how we path so you are never truly alone.
illness. I encourage you to take the communicate and interact nowadays
same viewpoint with Buddhism cannot exist without it. It is like The power you gain from Buddhism
and Buddhist concepts you don’t how Buddhism went from an orally is the only “power” that truly
understand. It’s OK to not have the recited tradition, to one where matters in this world. It is the ability
scientific answers about everything the sermons were written down. to discover our true self and free
in Buddhism. If it were not for the sermons ourselves from suffering. Our mind
being written down, the spread of is “untamed” and is controlling us,
Monasticism is an integral Buddhism to central, east, and south but we can’t see how it is actually
part of Buddhism. How can the Asia may not have occurred. The influencing our actions (karma).
institution of monasticism stay same holds true for embracing the Buddhism allows you to reclaim the
relevant in the modern world, online presence, and publications power stolen from you by your mind
especially in the West? such as this one. and find your true self (Nirvāṇa).
I hope you find yourself excited
This is a profound question because When bringing the message of the about Buddhism and the amazing
we are essentially in the first 100 Buddha to youths and teenagers, teachings that are waiting for you to
years of Buddhism that is being is there certain aspects of the discover them! EH