[Buddha-l] Bourgeous Buddhism: 'Buddhist' Identity

[Margaret Gouin]

Thank you Venerable. Deep bows.
Margaret

On 7 October 2011 23:25, Mahinda Deegalle <dmahinda at yahoo.com> wrote:

> This discussion on the 'Buddhist' identity is an interesting one. But it is
> also frustrating.
>
>
> 'Buddhist' identity itself is just another label; a useful label to creat
> narrow boxes. However, it is worth enquiring whether there is any space
> within what we identify as 'Buddhism' for holding exclusive views.
>
>
> In addition, do we have rights to exclude one person or a group and deny
> their existence labelling them as non-Buddhists or not 'real-Buddhists'?
>
>
> Does anybody have monopoly over 'Buddhist' identity? Is it not the case
> that Buddhism and the Buddha allow anyone to practice the Buddha's teaching
> in various degrees according their capacities and enthusiasm? Is not it the
> openness one of the key characteristics of being Buddhist?
>
>
> Is not the whole point of Buddhism is being open and enabling anyone to
> enter the practice of it? Who has rights to pass judgments on other's
> practice?
>
> Should we be fanatical about our own practice against some others? Is it a
> Buddhist thing to do?
>
> Thanks
> Mahinda Deegalle
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: David Living <aryacitta at hotmail.com>
> To: BuddhaL <buddha-l at mailman.swcp.com>
> Sent: Friday, October 7, 2011 8:26 PM
> Subject: [Buddha-l] Bourgeous Buddhism
>
>
> > F wrote
>
> > Ok, but it is a fact that Nichiren are buddhists? Or the concept of
> > buddhism is not contradictory with, say, their reading of the Lotus
> > Sutra? If not, what does happen to them?
>
> I don't think they're real Buddhists - after all they just chant mantras
> and promise their disciples sports cars.
> The Buddha didn't do that in fact he seemed to renounce consumerist values.
> Some basic Buddhist values I'd suggest are - ethical values based on right
> motive, an understanding of the importance of impermanence in the world we
> live in, avoidance of extreme views like eternalism or nihilism .... and
> compassion. The Buddha himself seems to have recommended that people avoided
> teachers and Buddhists who were unethical, manipulative and attached to
> worldly possessions. Anyone who calls themselves a Buddhist but doesn't
> practice Buddhist values is not a Buddhist. A Buddhist is as a Buddhist does
> - simple. Can't see what the fuss is about.
>
> Aryacitta - Dave Living
>
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-- 
Margaret Gouin
http://independent.academia.edu/ad3b
Author, Tibetan Rituals of Death : Buddhist funerary
practices<http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415566360/>