the study of buddhism [western scholars], work of philosophers and writers and the arrival of asian immigrants
1 of 26
Why has Buddhism achieved such immense popularity within the west?
It hasn't recieved a bad press, their are no authority figures within the religion, it is now seen as a "lifestyle" and people have become disassociated with christianity
2 of 26
What about the Buddhist attitude attracts many westerners?
The "come and see for yourself" attitude. People are not asked to believe in anything but to try out the Buddha's ideas for themselves and use trial and error
3 of 26
What are some incorrect stereotypes about Buddhism? [common among the uk and america]
Yoga is involved, you must be athiest, whole "zen" attitude, celebrities and their portrayal of buddhism, buddhism has no rules, portrayed as being calm/passive
4 of 26
Contrary to popular belief, some buddhist communities actually encourage social media, why may this be?
They see it as a way of seeking out a community and finding spiritual friendship within the community
5 of 26
Why may some Buddhists need or want social media?
Living a life of solitude and being a buddhist can become quite lonely
6 of 26
What has the spread of buddhism in the media [films, documentaries, books etc] encouraged in the west?
It has encouraged more people to learn more about the buddha's teachings, the religion and its origins
7 of 26
What do some monasteries allow their monks to do?
read the news
8 of 26
Why isn't reading the news overly encouraged?
Because it can provoke a sense of attachment to things going on outside the monastery and a monk may lose focus on his meditation.
9 of 26
Which important Buddhist figure has a Twitter account?
The Dalai Lama
10 of 26
What has the Dalai Lama spoken about?
Tibetan crisis, women's rights, environmental issues, non-violence and interfaith dialogue
11 of 26
Why is he so popular and well respected?
charasmatic personality, international fascination with buddhism, respects the rights of tibetans, universal values, respects westerners who learn buddhism
12 of 26
What does he say about religion?
He tells people to stick to their own religions and that Buddhism shouldn't come with a stigma
13 of 26
Why do the left like him?
He emphasises universal rights and self-autonomy
14 of 26
Why do the right like him?
because he opposes China
15 of 26
What do the chinese say about him?
''He is a wolf in monks robes, a demon with a human face and the heart of a beast''
16 of 26
What are Paul Knitter and Stephen Bachelor associated with?
Dual-belonging/secular Buddhism
17 of 26
Who is associated most with secular Buddhism?
Stephen Bachelor
18 of 26
How long was Bachelor a monk for?
20 years
19 of 26
What is Stephen surprised at about buddhism in the modern world?
The way that Buddhism has entered the mainstream - you can now get meditation on the NHS and even a US Congressman has written a book about mindfulness.
20 of 26
Why is he surprised that people like Buddhism?
Because it comes from highly conservative, agrarian communities in Asia.
21 of 26
What does Stephen say westerners will believe?
They'll believe what a monk from Thailand tells them, but not a priest from Cambridge.
22 of 26
What does his secular Buddhism seek to do?
Rethink Buddhism from the ground up
23 of 26
For most Buddhists, what is buddhism for them?
Something to do not something to believe in.
24 of 26
Why have Knitter and Bachelor been criticised?
For abandoning the Dharma
25 of 26
Where is the evidence of this?
In parables such as the ''Poison Arrow"
26 of 26
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Why has Buddhism achieved such immense popularity within the west?
Back
It hasn't recieved a bad press, their are no authority figures within the religion, it is now seen as a "lifestyle" and people have become disassociated with christianity
Card 3
Front
What about the Buddhist attitude attracts many westerners?
Back
Card 4
Front
What are some incorrect stereotypes about Buddhism? [common among the uk and america]
Back
Card 5
Front
Contrary to popular belief, some buddhist communities actually encourage social media, why may this be?
Comments
No comments have yet been made