Word: buddha
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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Congratulations on the informative articles on Buddhism, American-style [RELIGION, Oct. 13]. As you pointed out, the Four Noble Truths that expound on the sudden flash of insight that the Buddha received some 2,500 years ago have stood the test of time. These basic truths are as relevant to late 20th century America as they were to 6th century B.C. India. Trials and tribulations are constant factors in daily living, and meditation can only make good sense as a tool to get in touch with our inner core and the spiritual self to weather life's troubles. OM SAHAI...
Just as Christianity became a religion about Christ instead of the religion of Christ, in Eastern countries Buddha was elevated to godlike status in the center of an elaborate, ritualized theology. Since we Americans are not programmed to accept the cultural, traditional trappings of Eastern Buddhism, we can more clearly see the moon instead of focusing on the finger pointing toward it. Perhaps the truest Buddhism of all will finally surface here in the U.S. LARRY WALLINGFORD Chicago...
...Brad Pitt on your cover instead of Buddha? Give me a break! PATT KENNY New York City...
...Buddha taught the use of compassion to relieve suffering. Ritual, dogma and temples are irrelevant, red herrings on the path to insight. Karma and reincarnation are merely clever carrot-and-stick tools for people who need them. Most of us can do without them. TOM KOWALSKI Atlanta...
Throughout Asia today, in one of the little remarked but momentous sea changes of modern times, the sandaled monks with shaved heads have abandoned Buddha's command to be still...and have plunged deep into politics. While most continue their usual duties of meditating...teaching and begging, more and more of them are busy issuing political manifestoes, organizing riots and working for the downfall of governments. From the Indian Ocean to the Sea of Japan, from the Irrawaddy to Tonkin Bay, [Buddhist monks] are causing political waves whose final effect they themselves cannot foresee but which are vitally affecting...