EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

Exploring the Culture of Buddhism

Cole Lewis
University of Kentucky
CIS 110 - 047

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

Abstract

This research covers Buddhism, the common stereotypes associated with it, the differences
in its subgroups, and the groups view points on various issues. The student conducted
research by interviewing two people of the Buddhist faith, one of which was born into the
religion the other adopted it late in their life. The student then compared their responses to
that of articles written by various Buddhist authors. The student also asked people not of
the faith their understanding of the religion and was from that able to make assumptions as
to how cultural backgrounds influence perceptions. The student was attentive to the belief
systems and customs of the Buddhist faith and also the culture surrounding it. The student
concluded that Buddhism was fundamentally different than major religious sects that
dominate in present society and therefore impossible to understand with the same logic.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

Exploring the Culture of Buddhism

Types of Buddhism:

Buddhism dates back nearly 2,500 years and in that time it has branched off into
many different sects of belief. These sects all maintain a general philosophical undertone;
however, they are great differences religiously. For the most part there are three major
branches that fall under the Buddhist name: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana
(Buddhist Sects, Schools & Denominations, 2014). Different forms have branched off from
these systems of belief with the most prevalent subgroups found under Mahayana.
Theravada Buddhism, or the way of the elders, is predominately found in South
Asia. It is a stricter form that preaches discipline and dedication. Theravada Buddhists
believe that enlightenment and nirvana can only be reached through lifetimes of work. Due
to the strenuous nature of this branch most followers become monks or nuns. Theravada
tends to be more philosophical and rational. Practicers of this branch believe it to be the
most original form of Buddhism. For this reason they often look down on Mahayana
Buddhism: Theravadas modern counterpart.
Mahayana Buddhism, or the greater vehicle, is a more religious, and more liberal
form of Buddhism. It is found primarily in North Asia. Followers believe that enlightenment
can be met in one lifetime and by people not completely dedicated to the religion, giving
more people an opportunity to reach nirvana than the other branches. This is where
Mahayanas receive the their nickname. Their vehicle is greater in that it has the capacity to
bring more people to enlightenment.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

This liberal interpretation is the most accepted form of Buddhism to date. It has
many sub-groups including: Nichiren Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, Tendai/Tien Tai
Buddhism, and Zen/Chan Buddhism. Each group has different interpretations of different
texts but is fairly similar in structure of belief. Nichiren Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism
both focus on chanting to gain insight. Tendai/Tien Tai Buddhism focuses Lotus Sutra: a
religious textbook rooted in the teachings of many, eternal enlightened ones. Zen Buddhism
focuses on meditation and inward thinking and is also the most recognizable form in the
western world.
The outlier in Buddhism is Vajrayana Buddhism, which is found almost entirely in
Tibet. Vajrayana Buddhism is so prominent in Tibet that it is often times referred to as
Tibetan Buddhism. It focuses on two different holy texts: the Kanjyur and the Tenjyur.
Tibetan Buddhism has a strong focus on rituals and meditation. Due to the secluded nature
of its people it has many cultural differences from the other sects. Tibetan Buddhism
parallels to Mahayana Buddhism in that followers often delay enlightenment in order to
teach others, although the means by which they do this are dissimilar.
Buddhists in Tibet have another dimension to their beliefs not found in the other
forms. There is a stronger need for guidance found in this sect. In Tibetan Buddhism one
cannot reach enlightenment without the help of a guru. These gurus, or Lamas, believe they
prolong their existence on this earth in order to guide others. Tibetan Buddhism is focuses
on most of the same texts as Mahayana Buddhism, but their practices are vastly different.
All sects of Buddhism follow similar philosophical constructs, although they vary on
interpretations of Buddhist texts and teachings. Different regions under different cultures
have developed different understandings of the world around them. This does not mean

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

one region contains only one type of Buddhism. The basic principal of truth found in all
Buddhist sects makes transition of views not only justifiable, but also necessary.

Stereotypes in Buddhism:

Buddhism is a religion that stands largely misunderstood by the general public. It is

plagued by assumptions; often times do to association that typically leads to an idea nearly
opposite of the actual ideology. Buddhism is unique in the fact that there seems not to be
one consensus stereotype, but rather many stereotypes dependent on an individuals
cultural upbringing. It is not a religion whose construct defies reason (To Hold Nothing,
2011.) Instead, Buddhism rewards the pragmatic and rational, and believes strongly in the
potential of human life.
It is inevitable human condition to draw from past experiences in order to
understand new information. Even more so, people have a tendency to form complete ideas
even without sufficient information. This means that when a person is introduced to
Buddhism they often fill the gaps in information with ideas that they associate from their
past. A good example of this is the idea of Buddha as a deity.
Most individuals are familiar with the major religious sects: Catholicism,
Christianity, and Islam. All three of which contain a morally superior deity that guides their
believers. Most people therefore associate religion with a deity and assume Buddha is a
god. This could not be farther from the truth. Buddhist believe that humans have the
capacity to lead themselves in the right direction and ultimately become enlightened;
Buddha is not a deity, it is a state of mind that all humans have the potential to reach.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

