Eaton- Cultural Reporter Buddhism

Two million people practice Buddhism in the United States (Kaleem 2011).  While this may sound like a lot, this is only 0.6 percent of the total country population.  Therefore, it would make sense to say that I am not all that familiar with the Buddhist culture. Sure, I read “Siddhartha” (a narrative about the founder of Buddhism) but remember little.  We all are familiar with the statues of the bald man and big stomach sitting in a cross-legged position.  But what is the practice, and its history, all about?

Simply put, Buddhism is a religion practiced across the globe.  The term comes from “budhi” or “to awaken.”  The Buddha was not a God, and he didn’t claim to be as well (White, 1993).

Culture, as defined in Intercultural Communication in Contexts, is learned patterns of behavior and attitudes shared by a group of people.  With this definition, Buddhism is most certainly a type of culture.  “Religious Tolerance” teaches that Buddhist beliefs are very complex, but some fundamental beliefs include reincarnation, Nirvana (a state of liberation from suffering), and the Golden Rule (Robinson 2009).  

Furthermore, the Buddhist practice aims to live a moral life, be aware of thoughts and actions, and grow in wisdom and understanding.  Interestingly enough, Buddhism is tolerant of other religions and beliefs as well (White 1993). The Buddhist culture is somewhat learned and allows people to have a spiritual identity and health, yet it also is very dynamic as well. The religion teaches communication between the self, as it teaches that the answers to our conflicts are within ourselves (White 1993).  Mental wellness is also emphasized.

Historically, the religion has gradually migrated West.  The Buddha Dharma Education Association believes that this is because of the fact that Buddhism has answers to many materialistic problems.  It also has a very advanced interpretation of the mind (White 1993).

I am currently in contact with Courtney Bruntz, a classics and religious studies professor at UNL who also practices Buddhism.  I plan to research the group by talking with her, interviewing other Buddhist teachers Courtney is connected with, and attend some meditation session Jewel Heart Nebraska chapter meditation sessions.  Furthermore, there is a Zen temple in Minneapolis that I plan to visit during my fall break back home in Minnesota.   

What’s nice about Buddhism is that most places are very open and welcoming to “drop-ins” wanting to learn more about the culture and the religion.  Obviously, I will not “fit in” nor will I try to, but Buddhism teaches how to be accepting and avoid conflict, so I don’t think I will run into any issues ethically or personally.

Overall, I am very excited to learn more about this culture- it has gained popularity over the years in the United States and I’m looking forward to immersing myself into something I know very little about and have had few interactions with!

Kaleem, J. (2011).  Buddhism in America: What is the future?  Huffington Post Religion.  Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/14/america-buddhism_n_876577.html

Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2013). Intercultural communication in contexts (6th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Robinson, B.A. (2009).  Buddhism’s core beliefs. Religious Tolerance. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism1.htm

White, B.  (1993).  What is Buddhism?  Buddha Dharma Education Association.  Retrieved from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm