1. Are you a Buddhist?
I believe so.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No. I am interested in Buddhism because I suffer and I feel Buddhism is the way out of suffering.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I see all eight elements onf the path as equally relevant.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, I believe so. But I have never met any monk.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Rui Sousa, Portuguese, male, lay, Licenciate, maried, 34
Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
If i had to categorize then i would say yes1. Are you a Buddhist?
At first no, the four noble truths etc just made logical sense to me2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No, the precepts are important moral trainings as wellIf you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I dont define Samsara in that way, i do however like to give to the monks when i can4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Craig5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Welsh/British
Lay
G.C.S.E, AS and A-levels (also passed a year of university)
Single
21
metta
“Knowing that this body is just like foam,
understanding it has the nature of a mirage,
cutting off Māra’s flower-tipped arrows,
one should go beyond the King of Death’s sight.”
understanding it has the nature of a mirage,
cutting off Māra’s flower-tipped arrows,
one should go beyond the King of Death’s sight.”
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No, I was drawn to Buddhism because of the philosophy of it. If anything, it's the opposite of the question above -- I became interested in meditation because of Buddhism.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I find it hard to pick a "most relevant" part, but if I had to I would say studying. Without reading and understanding the teachings we wouldn't know why meritorious acts are important or how to meditate.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, I believe that giving to monks generates merit, and moreso if the intention is simply to give to monks rather than to give to monks in order to generate merit.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Paul, American, Male, Lay, Bachelor of Arts, Single, 33.
Yes.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No, I was drawn to Buddhism because of the philosophy of it. If anything, it's the opposite of the question above -- I became interested in meditation because of Buddhism.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I find it hard to pick a "most relevant" part, but if I had to I would say studying. Without reading and understanding the teachings we wouldn't know why meritorious acts are important or how to meditate.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, I believe that giving to monks generates merit, and moreso if the intention is simply to give to monks rather than to give to monks in order to generate merit.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Paul, American, Male, Lay, Bachelor of Arts, Single, 33.
"To reach beyond fear and danger we must sharpen and widen our vision. We have to pierce through the deceptions that lull us into a comfortable complacency, to take a straight look down into the depths of our existence, without turning away uneasily or running after distractions." -- Bhikkhu Bodhi
"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." -- Heraclitus
"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." -- Heraclitus
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Meditation was the reason for my initial research into Buddhism, but it is no longer the primary focus of my studies.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Yes, because socially meritorious activities done for the wrong reasons are no benefit to our spiritual life. Changes in the way we think and act must come from within our own hearts and minds before we can transfer those changes into socially meritorious activities.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)? and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, but it is more important to me to show unselfish generosity and to support the monks as teachers of the Dhamma as opposed to giving in hope of receiving merits across Samsara in return.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Wayne, American, Male, Layman, B.A., Single, 27
~nomad
Yes.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Meditation was the reason for my initial research into Buddhism, but it is no longer the primary focus of my studies.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Yes, because socially meritorious activities done for the wrong reasons are no benefit to our spiritual life. Changes in the way we think and act must come from within our own hearts and minds before we can transfer those changes into socially meritorious activities.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)? and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, but it is more important to me to show unselfish generosity and to support the monks as teachers of the Dhamma as opposed to giving in hope of receiving merits across Samsara in return.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Wayne, American, Male, Layman, B.A., Single, 27
~nomad
"I am because we are." -Xhosa Tribal Saying
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1.Are you a Buddhist?
?, I have not taken formal refuge, I endeavor to follow the Buddhas teachings.
2.Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No, I am interested in meditation because of Buddhism.
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I see meditation as integral to the Buddhist practice
4.Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes .
Merit is not why I support the Sangha.
5.Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Zack
U.S.
M
Lay
Vocational
M
42
?, I have not taken formal refuge, I endeavor to follow the Buddhas teachings.
2.Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No, I am interested in meditation because of Buddhism.
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I see meditation as integral to the Buddhist practice
4.Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes .
Merit is not why I support the Sangha.
5.Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Zack
U.S.
M
Lay
Vocational
M
42
I am of nature to decay, I have not gone beyond decay.
I am of the nature to be diseased, I have not gone beyond disease.
I am of the nature to die, I have not done beyond death.
All that is mine, dear and delightful, will change and vanish.
I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma, born of my kamma, related to
my kamma, abide supported by my kamma. Whatever kamma I shall do,
whether good or evil, of that I shall be the heir.
Thus we should frequently recollect.