This is why someone with a background in a form of monotheism generally has a

hard time understanding the nature of the Buddhism. Monotheistic religions speak of
mans finite understanding of the world and his dependence on his deity while Buddhism
speaks of mans infinite potential and self-dependence. The two ideas are opposite of one
another. Buddhism is too abstract to understand with the fundamentalist laws found in
monotheistic religions.
A Lack of familiarity with Buddhist concepts furthers the understanding gap. Most
people in the western world have rudimentary understanding of karma, but very few know
about the Buddhist Middle Way: an essential facet of Buddhism. Much of the same could be
said about peoples understanding of other Buddhist principals.
Even if a person has had a basic construct of Buddhism presented to them they are
still likely to have misconstrued ideas. Buddhisms concepts are completely intertwined. So
to know one without the other undermines any potential understanding. For example all
Buddhist sects seek to not harm anyone or anything, even if they are being harmed; but
most sects do not mandate a vegetarian diet. Also, on the surface Buddhism teaches moral
nihilism, but when practiced it produces moral standards far more strict than the cultural
norm.
This lack of understanding is fairly typical throughout the western world. Many
living in it are not aware of those who practice Buddhism around them, although the
increasing numbers. A majority is often needed before attention is placed on something.
Buddhism, therefore, is vastly overshadowed by other religions in the west, and is likely to
remain in the dark for another half-century.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

History of Buddhism:

Buddhism originated in modern day Nepal in late 600 B.C. Its founder was a wealthy
man, born a prince, who escaped routine life in search for the truth (About Buddhism,
2007). Siddhartha Gautama found his personal truth, i.e., enlightenment, after six years
spent mediating and inquiring life in the wilderness. He then adopted the title Buddha
meaning Awakened One and exited seclusion and inserted himself back into society to
teach others his understanding of the world.
Gautama began teaching the first wheel of Dharma which included teachings like the
Four Noble Truths and Sutra that Theravada Buddhist still use to date. He then went on to
develop the second and third wheel of Dharma that modern day Mahayana Buddhist
practice. The first wheel gives disciplined instructions on how to escape ones own suffering
while the latter describes ways to obtain nirvana. Although Siddhartha largely constructed
all parts of the Dharma most sects of Buddhism only focus on a certain parts of his
teachings.
These extensions are partially due to the monastic nature of early Asia. Buddhism
was taught, and greatly influenced by the original Arahants or enlightened ones that
Buddha guided himself (Boniford, 2014). Since Buddhism is concerned with progression
these Arahants, and those that came after, were at liberty to develop their own
understanding of Siddharthas teachings. This cascaded over many decades, lead to the
varied beliefs held by Buddhists today.
This of course was not the only factor at play. Buddhism, due to its nature,
propagated peacefully throughout southeastern and then later northern Asia. Its followers

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

sought not to convert, but rather teach. The immense differences in culture in Asia, and the
lack of imposed doctrine prompted different interpretations and practices of Buddhism.
This is not to say that Buddhism is free of imposition. Although forced conversions were
very rare, royal support did garner respect. Much of the northern Indias Buddhism
involvement can be equated to King Ashoka who ruled the land thousands of years ago.
The speed at which Buddhism spread was dependent on the economies of the times.
Initially after the creation of Buddhism the religion laid centralized to the area, but
following the creation of export style economies it exploded. After sea routes were
developed in the first century A.D. Buddhism seeped into Southeast Asian areas. Nearly a
century later the development of the Silk Road gave the religion an ability to spread into
Northern Asia.
Japans involvement with Buddhism, however, does not come until much later when
Korean merchants sail to the island around the sixth century A.D. (History of Buddhism,
1999). Here it is adopted along with Japans original religion Shinto. Due mainly to Japans
size, Buddhism does not develop the diversity found in Asia. Most modern Japanese
practice a form of Mahayana very similar to what was introduced to the land originally.
Even farther behind Japan in introduction to Buddhism is the west. King Ashoka had
attempted to bring Buddhism to the west but failed. All of North America was oblivious to
Buddhists ideas until Chinese settlers came to the United States in the mid 1800s. These
settlers introduced a form of Mahayana Buddhism. By the 1950s informed Buddhists
moved to the west with hopes of educating. These new ideas sparked next generation
curiosity leading to an influx of young Americans in Asia. Those who returned to America
shared their ideas and ignited Buddhism for the west.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

This accompanied by the Dalai Lamas Nobel Piece in 1989 lead to Buddhism
current involvement in the states. Buddhism is now the fourth largest religion in America
and rapidly growing in the western states. Despite the general misconception shared
throughout America, many of its citizens understand and practice the religion. Overall,
Buddhism has found a steady rise in America, and will most like continue to do so for some
time to come. It is one of the few religions that meet scientific requirements Americas
youth needs. Einstein himself stated (1954):
Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for
the future: It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both
the natural and spiritual; and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the
experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity.

