[Buddha-l] Buddhism and dana, church and charity

[Franz Metcalf]

Gang,

Just a brief comment on American Buddhist social engagement (or its 
lack). I think we need to be careful to keep in mind several 
distinctions here. I'll name just two:

1) Differing forms of American Buddhism differ in their engagement. For 
example, my experience is that Zen centers by and large have moved 
toward extensive involvement with their communities and with peace 
action. This comes, I believe, as a result of Buddhist Peace Fellowship 
and Diamond Sangha influence. Tibetan centers may be a totally 
different story. Same with Theravada centers. As for the majority forms 
of American Buddhism, those practiced by Asian-Americans, there is 
constant and vital social activism.

2) Buddhism, as a minority religion in the West, cannot be expected to 
foster temples and meditation centers focusing on social action the way 
Christian churches can. While I personally believe social action should 
be central to the Buddhist path, others may disagree and focus their 
energies on propagating the dharma more narrowly. This is appropriate 
to the establishment of the tradition. Christian churches do not have 
this excuse their denial of social responsibility is a repudiation of 
Jesus. (In this matter I refer those interested to the work of Jim 
Wallis, editor of Sojourners and recent author of _God's Politics_.)

Cheers,

Franz