- Upajjhatthana Sutta, Anguttara Nikaya v.57
I am of the nature to be diseased, I have not gone beyond disease.
I am of the nature to die, I have not done beyond death.
All that is mine, dear and delightful, will change and vanish.
I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma, born of my kamma, related to
my kamma, abide supported by my kamma. Whatever kamma I shall do,
whether good or evil, of that I shall be the heir.
Thus we should frequently recollect.
- Upajjhatthana Sutta, Anguttara Nikaya v.57
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Are you a Buddhist?
No.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Mostly. I'm also interested because it's moral positions seem to mirror my own and I find many of the cultural things associated with Buddhism are very aesthetically pleasing. But meditation and insights into my own psychology are the main things that draw me.
If you are a Buddhist ;
Feel free to disregard the answers below..
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Though I don't know if I consider what I do Dhamma practice (since my aim isn't Nibbana), I do think my own personal progress in life is best found when I do meditation AND I am virtuous. I think the two help each other.. So, I wouldn't put emphasis exclusively on either.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
No. I don't believe in rebirth or karma. I do find charity to be an important part of my life (though I've never given to monks).
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Esteban
US (currently)
Male
Non-Buddhist
Currently working on a BA
In a relationship. (Can't marry here...)
21
No.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Mostly. I'm also interested because it's moral positions seem to mirror my own and I find many of the cultural things associated with Buddhism are very aesthetically pleasing. But meditation and insights into my own psychology are the main things that draw me.
If you are a Buddhist ;
Feel free to disregard the answers below..
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Though I don't know if I consider what I do Dhamma practice (since my aim isn't Nibbana), I do think my own personal progress in life is best found when I do meditation AND I am virtuous. I think the two help each other.. So, I wouldn't put emphasis exclusively on either.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
No. I don't believe in rebirth or karma. I do find charity to be an important part of my life (though I've never given to monks).
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Esteban
US (currently)
Male
Non-Buddhist
Currently working on a BA
In a relationship. (Can't marry here...)
21
Theoretical approaches have their place and are, I suppose, essential but a theory must be tempered with reality.
-J. Nehru
-J. Nehru
Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Not primarlyIf you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Yes, it is meant to accrue merit and creates self improvement.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Dana is important, but personally I think we should do good for the sake of doing good, not for the sake of merits.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Graham,British,Male, Lay,B.Ed.,Married,48
Yes
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Not primarlyIf you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Yes, it is meant to accrue merit and creates self improvement.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Dana is important, but personally I think we should do good for the sake of doing good, not for the sake of merits.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Graham,British,Male, Lay,B.Ed.,Married,48
With metta
Graham
Graham
- suriyopama
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 10:44 am
- Location: Thailand
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
Greetings Ven. Gavesako.
I a new at this forum, so I will take this as my introduction
1. Are you a Buddhist?
I may say YES, but I've been discovering Buddhism so slowly and progressively that I consider it a process, not a decision that I've taken in a precise moment for one specific reason. I've never had a religion and I don't consider Buddhism as a religion.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No. I'm interested in meditation because of Buddhism
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I consider that Mindfulness and insight meditation are the most powerful tools to observe Dhamma (Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration). Meritorious activities are just another important part of the Eightfold Path.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
I have not experimented this for myself, so I can not think about this. Since I arrived to Thailand (2 months ago) I am giving saibat every morning to the monks, but I don't expect anything in return. I do it because I have a high respect for the monks community and i like to support it.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Manuel, Spanish, Male, Lay, BEng, Married, 43
I a new at this forum, so I will take this as my introduction
1. Are you a Buddhist?
I may say YES, but I've been discovering Buddhism so slowly and progressively that I consider it a process, not a decision that I've taken in a precise moment for one specific reason. I've never had a religion and I don't consider Buddhism as a religion.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No. I'm interested in meditation because of Buddhism
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I consider that Mindfulness and insight meditation are the most powerful tools to observe Dhamma (Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration). Meritorious activities are just another important part of the Eightfold Path.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
I have not experimented this for myself, so I can not think about this. Since I arrived to Thailand (2 months ago) I am giving saibat every morning to the monks, but I don't expect anything in return. I do it because I have a high respect for the monks community and i like to support it.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Manuel, Spanish, Male, Lay, BEng, Married, 43
-
- Posts: 1614
- Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:21 am
- Location: By the River Thames near London.
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Yes
2. Meditation is important , so is Sila, and study.
3. See above .
4. Yes I do.
5.Valerie, British,female. lay, PHD,FBPA, married, myob.
