Buddhism In America

674 Words3 Pages

The role of Buddhism is non-existent. Or so it may seem at first glance on the surface layer. Through a deeper search and study Buddhism is very impactful in American lifestyle. But what is the true impact of Buddhism in a large, religiously diverse country such as America; the number of Buddhists in the U.S. range from 2.5 million to 3-4 million, with such small figures it might seem that Buddhism is not an important part of American culture. However, while it is true that Buddhism does not have the large number of followers as other major religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, it still has the same level of impact as those mentioned major religions. While most Americans will have a difficult time find a Buddhist temple or a …show more content…

For example, meditation is a key part of a Buddhist monk’s lifestyle. Meditation encourages and develops concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things. Now a day meditation is being practiced all over the United Sates, even in our own AP English class, by both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. Yoga is an important practice for meditation which is part of the bhikkhu lifestyle. Now many Americans practice yoga and has become a routine in their daily lifestyle. Studios are being sprung all over the nation dictated to the teaching and practice of yoga and every American, knowingly or unknowingly, participate in …show more content…

While not many American citizens call themselves or associated with Buddhist, they believe and follow core Buddhist beliefs. A side from the basic beliefs of refrain from taking life, stealing, acting unchastely, and speaking falsely that many religions follow. Apart from those common core beliefs, Buddhist believe in Sila which is based on two principals of equality and reciprocity, Samadhi the developing of one's mind is the path to wisdom and in return leads to personal freedom, Prajna that wisdom will lead to a mind that is pure and calm. Sila is that all living entities are equal, a belief that is follow by every American who truthful calls themselves humanitarians or believers of respect for all living creatures. Along with that Sila teaches a common Christian value of the Golden Rule. Samadhi, the American people are now practicing and believe that they should focus their minds to gain wisdom. Wisdom has always been sought after, but in Buddhism wisdom is gained through meditation and mental development. Many Americans are meditating and developing their minds through, as previously mentioned, yoga, restrained for earthly pleasures, and good conduct, which are methods of Buddhism. This will lead to Prajna, wisdom which will make the mind more pure and calm. Everyone aims for a type of

Open Document