The Future of North American : An Appeal to Expand Study beyond Chinese Custom and Culture

Ina Redd Denton Lay Dharma Lecturer, Buddha’s Light International Association

na Denton holds a Master of Social Work degree (M.S.W.) from the I University of Illinois. Her professional career includes public and private human service administration, board and program development, community partnerships and executive consultation. She is a practicing Buddhist and a Certified Lay Dharma Lecturer and Vice Chairperson of the International Outreach Committee for BLIA (Buddha’s Light International Association, and a Member of Guang Ming Buddhist Temple, Orlando, , USA). As a member of BLIA and proponent of Humanistic Buddhism, Ina shares the Dharma through teaching, lectures and interfaith activities. She also trains others to propagate Humanistic Buddhism by the design and implementation of workshops and symposia. As a westerner who had adopted a Chinese temple as her family (and their adoption of her), Ina strives to assure that people of all cultures and communities can find a spiritual home in the teachings of the Buddha and use those teaching to carry the passport of a “global citizen.” 2019 7th Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism 235 - Symposium on Humanistic Humanistic on Symposium th He, too, was a “white guy,” never had the opportunity to travel He, too, was a “white guy,” First, how I got here. I am not Asian nor am I at the begin the at I am nor Asian not am I here. got I how First, This is a humbling experience, to be among noted historians historians experience, to be among noted This is a humbling Thank you for this opportunity to share my experiences and and experiences my share to opportunity for this you Thank ning or even midway of life’s journey. I have been diligently, but but I have been diligently, journey. ning or even midway of life’s came via my I way.” Way—my practicing “the at times ineptly, people, all who treated Seasons” All for “Man husband who was a We rock and blade of grass, as a sacred gift. all animals, every the Florida, Orlando, in Temple Ming doors of Guang the entered the and refuge taking of honor the had We 2008. of week Christmas in 2009 on the Yun Master Hsing Venerable Five Precepts under United States. Before his death, occasion of his last journey to the words with embraced, temple, the at taught Fletcher husband my seek to Buddhism, about learn to who wanted all arms, and open self-understanding, and/or seek refuge from current and historical the with familiar thereby minister, Christian former was a He pain. innermost heartaches and demons of fellow beings. beyond the western hemisphere because of health constraints, but Buddhism. I told myself that I can either be intimidated, wonder wonder myself that I can either be intimidated, Buddhism. I told “go forth” and would have to contribute, or just what of value I Plus, I have the thoughts and conclusions. share my experiences, thereby West, of the needs the you study that request to audacity Chinese their and temples to local direction giving and Therefore, I will share my personal observations communities. being made. Please the efforts what I think can be done to further path, a seeking Westerners see I as view line” “front a this consider sometimes finding it, sometimes wandering away, and sometimes discouraged from remaining. thoughts about Humanistic Buddhism practices in the West and and West the in practices Buddhism about Humanistic thoughts result in a further for diligent study that will to make an appeal Asian background who come to our embrace of those not of home. solace, acceptance and a spiritual temples seeking 7 the this, attending scholars and

- - Localization of Language: learning the local language, language, local the learning Language: of Localization translating books local the Respect Culture: and Custom of Localization customs and culture, do as the natives do local the Follow Life: of Way and of Habits Localization way of life, getting along with local people

1. 2. 3. I would like to think this a common experience, pervasive pervasive think this a common experience, I would like to What gets in our way? Why have we been, as one prominent we been, Why have gets in our way? What all humans, we need to do If Humanistic Buddhism is for the meet to outline clear a us gave Master Venerable The he adopted the Buddhist philosophy and his temple brothers and and his temple brothers philosophy and the Buddhist he adopted respected, community The temple him. And they adopted sisters. end-of- his through him supported and him, from learned loved, journey. this-life’s America, Fo throughout throughout Buddhism,North throughout to are we if ahead lie challenges many (FGS). But Shan Guang ethno our counter to humans, all for Buddhism Humanistic practice centricities, our traditions, our culture, our narrow view of propriety view of propriety our culture, our narrow centricities, our traditions, many hearts and to instead, open our arms to the and purpose, and much to enter the arms of the Buddha. minds wanting very FGS monastic for 30 years told me, “talking about Localization but making little progress?” our outreach, in our acculturation. better… in our understanding, in I speak to you, the assembled scholars and researchers, social widen your you to I implore alike. and monastic lay scientists, Vener Buddhism and of study with the goal of greater propagation vision of a compassionate universe. Yun’s able Master Hsing Points of Localization Core Four country or culture: the Four needs of people regardless of their well as aspiring teach I time Localization. Every of Points Core I show a both monastic and lay, as experienced Dharma teachers, slide that lists these four points.

