Buddhism and Controversy
April 26th 2007 02:35
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Buddhism is not the light shining on a troubled world bringing inner peace and happiness which so many are pursuing.
Like most other things nowadays Buddhism is experiencing some doubt and challenge as to its credentials. At the same time there are countries which will not allow it within its borders and others which are welcoming these views with open arms.
China is going to great lengths to control, even to crush both Tibetan Buddhism and identity.
This is fairly common knowledge.
Debate is raging in the Phillipines as to whether Buddhism deserves a place in its Constitution as the official religion of Thailand.
The US's Department of Veterans Affairs is to allow pentacles to be "added to the list of emblems allowed in national cemeteries and on goverment-issued headstones of fallen soldiers".
The five points represent earth, air, fire, water and spirit, and the symbol joins those of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, amongst others.
Many people think Buddhism is about being nice and quietly compassionate. While these are qualities that a Buddhist strives toward there are other obligations which people may find they are unable to comply with.
"As I stood in line to purchase incense, I observed how the Shaolin monks lured tourists into the main hall to get their money. Three monks sat in front of the hall asking every visitor to sign their name in a "prayer" book.
The monks then told them that Abbot Shi Yongxin would chant scriptures for them to eliminate misfortune, and that they might want to burn a stick of incense in return to show their reverence.
If it wasn't for the person being duped in front of me, I might have been duped as well. When a monk told him that the price of the stick he picked was 6,000 yuan (approximately US$770), he turned pale. Imagine, 6,000 yuan for a stick of incense! "
The above author, Haitien Ludi, as a Buddhist was really drawn to visit a "Pure Land of Buddhism"—the famous Shaolin Buddhist Temple, Dengfeng City, in China.
He was then faced with what has been recorded above.
The emergence of Buddhism is in the news as is the error of Buddhism.
It seems the harmony and perfection many seek will forever elude them in our strife torn world.
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