2. Meditation is important , so is Sila, and study.
3. See above .
4. Yes I do.
5.Valerie, British,female. lay, PHD,FBPA, married, myob.
The going for refuge is the door of entrance to the teachings of the Buddha.
Bhikku Bodhi.
Bhikku Bodhi.
- imagemarie
- Posts: 420
- Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:35 pm
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Are you a Buddhist?
Is there a test? Some days I think so. Some days I think not.
I guess that probably means not.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Not exclusively. I thought there might be some truth in it.. (meditation, and Buddhism)
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Today, I think it's all good.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
It's a blessing to give.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Marie. British. F. Lay. Degreed, married, and 50+yrs.
Is there a test? Some days I think so. Some days I think not.
I guess that probably means not.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Not exclusively. I thought there might be some truth in it.. (meditation, and Buddhism)
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Today, I think it's all good.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
It's a blessing to give.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Marie. British. F. Lay. Degreed, married, and 50+yrs.
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Are you a Buddhist?
No. but I am a follower of the Buddha.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
no.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
no.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
no, but giving is good. Giving to those in need is better than those that don't need.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Bankei, Japanese, yes please, lay, Masters, Wife and mistress.
No. but I am a follower of the Buddha.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
no.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
no.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
no, but giving is good. Giving to those in need is better than those that don't need.
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Bankei, Japanese, yes please, lay, Masters, Wife and mistress.
-----------------------
Bankei
Bankei
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No. I think Meditation is an integral part of the Dhamma and extremely beneficial, but it is only one part of the eight-fold path.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Meditation is the most helpful for my personal practice as it helps to cultivate the other necessary factors and helps me understand the nature of Non-self, impermanence etc. As one who lives in the world, meritorious social activities help to bring others to the Dhamma through example (though I don't do any at the moment ) and we should take part in them to cultivate metta and karuna.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, definitely! However I think any kind of generousity of deed or thought can also cultivate merit. I currently do not give Dana, but this reminds me that I should!
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
John, Australian, Male, Lay, BA, Married, 34.
Great to have a chance to put these things in writing!
Yes.
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
No. I think Meditation is an integral part of the Dhamma and extremely beneficial, but it is only one part of the eight-fold path.
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Meditation is the most helpful for my personal practice as it helps to cultivate the other necessary factors and helps me understand the nature of Non-self, impermanence etc. As one who lives in the world, meritorious social activities help to bring others to the Dhamma through example (though I don't do any at the moment ) and we should take part in them to cultivate metta and karuna.
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, definitely! However I think any kind of generousity of deed or thought can also cultivate merit. I currently do not give Dana, but this reminds me that I should!
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
John, Australian, Male, Lay, BA, Married, 34.
Great to have a chance to put these things in writing!
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
Now a question for you. How do I know this study is genuine and not just another commercial internet data mining venture?
-
- Posts: 1970
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 2:19 am
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
1. I suppose, yes. But I do not find the label very endearing.gavesako wrote:A Thai friend who is doing an MA in the Study of Religions would like know more about the views and attitudes of Western Buddhists. If you would like to help her, please answer the questions below (it could also be an interesting survey for Dhammawheel users in general).
----------------------
I am interested in Buddhism in the West.
I would like to know how Westerners practice Buddhism and their perspectives.
Thus, if you don't mind , could you please answers questions as follows;
1. Are you a Buddhist?
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
2. Not primarily, no. I am not simply "interested" by Buddhism. I agree with it and try to follow it, because it is the obvious truth.
3. No, there's no right path for everyone because different minds have different sicknesses, which require different medicines. Also, the Noble Eightfold Path is a circle, which can be entered into at any point.
4. William\Alex, American, Single, Lay, High school and some college, Never Married, 25
Re: Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer
Sometimes you need to have faith...catmoon wrote:Now a question for you. How do I know this study is genuine and not just another commercial internet data mining venture?
Bhikkhu Gavesako
Kiṃkusalagavesī anuttaraṃ santivarapadaṃ pariyesamāno... (MN 26)
Access to Insight - Theravada texts
Ancient Buddhist Texts - Translations and history of Pali texts
Dhammatalks.org - Sutta translations
Kiṃkusalagavesī anuttaraṃ santivarapadaṃ pariyesamāno... (MN 26)
Access to Insight - Theravada texts
Ancient Buddhist Texts - Translations and history of Pali texts
Dhammatalks.org - Sutta translations