The Future of North American Buddhism: An Appeal to Expand Humanistic Buddhism Study beyond Chinese Custom and Culture 236 2019 7th Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism 237 Localization of Education: Respecting local education, education, local Respecting Education: of Localization oneness and coexistence realizing

4. And, as challenges go, we often agree with these Localization we often agree with these Localization go, And, as challenges convenience,” “bring to is mission FGS the that reminded am I learning, teaching, counseling, In my past ten years worshiping, people who became interested in American The North It is all we need to guide our actions. But we need the the need we But our actions. guide to need we all is It reminder, lest we forget to meet needs of those in the prevailing needs of those in the prevailing to meet lest we forget reminder, local culture. convenient comfortable, to what is reverting away, then walk tenets, and conventional. our biases of Out ourselves. it experience necessarily to not but we do not see his vision aside. Sometimes put and busy-ness, we in our beliefs, thoughts, and ever- so absorbed we become clearly, clutter our time and mind with expanding “to do” list, that we his admonishments to “bringactivities that do not allow us to follow who are Westerners the to them bring to forth,” waters Dharma the Way. the seeking a way, I have seen Shan community, and wandering around the Fo Guang racially and multicultural a create to attempting strides toward great occur that struggles the seen also have I family. Dharma diverse and accept one another, another, when we try to understand one figure out this “oneness thing.” Monastic,Western Chinese lay, lay, often, lamenting how difficult acculturated Chinese, come to me some of our communities are And, sadly, it is to move forward. are confronted with failures and complacent. Or they try really hard, their/our “convenience.” retreat again to the familiar, setbacks, so Westerners, the And way. Chinese the established to revert They away. discouraged and disheartened, walk Buddhism until recently were primarily white, professional and with middle to upper incomes. Some had drifted away from their Or they were looking Judaism. and of Christianity religions family for a more rational approach to thinking about their mind and their without study, one will not understand the Buddha’s one will not understand Buddha’s the without study, teachings (right view) without practice, one will not purify the mind (right meditative contemplation) without ethical behaviors, one will not be compassionate to all (right morality) However, the primary focus of practice was stress relief and and stress relief of practice was the primary focus However, causes experience in a religious community For some, a bad younger people… with social unrest on an upswing, And now, mission of bringing I believe that Fo Guang Shan’s to the Buddhism Humanistic for bringing foci main three I see Buddhism teaches us to 1. Focus beyond self: Humanistic Buddhism teaches 2. Focus beyond mindfulness: Humanistic • • • purpose. Buddhism appeared to be a perfect fit. to be a perfect Buddhism appeared purpose. as a “religion” They seldom approached Buddhism mindfulness. refer to as “ego.” self-focused…what we might per se. It was more left their religion This is why many people people to go searching. as sometimes people, Chinese And why, and came to Buddhism. temple or faith. leave our temples to go to another Western, well as a Comparative writing the requisite paper for not just those are entering our doors. Religion course, Westerners to the Bringing Buddhism Foci for Three and ease” through Humanistic to people “confidence, hope, joy, Buddhism practices can America,be andbeneficial especially to to mindfulness on mostly been has effort whose Buddhists American development. How can this be accomplished? Westerners: see to family, and beyond self people serving to outward look our as depend, we upon which earth the and beings, sentient all responsibility. mindfulness community interested in meditation and Western the that this is just the beginning.

The Future of North American Buddhism: An Appeal to Expand Humanistic Buddhism Study beyond Chinese Custom and Culture 238 2019 7th Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism 239 Humanistic embrace West to help the is Shan If Fo Guang why understand to inquiry scholarly for room also is There True, much has been written about the difficulty of localizing change. our societies passes decade each as that I believe for everyone. Often when we espouse Change is difficult 3. Focus on being part of a global community: on being part of 3. Focus In his article “Transcending,” Venerable Master tells us we must must we us tells Master Venerable “Transcending,” article his In and national identities other things, our cultural transcend, among The things. even our historical ways of doing and prejudices, be a positive and loving-kindness would teaching of compassion current the in especially Buddhists, Western new these on influence in other countries. upheaval in our country, political and societal Actualizing the Four Core Points of Localization in North Temples American Localization of Points Four Core the to return must we Buddhism tell you what I will I am seeing—and and make them a reality. future bright a realize to we are for growth if is room there where spiritual home. for westerners who are seeking a the task is difficult (assessment of what is) and, more importantly, (what can be). how the task can be accomplished theses to Chinese Buddhism, from short “op-eds” to Master’s They the same. The findings and appeals are scholarly reviews. ask, we might So why, way of unity. the in gets culture that report travel this road again? assimilated more now and younger, a begets generation As each at it is worth our while to look again Americans, cohort of Chinese Venerable closerourselves and how we can become to realizing the context the in Buddhism Humanistic embrace to vision Master’s look anew to revisit, continue not do we culture. I fear if of local at old difficulties, examine current practices, we will inadvertently not and population Chinese younger the to irrelevant become become relevant to temple newcomers.

The following review of Venerable Master’s Four Core Four Core Master’s Venerable review of The following share Points, Four Core of the each review I will Therefore, needs build relationships and meet people’s to It is difficult looking at the possibilities Please join me on a journey of Opportunity #1: Teach Local Languages Opportunity to #1: Teach Monastics and Lay Members change we back away when we have to change. “Let the other guy change. “Let the we have to back away when change we everything that Buddhism of tenet basic a accept If we change.” vision of Master’s Venerable we take to heart the changes, and if Buddhism, we will welcome the ways to propagate ever-evolving the pain that is meet the challenge, enduring challenge, we will indeed part of progress. Opportuni- and my proposed Localization Points of Localization April Symposium last Teachers’ at a Dharma ties were presented with you Guang asked that I share them Miao Venerable (2019.) of and opportunities with how I see the challenges to acquaint you Westerners. for West in the establishing Humanistic Buddhism them. addressing for suggestions offer and observed have what I that can help us go research pose questions for field I will Later forward. I. Localization of Language: It is also an impediment for when there are language barriers. on their new country for social the Chinese members who rely do we How livelihood. and economic support governmental and cannot we if services access and society the navigate them help advocate for them? Eight of first the is This us. before Localization Opportunities I propose that can meet human needs of an expanded temple temple human needs of an expanded I propose that can meet universe. In a Localization meeting of monastics at FGS in 2018, language was discussed. that monastics It was agreed must learn the local

