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

[Benito Carral]

On Friday, March 11, 2005, Richard P. Hayes wrote:

> I  was  not suggesting that Buddhist temples themselves get involved
> in social work or even raising money for charitable projects.

   I   would   like   to  notice  here  that  reading  master  Xuyun's
autobiography  one  can see that he was quite involved in social work,
in  helping the people to suffer a bit less. So regarding current Chan
tradition,  I  would  say  that social work is a must. In fact, master
Jing Hui, in his _Outline of Sheng Huo Chan_ says:

          (1) The essential aim and object
              Inherit the tradition
                (be in line with what the Buddha teaches);
              Meet what the contemporary age needs
                (befit the social environment of times and
                the mental dispositions of people);
              Adhere to the orthodox Dharma;
              Spread the knowledge of Chan school;
              Develop the potential of wisdom;
              Elevate the level of morality; and
              Live an enlightened life, a life of service.

          [...]

          (4) Manifestation of the fundamental principales
                Strive for satisfaction in fulfiling duties;
                Strive for peacefulness in performing obligations;
                Strive for happiness in serving other people;
                Try to make progress in behaving selflessly;
                Try to comprehend the state of Chan in everyday life;
                See for emancipation in keeping
                  what one has attained.

> Rather,  I  was  just wondering why I have never heard a dharma talk
> encouraging  affluent  North American practitioners to be mindful of
> the  effects  of poverty and to be mindful of the various ways their
> lifestyles may be contributing to poverty.

   As I said, I don't know much about Buddhism in America, but here in
Spain, Buddhism is something quite individualist. In addition to that,
many  Buddhists  don't understand why they should contribute with some
money  to  their  temple, since "Buddhism should be for free." I don't
know if that could have something to do.

   Best wishes,

   Beni