Attitudes of Western Buddhists: 5 Questions to Answer

[gavesako]

A Thai friend who is doing an MA in the Study of Religions would like know more about the views and attitudes of Western Buddhists. If you would like to help her, please answer the questions below (it could also be an interesting survey for Dhammawheel users in general).

----------------------
I am interested in Buddhism in the West.
I would like to know how Westerners practice Buddhism and their perspectives.
Thus, if you don't mind , could you please answers questions as follows;

1. Are you a Buddhist?

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age

[retrofuturist]

Greetings to you and your Thai friend, bhante!

1. Are you a Buddhist?

Yes

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?

I see meditation as a means to an end.... so it would be more accurate to say I'm interested in meditation because of Buddhism!

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?

Meritorious activities are a good support and basis for practice, but meditation and Dhamma study (preferably a combination of both) are required in order to attain stream-entry. "Social meritorious activities" existed before the Buddha, but these did not, in themselves, lead to enlightenment. Heavenly realms, yes... just not enlightenment.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?

Yes, and it is important though unfortunately as Western Buddhists, our opportunities to make regular offerings to the Sangha may be limited by our lack of proximity.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age

Paul, Australian, Male, Lay, Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Economics, Married, 31.

Metta,
Retro.

[Guy]

Hello Bhante Gavesako,

1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
I was because of an initial interest in meditation that led me to appreciate everything else that Buddhism (primarily Theravada) has to offer.

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I see from my own practice that keeping the precepts and being kind is supportive to having a calm and peaceful mind which is supportive of meditation which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of the mind. The more clearly I see how my mind works and what is conducive to happiness and what leads to stress the more I see the value of keeping the precepts and on and on it goes. Therefore meditation is just as important as all the other factors of my practice.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, I do believe that generosity is very beneficial and try to practice it every day. I try to be generous not only to monks and nuns, but also to other people and to other beings where and when I can.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Guy, Australian, male, lay, no certifications, single, 22

With Metta,

Guy

[Prasadachitta]

1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Not at first

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
no
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes I am confident that all Generosity is meritorious.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Gabriel Branbury, USA, Lay, Associates Degree, Married

[Cittasanto]

Hi Bhante,
1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?half and half

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
I see meditation as the most meritorious as it is the foundation to which other activities are come from!
by this I mean if my practice is the support to doing good and not developing the inclination to do otherwise, it enables me to stay calm and react more appropriatly in high stress situations where there would be a posibility I may loose my temper, get upset, or other negative process arising

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
yes, and not really
the not really is more to do with location than anything! when an oportunity arises I am there, but that oportunity is not as often as my contact with members of the sangha is mainly online.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age[/quote]David (AKA Manapa), Manx, Male, Lay, Studying for a Diploma in CBT and Body therapy & Chiropody Dilomas, living with my partner, 29

[acinteyyo]

1. Are you a Buddhist?

I don't know what a "Buddhist" is exactly. so I would rather say I'm a disciple of the teachings taught by the Buddha.

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?

No, it is just a method to make the mind "fit for work" so that wisdom can arise. I'm interested in Buddhism because I try to end suffering.

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?

yes. because social meritorious activities don't lead to the end of suffering.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)? and how this activity is important to you?

no, less important

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age

Florian, german, male, lay,(guess 'cause I'm german) O-Levels???, single, 24

[siaophengyou]

A Thai friend who is doing an MA in the Study of Religions would like know more about the views and attitudes of Western Buddhists. If you would like to help her, please answer the questions below (it could also be an interesting survey for Dhammawheel users in general).

----------------------
I am interested in Buddhism in the West.
I would like to know how Westerners practice Buddhism and their perspectives.
Thus, if you don't mind , could you please answers questions as follows;

1. Are you a Buddhist?
Not before i finished 5 months intensive meditation Retreat with Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa in Myanmar
2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Meditation brings me to more understand and more respect towards Lord Buddha and His Teachings
If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Yes, as proclaimed by the Blessed One, it is the Only way, the surest way to be liberated from suffering
4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Dana Parami alone wouldn't be enough to liberate one from suffering. It is important, to fulfill one of the Ten Parami
5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Hyronike Suyono, Indonesian, Male, Lay, Bsc. Comp. Eng., Single, 29

[David N. Snyder]

1. Are you a Buddhist?
Yes

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Yes, but not just for the sake of meditation.
Meditation is included in the teachings and practice of Buddhism:
sila, dana, bhavana (morality, generosity, meditation)
panna, sila, samadhi (wisdom, morality, concentration)

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
All are important, see my answer above, but yes, meditation is the most, because with the practice and experience of meditation, one can see for oneself the value of sila, dana, and other meritorious actions.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, but I try to perform dana without the expectation of some reward. I do the dana because the monks have earned it and need it, and because I benefit from their teachings and from their pastoral duties to the community.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age[/quote]
David, U.S., male, lay 5 to 8 precept, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., married, 47.