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Grade Grade th Every temple has someone who speaks English. With dedication With English. Every temple has someone who speaks American monastics Many are North fluent in English. Others Language fluency also helps the Chinese members with their It works! Venerable Chueh Miaw tells me she is more more is she me tells Miaw Chueh Venerable works! It It can be done! We have done this at Guang Ming Temple. Temple. have done this at Guang Ming We It can be done! Language proficiency must be a priority, seen as an integral comfortable in the English Meditation Class and Venerable Chueh Chueh Venerable Class and English Meditation in the comfortable Classes now gives Dharma Instrument in English. (I wish I Yen explain, in English can as she as well bell guiding the strike could and non-Chinese members have how to do it!) Both Chinese the venerables on noticed the change and have complimented become role models for the temple And they have their progress. community. English can be conquered. and the encouragement of temple leadership, this making in instrumental was support Fan’s Chueh Venerable them, complimenting them. happen, reminding them, encouraging some temples remain comfortable Still, are trying to use more English. But, even if only a handful of westerners, in speaking Chinese only. or Chinese whose primary language is English, attend, we must create a welcoming multi-lingual family. Asian an I visit When of residence. nation in their home” “at being Workbook. It is advanced enough to not be boring. It creates It is It creates advanced enough to not be boring. Workbook. are learning the culture at the same time that we discussions about a write how to and adverb, and adjective an between difference compound also sentence. We go on “field trips” to local museums, as a way to practice and markets—all restaurants bird sanctuaries, language and learn culture. part of spiritual practice. “Teaching Local Language to Monastic to Monastic Language Local “Teaching practice. spiritual of part is therefore a responsibility. and Lay Members” set I and Miaw Chueh Venerable and Yen Chueh Venerable 4 used a We for class. Wednesday every 1½ hours aside language. The yet unanswered questions are “where,” “when” and are “where,” “when” questions The yet unanswered language. “how.”

As much as the Chinese community attempts to hold on, to hold on, Chinese community attempts As much as the Opportunity #2: Institute an English (or “Chinglish”) Chanting Service opportunity is to “Institute of Language Another Localization product a are services English the that is observed I have What country, it is so hard country, to feel confident when the complex characters parking at the car machine the ticketing billboard, or on are on the to see a string of foreign Asian people then for lot. How confusing their left they and after despair, and to isolation This leads letters. belonging! to a new country with hope for homeland, coming will be detrimental. culture, it from the larger remain separate in English-speaking Chinese people who are working Younger social group to English-speaking schools, whose going companies, comfortable less and less feel they that me tell English-speaking, is to identify with their Chinese They want temples. in Chinese-only culture, but not by shedding their American identity. It is difficult are They discouraged. is (English) language primary their when them lose will we And inter-marrying. inter-dating, inter-relating, at the expense of forward if we cling too strongly to heritage progress. combination of English and an English, (or ‘Chinglish’—a this. attempting are temples Some Service.” Chanting Chinese) What and rewrite. regroup This takes practice, trial-and-error, mean not does That work later. not might beginning the works in a try to time is it means simply It ritual. for “need” a not is there new that the current way is not meeting the need of many new way, members. of monastic planning. Perhaps a more successful way to do this conversation, a have to speakers English and Monastic for the is plan and co-create, thereby allowing a blend of cultures and plan and co-create, thereby allowing a blend of cultures and to western churches, synagogues, Visits methods. practice familiar can congregations, Buddhist “Americanized” some yes, even and

