This list was compiled for a group of Asian monastics to provide some understanding of the different ways people approach Buddhism from America and Asia. When just beginning to study Buddhism, the Dharma often seems contradictory. On one hand it emphasizes personal experience, while on the other hand there needs to be strong faith. What I found over the years is that although the approach to Buddhism in Asia & America are often different, they are at the same time very complimentary. Meditation & recitation go well together, analysis & faith balance each other out, and pragmatism & “miracles” play different roles in spiritual practice.
You can see the list here. I often go out of my way to emphasize that Buddhism in Asia is much more diverse than miracles, recitation and faith—but it’s all there too. We’re a big tent.
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AnonymousOctober 14, 2009 at 1:38 AM
Hi,
Fabulous list! I found myself going down it and checking off where I stand! LOL!
Not surprisingly I discover (as if I didn’t already know) that I’m an ‘Asian Buddhist’!
There could be a blog in there somewhere – “Slightly Disgruntled White-Asian Buddhist!”
All the best,
Marcus