[Peter]

These questions seem to be based on the stereotype of Eastern Buddhist practice being mostly donation and Western Buddhist practice being mostly meditation.

[tiltbillings]

These questions seem to be based on the stereotype of Eastern Buddhist practice being mostly donation and Western Buddhist practice being mostly meditation.

Moderators note: Maybe, but let us keep this thread on target. If you wish to question the questions, start a new thread.

[Vardali]

1. Are you a Buddhist?
I have not taken formal refuge, so I guess "no", but I nevertheless trying to follow the Buddhist teachings as I understand it.

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Meditation is part of Buddha's teaching, so I meditation is a means to an end, i.e. prepare my mind for insight, wisdom and understanding that can lead me along the path.

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Both are elements of Buddhism to me, both are means of practice; each of them addresses different areas though: meditation addresses the mind (insight, wisdom, understanding, discernment), meritorious activities addresses the heart (generosity, loving-kindness).

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Dana to me is to practice generosity, i.e. for me, it is about the "doing" instead of the "outcome" that matters. Supporting monks to teach the dhamma and provide good examples for skillful living is based on "selfinterest", so to speak; I am no expecting it to translate merits across Samsara. If it does, it's a nice bonus rather than the reason behind the act.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Vardali, German, female, lay, PhD, single, 43

[Khalil Bodhi]

1. Are you a Buddhist?
I consider myself a Buddhist. I observe the 5 precepts everyday and the Uposatha precepts on the poya days. I chant the refuges every morning before meditation.

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Meditation is certainly an important part of the Eightfold Path but I'm not now nor was I initially attracted to Buddhism because I had a fascination with meditation in general.

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
No. I see meditation , silla and the cultivation of the paramis as the most important aspects of the path for a householder such as myself.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Yes, I think it is immesely beneficial to support the Sangha and I do it whenever the opportunity presents itself.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age
Michael R./USA/Male/Lay/MA/Married/31

[BlackBird]

A Thai friend who is doing an MA in the Study of Religions would like know more about the views and attitudes of Western Buddhists. If you would like to help her, please answer the questions below (it could also be an interesting survey for Dhammawheel users in general).

----------------------
I am interested in Buddhism in the West.
I would like to know how Westerners practice Buddhism and their perspectives.
Thus, if you don't mind , could you please answers questions as follows;

1. Are you a Buddhist?

Yep

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?

Yep

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?

I think it's of equal importance. The perfection of morality is one third of the path. If one does not have a good foundation in morality then one will find it hard to sit down and meditate to any great success. It's just like the metaphor of building a house, meditation needs a good solid foundation, and that foundation is to be found in morality.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?

Yes I believe it does generate merits across Samsara. But one has to look at the motivation behind it. If one gives because they feel they will enjoy the fruits of giving after death, then there's still an element of greed here. The activity is important to me in so far as I am trimming back my own greed, and bettering other's positions for it. I have no interest in being rich or attractive looking in future rebirths. In fact I'd rather I weren't reborn at all, so what use is merit to a man.

This idea of merit, is such a huge concept in Thailand - But to an extent it stops many Thai people seeing the Dhamma any deeper than the surface - There's a lot more on offer there. It's a tragedy that people feel they cannot realise the goal or make progress simply because of their relative status in the world. I am reminded of the story of Angulimala.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age

Jack S, New Zealander, Male, Lay-follower, University Entrance, Single, 18.

[pink_trike]

1. Are you a Buddhist?

I no longer find it useful to identify by "ist"s or "ism"s. I find much of Siddhartha Gautama's teachings (and many of his commentator's teachings) to be gem-like in their clarity, and they've had a profound influence on my view of "reality".

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?

Not solely. I'm interested in the entire range of practices that are found within the container of so-called "Buddhism".

If you are a Buddhist

I'll answer this anyway...