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’s message for newcomers (“… in message for newcomers Heart Sutra’s An example of joint planning recently occurred at Xiang Yun Yun Xiang at occurred recently planning of joint An example Should not learning a nation’s officiallanguage bea priority - “Lo is of Localization Points Four Core of the second The Something about Americans—we are not terribly hierarchical, hierarchical, are not terribly Americans—we Something about we like to work alongside the monastics, as truly equal wings we like to work alongside the monastics, as truly equal wings more likely to have a And a joint project is of the Dharma bird. positive response because is communication open and straight- forward. Realizations: A the Great were studying We Austin. in Temple of a Bodhisattva Sutra and Commentary on the Eight Realizations It worked! on Sunday. it sense to chant would make it posited that of confusion the not is There clear. are message and words The the usually chanted …no eyes, ears, nose, tongue, emptiness there is no form, feeling, Eight the of Sutra the chanted we Instead, mind…”) or body “desire world is impermanent,” “the Beings: Great of Realizations The etc. “poverty creates hatred and anger,” brings suffering,” Jue Ji Venerable to participants. clarity of the message rang true English chanting now use this sutra in the she will that is thinking message can convey Buddhist belief The understandable service. in a more comprehendible form. basic proficiency? with sufficient time allotted to achieve II. Localization of Custom and Culture calization of Custom and Culture.” Our temples do an excellent Dharma perform and holidays Chinese usual the celebrating job is good and This beautifully. ceremonies and special functions be enlightening and give ideas to the planners. Standardization planners. Standardization ideas to the and give be enlightening of addressing the interests the expense of goal, but not at can be a we whose “needs” certain we know must make We people. local varied as our American communities are as are meeting. North NOT does size “One necessary. are approaches Many geography. fit all!” - of July”) parades. They have even even They have of July”) parades. th It is important to put national and regional holidays on the the on holidays regional and national put to important is It customs. Case in point: Some temples do embrace the local Holidays, such as Veteran’s Day, when we honor all of our honor all of our when we Day, Veteran’s such as Holidays, festivi American these quintessentially think that One might won First Prize for their parade float! When I visited the temple, He says, I had the occasion to talk to a non-Chinese neighbor. ties are not “Buddhist enough,” that such celebrations do not that such celebrations do not ties are not “Buddhist enough,” of our lives. of our culture, part are they But temple. a at belong Why not the America. All races and religions celebrate them in FGS Buddhists? studies tell us that many Chinese who Various temple calendar. significance the know not do decades, for US the in lived have yet not have therefore and events national and local historical, of embraced their current home. I find this toVenerable be true. And the problem, admonishing on this Master has also commented I country. new their of customs the adopt to community Chinese I wonder if the foreign- is such a reluctance. know why there don’t perhaps an even structure is much to blame, ness of our language greater obstacle than ethnicity. directorship the under Center, Buddhist Louis St. Shan Guang Fo Day Independence the in Jue Huang, has participated Venerable of refer to a “4 we often (what should continue. However, temples should welcome local culture. welcome local temples should However, should continue. Ethnic mentioned. be should serving, currently and past soldiers, Day, Independence military. our in serve also Americans Chinese And what is Spring deserve special mention. Day, President’s and red hearts Day without Valentine’s or basket an Easter without of November, Thursday the fourth Day, Thanksgiving chocolate? Americans—even holiday of the year for US is the most special families to gather because it is a day for greater than Christmas, to Chinese it I liken and ethnicities. of all religions and is inclusive and friends travel and Moon Festival where families Year New long distances to celebrate.

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Eventually if western cultural events are included, the westerners the included, are events if western cultural Eventually Point #3: “Localization of Now we come to Localization less are people local the find that will communities Temple in the Especially is clothing. area of disagreement Another Opportunity #3: Create Western Cultural Celebrations Western Create Opportunity #3: cultural to create at least two western I encourage temples events a year. This gives the westerners an opportunity to display display to opportunity an westerners gives the This year. a events givestheir culture and ethnicities the multiple temple an in the learn new The Chinese members together. opportunity to work Chinese succeed, the to For this foods, games. habits, celebrations, not sit on the be encouraged to participate, community must And occurs, the westerners see it. When this separateness sidelines. it hurts. bringing their traditions into the will feel more comfortable in in diversity. temple, and the temple will grow of Life Way III. Localization of Habits and of Life.” Way Habits and Western—and as well as Asian demonstrative, more and formal the that to see important so. It is more American even the Latin smile and We it is who we are. familiarity is not bad manners, and make fun of ourselves We hug, we kiss. We laugh easily. Our bantering very different. others. Our sense of humor is demonstrates loving-kindness and friendship,- and our understand are a bit too loud for my taste, ing of the ironic. Sometimes we but… it is a cultural trait. sandals, blouses, wear sleeveless we country, the of parts warm locals, will to be accepting of the Temples, are cool. things that can Temples differences. cultural of these have to be more tolerant “I look out for ‘my nuns.’” By being part of the community, the the of the community, By being part out for ‘my nuns.’” “I look temple enjoys his an elderly man and the caring of who big old dog property on their daily walks. stroll through the

