Dhamma Wheel Buddhist Forum

What's the most effective form of dhamma propagation, in your opinion?

With metta

Matheesha

Practice, Matheesha, Practice!

Location Matheesha Location
(Where people are the most, that's where Dhamma should be made available, in my POV)

I am think both Ben and plwk are right. Practice energetically and put yourself out there to offer to others a buddhist answer/perspective on their questions. Whether or not they are receptive depends on many more conditions than just what you say.

Represent Buddha's teachings by truly practicing the teachings to become a good role model. When people see that you are peaceful and vibrant, people will be curious about what you do. Then you can tell them that you practice Buddhism.

Thanks Ben, I somehow knew you were going to say that . Yes, I agree wholeheartedly that there is no substitute to personal experience and practice, in becoming a good teacher-interestingly I didn't consider that aspect of dhamma propagation. Hmm..

I agree with plwk about location. I see that I do reach more people at London Buddhist Vihar where the transport links are better and the temple is more established, with an active programme list.

I guess I am thinking on a broader scale than just one person doing classes. What about utilising the media, bibles in hotels, that type of thing as well..

With metta

Matheesha

"Just write what is in your heart.
You contribute to Buddhism if the truths are there." - Dogen

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/forest_path.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For the average practising Buddhist who does not expect to be a teacher, I would say the most effective thing you can do to propagate the Dhamma is "Organisation". Get a number of people together, form common objectives like organising teachngs, retreats, etc.. implement..

How about taking full page adverts in all the major papers?
Or, we could put the Suttas in every hotel room.
Or, we could start a TV network. People could turn to channel 77 and hear the teachings!
That might work.

But, most likely, it would turn as many people off buddhism as the Jehovah Witnesses do re christianity. Next someone will suggest door-knocking in pairs.

My famous blend of sarcasm and literalism didn't seem to work here. So I'll have to use the technique of last resort--honesty.
Be like Ben and live it. Some will respond. Don't worry about the others.

So we agree!

But JW attracts new members all the time. So it must work... Perhaps similar approaches, minus the obnoxious doctrine, would be successful. But god no door knocking!

There are community centers, pools, doctors offices with specific places to place pamphlets. Perhaps get something like "Just be good" and pull enough out of it to make a small and welcoming pamphlet.

alan wrote:How about taking full page adverts in all the major papers?
Or, we could put the Suttas in every hotel room.
Or, we could start a TV network. People could turn to channel 77 and hear the teachings!
That might work.

The result? - 5 billion Christians!

pilgrim wrote:For the average practising Buddhist who does not expect to be a teacher, I would say the most effective thing you can do to propagate the Dhamma is "Organisation". Get a number of people together, form common objectives like organising teachngs, retreats, etc.. implement..

Pilgrim,

Really great point. Thank you! If we really want this for our kids, and not let it die out, we will have to so more than sit on our backsides! (not that that is not important )

Edit: Another option is to set up Buddhists websites, forums, chat rooms and become moderators in them.

With metta