3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?

I think the practice of meditation is primary and equal to the primary practice of generating compassion. Awareness and Compassion.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?

I have no knowledge or experience of "next lives". I practice generosity whenever I recognize the opportunity, regardless of any being's social position, in this life now.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age[/quote]

Jeff
U.S.
Male (physical), Androgynous (mind/emotion)
Lay practitioner (emphasis on _practice_)
B.A. - Integrated Health Management Services
M.A. - Clinical Psychology
M.A. - Counseling Psychology
Single (in the eyes of the law)
Gay (surely as relevant/irrelevant as "male", "age", "location", "marital status", etc...)
56

[Lazy_eye]

Hi Bhante,

1. Are you a Buddhist?

Close enough. I plan to take refuge when the time is right.

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?

That's part of it. Buddhist ethics and the overall "philosophy" are another part.

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?

I think involvement in social issues is important, especially as global culture becomes more secular and present-oriented. In my opinion, "engaged" or "humanistic" Buddhism is on the right track -- not necessarily for everyone, but it's a good trend.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?

It depends. If you're Pol Pot and think you can escape hell by financing a new stupa, you're wrong. But generally speaking, supporting the monastic sangha is meritorious.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age[/quote]

Robert, USA, male, layperson, Ph.D, married, 43.

[Ngawang Drolma.]

A Thai friend who is doing an MA in the Study of Religions would like know more about the views and attitudes of Western Buddhists. If you would like to help her, please answer the questions below (it could also be an interesting survey for Dhammawheel users in general).

----------------------
I am interested in Buddhism in the West.
I would like to know how Westerners practice Buddhism and their perspectives.
Thus, if you don't mind , could you please answers questions as follows;

1. Are you a Buddhist?

Yes

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?

There are many reasons I'm interested in Buddhism, and meditation is certainly one of those reasons.

3. If you are a Buddhist, do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?

In my tradition, our practices are carried on throughout the day in all of our activities. Social meritorious activities are very important too. I'm not sure I can qualify one as being more significant than the other at this point. It's all important and part of the path. But I can say that the sadhanas (practices) that we do are hugely important.

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?

I believe that in addition to giving dana, a lot of wholesome karma can and will carry on to our next life. We can't know the inner workings and details of karma and vipaka such as when karmic fruit will ripen. I also believe that meritorious actions can serve as a way to purify negative karma, which can span across lifetimes.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age

Laura, from the United States, female, laity, BA in psychology, divorced, 37.

[Thaibebop]

A Thai friend who is doing an MA in the Study of Religions would like know more about the views and attitudes of Western Buddhists. If you would like to help her, please answer the questions below (it could also be an interesting survey for Dhammawheel users in general).

----------------------
I am interested in Buddhism in the West.
I would like to know how Westerners practice Buddhism and their perspectives.
Thus, if you don't mind , could you please answers questions as follows;

1. Are you a Buddhist?

Yes.

2. Are you interested in Buddhism because of the meditation?
Not completely, it was the over all philosophy that included the meditation.

If you are a Buddhist ;
3. Do you see ‘ meditation’ as most relevant to the Dhamma practice rather than other social meritorious activities? why?
Yes, and this is because of the mental state it creates that allows one to focus and see and think correctly, does that make sense? Mental discipline, ja!

4. Do you think to give material requisites to monks (Dana) can generate merits across Samsara (transferring to next lives)?
and how this activity is important to you?
Well, I think it is a good thing to do for yourself emotional but I don't know how much it helps. I read a passage in which the Buddha said that to think about all the death and other lives will distract you from the here and now and that is what you need to be dealing with.

5. Name (can be a fake name), nationality, sex, status (monastic / lay), education (such as BA etc.) , martial status , age

Shaun American Male Lay Working on a BA Married 31

[zavk]

Dear Bhante,

I will PM you my answers.

[Yeshe]

More answers may be gained more quickly through organisations with large numbers of Western Buddhists, such as FWBO, FPMT, NKT etc.

(There must be several Theravadan organisations with Western disciples as well. I know of one which is very much 'Westernised' IMHO - The Aukana Trust - http://www.aukana.org.uk. )

They may be willing to survey members and help in other ways.

[gavesako]

Thank you to all who have answered here and by PM. This is not meant to be a very large statistical survey, so this much will probably do (but feel free to answer if you have not yet done so).