Isn’t it better to do the wrong thing for the right reason than the right reason than wrong thing for do the to better it Isn’t Use of language, can convey negativity. If one says it is If one says it is negativity. Use of language, can convey I think of the Buddha and his disciples walking along dusty dusty along walking disciples his and Buddha the of think I Opportunity #4: Explain Chinese Buddhist Etiquette Respectfully - constantly share experiences of being sternly chas Westerners escorted, and Shrine Main the of door the at met not If “disrespectful” to go up the center aisle, the message to the aisle, the message to the “disrespectful” to go up the center of respect. They came out receiver is that they are disrespectful. in the to pay respect … in their way, They came to learn, to pray, taught them. “It is our Chinese Buddhist custom way their culture to ...” demonstrates respect to both cultures. want someone simply do the right thing only because you don’t wrong reason for doing something? that the to find fault? Isn’t Westerners will usually go up the center aisle. To them, that is that is them, To will usually go up the center aisle. Westerners bow, to middle the up goes one church, a In respectful. being genuflect and then take their seat. The “disrespectful” who come not noticed for their try to sneak in along the side, hopefully late, tardiness. have a dress code, but make certain it is explained kindly. Perhaps kindly. is explained it certain code, but make have a dress a shawl the Shrine as for entering sarong can be loaned or saw I Shrine when visiting Canada recently. done at a Hindu they Weren’t they not good people? Were roads, barefooted. following the culture of the times? Some FGS temples require require FGS temples Some times? the of culture the following Thai to go I When shoes. no or socks with shoes, closed-toe culture. is It coverings. foot wear not to instructed am I temples, the in get that barriers unnecessary at look to temples I encourage an accepting and welcoming environment. way of creating And is embarrassing. wrong. It something doing are they told tised, of I encourage adoption Therefore, and custom. culture is about it Etiquette Buddhist Chinese Explain #4: Opportunity Localization Respectfully.

The Future of North American Buddhism: An Appeal to Expand Humanistic Buddhism Study beyond Chinese Custom and Culture 246 2019 7th Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism 247 This goes for lay “officials” too. Bee, a Dharma sister at at sister Dharma a Bee, too. “officials” lay for goes This share thoughts and opinions, perhaps also will disagree, We too, trying to adapt to a new are learning Westerners And the Many Westerners who belong to less formal congregations congregations formal less to belong who Westerners Many relate to clergy—pastors, ministers, rabbis, priests, nuns, in a more a nuns, in priests, rabbis, ministers, to clergy—pastors, relate we Sometimes not disrespect. It is just our way. It is way. informal colleagues I have clergy or “Shifu.” to say “Venerable” forget will that I Andcall weby shaketheir hands,first sometimes name. hug, the congrega- church, upon the depends It often sometimes kiss. feel close, We of the working relationship. tion, or the closeness partners. So, when we are equal that we are serving together, that don’t we mean doesn’t it title, proper the honorarium, the forget we to do has much This, again, leaders. religious temple’s the honor with language. English speakers have difficulty with remembering when for Chinese same is the It names. Chinese pronouncing and a little little laughter, A names. they are confronted with English our blend we as breaker ice good a always is practice and help culture and our languages. Malaysia, asked me what she Guang Ming, a lovely woman from a Lay Dharma Lecturer and I wantshould call me “because you are We and said, “Call me ‘Ina’!” to treat you with respect.” I smiled, use usually difference—we cultural Another hugged. and laughed first namesand no titles… medical doctors, judges and our PhD- the universal exception. holding college professors, being and with those of higher position than one with greater energy reaching of our way is Again, it expect. culture might Asian of properly and without if managed disagreement, see We consensus. We the problem-solving process. rancor or ill feelings, as part of continue to are taught from a young age to dialogue, not shy away, work until a resolution, even if it is to “agree to disagree,” is met. culture within Fo Guang Shan, trying to “fit in.” But we don’t do Our or direction. a very good job of always asking for permission Always focus on a person’s intention. focus on a person’s Always

