Compassion, not pity, for the Jatukam adherents

[Mawkish1983]

I learnt of a new wave washing over the far east today. It was mentioned in a review of a cartoon quoted by someone on another thread, so I looked it up. http://buddistamulets.blogspot.com/2009 ... tukam.html

I found a rather nice blog someone had written (edit: here http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05 ... 034231.php ) about the history of this Jatukam cult and felt pity (whoops). The thing is I use Yahoo! Answers a lot and every now and then a question about Buddhism comes up. I answer to the best of my ability, usually providing links for further reading etc. Almost every time someone else answers purely to disagree with me and often they remark that I "don't understand because I follow a corrupted western fashion version of Buddhism". My usual response is to recommend the questioner look at the sources I provide and come to their own conclusion rather than get into a debate about geography. It does grate after a while though.

So, I'm posting this pre-emptively: how should I respond to these geography discussions in the light of the fact that no-where in the world seems to be immune from fashionable corruption (as is evident by this Jatukam cult)?

Secondly, how can I turn my pity for those caught up in these geography arguements into healthy compassion?

[Ben]

Hi Mawk
I sometimes find that attitude as well among ethnic asian Buddhists. Sometimes, claiming that we can't possibly understand Buddhism because we weren't born into the cultural, linguistic and spiritual millieu. I tend to think that sometimes it is misplaced insecurity.
But you are right, compassion is better than pity.
I think your strategy is a good one. Stay away from the infernal internet debates and refer those wishing to argue with you to source material.
Metta

Ben

[nomad]

Well spoken. There is nothing to gain from debating people who only wish to stir trouble. I’ve been lucky enough to not have to deal with this attitude as of yet, but I would say that your strategy is sound. Share the Dhamma and give people what they need to make their own decisions. Don’t get drawn into the bottomless pit of internet debating.

~nomad