Buddhisms Perceptive:

Buddhism is a framework of life. Something internal that you carry with you in
everyday life and allows you to become one with currents of life. (Z. Merkin, 2014).
Those who practice Buddhism perceive it differently from those who do not.
Buddhism to them is often times more of a way of life rather than a religion. Buddhists feel
that they offer a unique and rational understanding of the world. They believe they have a
firmer grasp on reality, and are disassociated with humans materialistic tendencies.
Buddhists do not view themselves as perfect. Actually Buddhism teaches against the notion
of right and wrong, but rather moral relativity and intentions. Buddhists see a connection
between their actions and seemingly unrelated things around them; in this way they find

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

10

freedom in their discipline. They believe that they have an unlimited potential to do and
know all things.
There is not a prevalence of resentment towards other sects as there are in other
religions. Since humility is one of Buddhisms main principals it would be counterproductive for one group to judge another. Disagreements may be common within the
Buddhist community, but they are never spoken of negatively. The same can be said about
Buddhisms involvement in modern society. Most Buddhists deal little with society as
society has little to fulfill their religious goals. Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism,
wishes to enlighten mankind, but does so in a less opposing way than many monotheistic
religions. This is because Buddhists believe an individual must take their own course and
responsibility to reach enlightenment. They are eager to help an inquiring individual, but
often times view conversions as a pointless venture.
This is another principal that proves fundamentally different from other major
religions. Monotheistic religions usually focus on spreading their viewpoint throughout the
world. Buddhism focuses on guiding people on their spiritual journey. According to what is
potentially the most notorious Buddhist the Dalai Lama Stay in your own religion an
meditate.
The accepting nature of Buddhism is an identifiable attribute. The Buddhist religion
sees the good in other religions, and many believers of Buddhism understand that the same
religion is not for everyone; because of this Buddhism lacks in ethnocentrism. Openmindedness is key to the religion. Therefore, Buddhists often times have an inquiring
nature. Whether or not this is a product of their Buddhism, or their reason for adopting it is
relative.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

11

The level of pragmatism in Buddhism is unparalleled throughout most other

religions. Although it is a religion, the ideology is more similar to less religious
philosophies, e.g., agnosticism. For this reason, Buddhists can relate to the rationale
developed by the non-religious. Buddhism, like the non-religious, denies all forms of
wishful thinking. It also takes pride in being a truthful and accurate understanding of the
world.
This, however, does not compromise Buddhists morals. Buddhism has a high level
of tolerance, and a will to love all creatures. These are traits are admirable not just within a
Buddhist group, but also in nearly every other culture on the earth. It is not uncommon for
people from other religions to adopt Buddhist principals, and this is typically what
Buddhists strive for. Buddhism does not wish to change ones religion, but rather to guide
them to their fullest potential.
Although people throughout the world are exposed to similar information the way
they decode the information relies heavily on their beliefs. Buddhists find themselves in a
peculiar situation, somewhere between religion and rationality. Their understanding of the
world is unique, and many times secludes those who maintain it. This does not detour them
from impacting the world. The Buddhist perspective influences both the aware and
unaware in subtle ways.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

12

References
To Hold Nothing. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
http://toholdnothing.blogspot.com/2011/12/breaking-buddhist-stereotypes.html
Bodiford, W. (n.d.). Zen (Buddhism). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/656421/Zen
Buddhism History, Doctrines and Teachings, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
http://buddhism.about.com/
Buddhist Sects, Schools & Denominations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/index.htm
About Buddhism. (n.d.). History of Buddhism |. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
http://www.aboutbuddhism.org/history-of-buddhism.htm/
The Buddha. (n.d.). BBC News. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/history/history.shtml
The Berzin Archives. (n.d.). The Spread of Buddhism in Asia. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/study/history_buddhism/gener
al_histories/spread_buddhism_asia.html
HISTORY OF BUDDHISM. (n.d.). HISTORY OF BUDDHISM. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ab77
Sar, personal communications, October 14, 2014.
Z. Merkin, personal communication, October 14, 2014.

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

13

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

14

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF BUDDHISM

15