Westerners who come to our temples are curious. They ask a ask a They curious. are our temples to who come Westerners Master Hsing Venerable Now to the last point—education. learn We America, we are taught to ask, ask, ask. In North the all have not does teacher the know that also Americans at will leaders our monastic for the Buddha and Our respect All cultural ways are good ways… when the time and time and are good ways… when the All cultural ways situation fit the method. Again, it is “intention” and acceptance of one another. too, are But they, try to do things correctly. They lot of questions. Culture is only a through their cultural eyes. viewing everything have a Buddha Inside, we are the same—we all surface difference. ourselves and joy for out, to experience to come screaming nature compassion for others. Localization of Education IV. that we learn in many ways. values education and believes Yun in an for Localization: “Teach This provides a fifth Opportunity way.” interactive, less formal, less traditional students— All students. fellow and teacher the with interacting by want to participate in learning. the very young, teens, adults, They like can help them. They want to know how the knowledge Temple when the Guang Ming interaction and projects. In fact, and we asked Adults were planning their winter retreat Young Dharma classes,what they would like in the their first and want activities and We lecture! adamant response was, “Don’t involvement!” Therefore, we believe we wrong. answers and can sometimes be conclusion. a or idea an debate respectfully can We disagree. can This is how we learn, how we develop critical thinking, often is how we come This, we believe, out of the box.” “thinking called to a better decision, a deeper understanding. culture is based on what the East might call “ego.” We are more more are We “ego.” call might East the on what based is culture responsibility.” or “taking see it as “individuality” prone to

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Opportunity #5: Interactively Teach in a Less Formal, Way Traditional Less Opportunity #6: Make Connections to Daily Life Choices and Moral Responsibilities The Guiding Orchids—Masters of Reform and and of Reform Guiding Orchids—Masters When I read The written by FGS Venerable Venerable Buddhism written by FGS of History the in Innovation occurred propagation Buddhist in strides great saw that Jung, I Tzu old old interpretations, leaders challenged when eminent Buddhist ideas. Classes at temples must be taught differently if they are to benefit reason. for a different to the temple come Westerners people. local with familiar sights, sounds, They are not “returning home” They are seekers, wanting to see how Buddhist smells and tastes. The teacher should not only teachings can benefit their lives. Master’s Venerable the to it Link for example. Sutra, the discuss Therefore, I suggest experiences. to contemporary it link teaching, connections make teaching, “When #6: Opportunity Localization moral responsibilities.” to daily life decisions, choices and West, has been in the education Asians whose and the Westerners me understand me? My relation- ask: How can Buddhism help My wish for peace? How do I ships? My emotions? My pain? and monastic teachers, Dharma of life? stuff” “tough the handle current circumstances can help the students look beyond their lay, methods and by widening the teaching into their moral character, encouraging robust discourse. times be demonstrated by looking at even the most sacred teaching the most sacred even looking at by be demonstrated times “Don’t Buddha told us? this what the And isn’t eyes. with doubting your in for yourself Learn say them? I because just things believe This is making not slanderingThis is teachings. the own mind?” them ours.

- series. He reminds us to be aware of our facial facial of our aware be us to reminds He series. Between Ignorance and and Ignorance Between the in published is that Opportunity # 8: Ask Westerners, Don’t Assume! Don’t Westerners, Ask Opportunity # 8: must “Ask We #8: last Localization Opportunity the Finally, by respecting only culture, local the into by blending Only a to tied by staying Buddha-nature our realize cannot We Therefore, we should encourage a warm welcome, a willing welcome, a warm we should encourage Therefore, Opportunity Opportunity # 7: SMILE! And All That Conveys a Warm Welcome article Times Master wrote a Merit Venerable The “Smile!” smiling ness to help. We never know why the person came through the the through came person the why know never We help. to ness painful experience might be curiosity or a recent temple doors. It for looking be They might help. seeking are they for which treat not do monastic and lay the if But guidance. spiritual an to hurt more cause might we loving-kindness, with everyone the Plus, we should remember: situation. emotional fragile already the Dharma sibling of tomorrow! guest of today just might become needs.” their why they come and if we are meeting Westerners the too much on ourselves, on the Sometimes temple members focus realize not do We of “listen.” instead “tell” to wanting on temple, and cultural experiences. personal that we are seeing through our wants think we are doing the right thing. If a temple to meet We Again, “ask, new person is necessary. in the interest needs, genuine tell.” don’t Summary culture, only by leaving the temple they enter the as local people comfort of a familiar language and culture, can we truly know what people need and provide it for them. on on Enlightenment harsh or accusatory looks and expressions. Unfriendly directives “foreign a entering person, new the makes It off-putting. are and unwanted, and, well, “foreign.” world” feel uneasy

