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American Buddhism defined

Wed, 2006-01-25 02:49 — ABN

American Buddhism: (n) 1) Buddhism practiced in North America; 2) Buddhism practiced by citizens of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, or by groups or individuals that have long resided in North America or been closely associated with it; 3) Buddhist practice that has been influenced by American Buddhism; 4) (ideally) a kind of Buddhism that is characterized by wisdom, compassion, understanding, tolerance, decency, fairness, and generosity.

Please feel free to revise this as you see fit. Eventually it will make sense and deserve being a term in itself.

Comments

Sat, 2006-03-18 05:13 — Multicultural Buddhist (not verified)

Hello ABN,

Hello ABN,

Have you thingking of putting this definition to the Wikipedia site? It is lack of the entry there though

Sun, 2006-04-16 09:32 — sonja

Possible guideline

LINK

Fri, 2009-05-08 15:28 — sunil_vijaya

American Buddhism

There is only one precious Buddhism on this planet, which has being preserved in Asia for the last 2550 odd years. This world does not need any NEW Buddhisms as on the lines of Protestanism, to dilute and adulterate and introduce every filth of the modern day liberal thinking of Anglo Saxons such as Gay and Lesbianism in monastic practice. Buddhism is about overcoming desires whether its sex or not. At worst we have Theravada (orthodox doctrine) and the Mahayana (ritualistic version interpreted by so called scholars largely originated with Nalanda Uni of Maghada). The debacle of Tibetan Buddhism can be seen clearly who ever who lives in Buddha Gaya for few months and the West, especially the Americans were exposed to Buddhism through the plight of Dalai Lama. Otherwise they will be still ignorant of this valuable doctrine. Having said that however, Col. Olcott an American and one of the fathers of the Confederation of the 1776, came to Sri Lanka and rescued Buddhism from the hands of the filthy Bristish who virtually ruined it, while advocating a hypocritical Kandyan convention. Different shades of Buddhism is mushrooming in the west and people with sensible minds should be aware of them and should take every action to discourage people aligning with these fools. The Dhamma which was preserved for the last thousands of years will disappear quickly in the US and in other countries, influenced by Satanism, if Vinaya and Suttras were to be adopted according to the whims and fancies of ignorant, arrogant fools.

Sat, 2009-05-09 03:48 — ABN

American Buddhism

At American Buddhist Net we use the thoroughly harmless term "American Buddhism" to distinguish Buddhist news and events occurring in North America from those occurring in other parts of the world, as the definition above makes clear.

You have raised a strong argument, though, and given good reason for American Buddhists to want to distinguish themselves from some Asian Buddhist groups where ethno-centrism, intolerance, and prejudice have seriously compromised the tradition.

Sun, 2009-06-28 08:47 — bco

Buddhism in all its forms

Buddhism in all its forms hold to the same Four Noble Truths and The EightFold Path.
Historically, Buddhism has been integrated into the Country it has spread too, unlike Christianity or Islam that has tried to change to Country to fit their ideals of want life should be like. Indian Buddhism is slightly different that Tibetan which is slightly different from Theravada which is slightly different from Japanese which is slightly different from Chinese which is slightly different from Korean which is slightly different from American... ad naseum. But, it is still Buddhism.. adhering to the core Buddhist Tenets and Beliefs.
Homosexuality is not denounced by The Buddha... just the attachment to Desire. Why can a homosexual not be a Buddhist? Are the Teachings of the Buddha only for the "elect" or those that "fit the mold"? No, they are not.
What would Siddhartha think of some of the "Buddhist Countries".. where the Dhamma is pronounced but not followed?
The Buddha taught love, compassion, tolerance, and that Indra's Net is a reality.... so hate and disdain are definitely not options, and have no place in the Buddhist Lifestyle.
As for me and mine... we will follow the Noble Truths and Eightfold Path... meditating daily and practicing the Wisdom taught to us in the Dhammapada. And yes, we are American.

Fri, 2009-07-24 08:36 — sylvester

Topic at hand

Few items...
I agree with bco's observation that Buddha did not denounce homosexuality per se. Additionally, His Holiness the Dalai Lama not many years back was reported as stating (forgive me but I don't have a direct quote or link, just the memory of it's striking nature) that, a kiss done with love should be acceptable. If memory serves the reporter interpreted this not as advocacy of homosexuality, but as compassionate acceptance of it. A fair assessment.
May be a small point, but when speaking of Col Olcott, let's not forget that he is not unfairly credited with Madame Blavatsky of bring Buddhism to America via their Theosophical Society, published writings, etc.
I dunno, but if the Universe is in a constant state of flux, of evolution, and us with it, perhaps a hard line attitude regarding Buddhist doctrine, whatever discipline, or any religious doctrine for that matter, may be counterproductive.
Best wishes

Thu, 2009-10-15 05:36 — Ron-The-Elder

All Things Arise........

The 4-fold Definition of Right Speech:
1: Avoiding lying and any false speech...
2: Abstaining from every divisive talk...
3: Refraining from all angry scolding...

----------------------- Comment ---------------

All things, including opinions, arise, dwell for but a time, and pass away. This, in addition to ignorance, is the underlying cause of all forms of suffering, stress, and dissatisfaction. Clinging, especially to dogma and conditions as they are (stoicism) is just another attachment.

The Dhamma whether spoken, written, or carved in stone is The Dhamma. Buddha advised us to validate and verify what "is called" Dhamma through practice, which includes living our lives in accordance with The Noble Eight Fold Path (The Middle Way), meditation, and mindfulness.

Sun, 2010-03-14 00:26 — IJTnova

This post comes across

This post comes across incredibly ornery. Although, I strongly feel like if you yourself let go and THEN rewrite your post then you may actually make a very good point that would give many readers "food for thought" before either choosing to dedicate themselves to Buddhism or judge Americans for being Buddhist.