Buddhism in America

December 12th, 2007  ·  1 Comment

For over 20 years, all denominations of the Buddhist religion have experienced an unparalleled growth in the United States of America. From the years 1990 to 2007, Buddhism grew 190% and transformed itself into the 4^th most practiced religion in America. Today it is estimated that there are over 6.5 million believers in the Buddhist faith.

Although Buddhism spread throughout Asia it remained virtually unknown in the West until modern times.

Knowledge of Buddhism has come through three main channels: Western scholars; the work of philosophers, writers and artists; and the arrival of Asian immigrants who have brought various …

Thoughts on Virtue (Sila)

December 9th, 2007  ·  3 Comments

Irrigators guide the water,
Fletchers shape the arrow shaft,
Carpenters shape the wood,
Those of good practices control themselves.
– The Buddha

The Buddha said there are five gifts, five great gifts. He said they were long-standing, traditional, ancient, unadulterated, from the beginning—not open to suspicion, and will never be open to suspicion. What are these five things?

Abandoning the taking of life. (abstains from taking life)
Abandoning taking what is not freely given. (abstains from stealing)
Abandoning illicit sex. (abstains from illicit or heedless sex)
Abandoning lying. (abstains from lying and untruths)
Abandoning the use of intoxicants (abstains from

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