The Future of North American Buddhism: An Appeal to Expand Humanistic Buddhism Study beyond Chinese Custom and Culture 250 2019 7th Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism 251

Humanistic Buddhism so that the beauty of the Buddha’s beauty of the Buddha’s Humanistic Buddhism so that the Westerners and hearts of compassion can reach the minds seeking a spiritual home. Expand your scholarly inquiry to the West. to the Expand your scholarly inquiry We have faith in the rightness of the Buddha’s teachings. of the Buddha’s rightness have faith in the We direction. Master’s Venerable follow the We think of the world as a global village, considering We Master Venerable The with every person. ourselves as one follow his citizen.” Should not we calls himself a “global in the same manner? lead, identify ourselves local people and their Wherever we are, blend with what But heritage. and our culture respect can We customs. not limit us. is familiar and comfortable should Help Fo Guang Shan actualize the Venerable Master’s Four Master’s Venerable the Help Fo Guang Shan actualize they 1998, in him by Penned Localization. of Points Core are yet to be fully realized. differences and modify practices in order to be more more be to order in practices modify and differences inviting and responsive to local communities. Write comparative analyses of Chinese and Western Western and of Chinese analyses comparative Write culture, in this instancecultures, encouraging the “majority” to be open to cultural the Chinese temple community,

3.Encourage Fo Guang Shan to expand the practice of of practice the expand to Shan Fo Guang 3.Encourage 3. 4. Monastic, Chinese and Western laity, with the help of scholarly laity, Western Monastic, Chinese and Therefore, I close with an appeal to scholarsTherefore, I close with an appeal and researchers 1. If: 1. 2. 4. 2. Request for Scholarly Inquiry Request for who can be instrumental in widening the influence of Humanistic to: America Buddhism in North narrow sense of self. We have to reach out. We have to forget about have to forget We out. have to reach We narrow sense of self. We who need comfort. go toward those and instead, our comfort bright a have can Buddhism of Humanistic future The do this! can Americas. future in the “The essence of Buddhism lies in its acceptance of the the of acceptance in its Buddhism lies of essence “The as in the world. If we can view change changes constant better in part of life, we will do a natural and desirable not are and Truth the follow we as As long world. this make and wisdom gain will we views, our to attached constant progress.” his bringing Buddha, the of intent original the Actualizing “Faith in Humanistic Master says it best: Venerable The study of our localization practices, can assure a bright future for for future bright a assure can practices, our localization of study is for all. Buddhism Humanistic West. Shan in the Fo Guang Therefore, we all. In “Attachment have an obligation to to One’s and inevitable is change us that reminds Master Venerable Views,” to be welcomed: to equanimity and joy, loving-kindness, of compassion, message by effort concerted a requires It accomplished. be can West, the must jointly participate in the arduous task of embracing We all. It all all cultural heritages, reaching out beyond the familiar. in Humanistic based upon faith actions depends upon our actions, Buddhism. With of body and mind. Buddhism shall lead to the purification self between differences all transcend you shall an open mind, As researchers and scholars, you can help us further and others.” waters to the Dharma of “bringing vision Master’s Venerable the robust, a but trickle, a just not drop, a just not And … West” the flowing stream.

The Future of North American Buddhism: An Appeal to Expand Humanistic Buddhism Study beyond Chinese Custom and Culture 252 2019 7th Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism 253 Humble Table, Wise Fare —Humble Table, Misunderstanding trouble. leads to to resentment. Misbehavior leads Dishonesty leads to disapproval. Confusion leads to disputes.