Expression of Buddhism Practices in the United States
Expression of Buddhism Practices in the United States
University of Phoenix
World Religious Traditions I REL 133
Buddhism in the United States
The exploration of Buddhism, and how its practices will be expressed, as it moves into America will indeed be an interesting topic. Questions will arise while concepts and beliefs will be tested. As Buddhism spreads in America will the religion endure change, becoming more casual and gender equal? Some thought is that Buddhism will be scientifically compatible enough to intrigue those who believe in modern day medicine, but need the soul and spirit treated in the same instance. This will cause a connection between science and spirit. Buddhism offers the idea a great deal of areas are considered to be a miracle in life. The expectation is that Buddhism will have a significant psychological impact with these concepts as the culture integrates into the West (Bauerle, 2000).
Introduction
The development and history of Buddhism is a very interesting journey. “The one who became Buddha was born about 563 B.C.E.” (Fisher, 2003, p. 141). Over time Buddhism evolved into different denominations containing various interpretations of the teachings. Buddhism moved across the lands and into the hearts of people with various backgrounds. During the evolvement of Buddhism it eventually reached the United States where is has secured its importance in American’s lives, even those with no Asian history at all (Heartland Sangha American Buddhism, 2008).
Some have derived the name “American Buddhism” since its arrival in the United States. Buddhist believers consider this to be just a label. Buddhists in ...