How to Cipher Buddhism Through Western Culture

There are an estimated 350 to 500 million Buddhists worldwide.

Buddhism is a spiritual philosophy based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who lived between the sixth and fourth century BCE. A cipher is way of transforming texts to hide the meaning. Ciphering Buddhism through Western culture can be a way to introduce Buddhist principles and teachings to the West without labeling them as Buddhist. This is a very gentle way to introduce an ancient and beautiful philosophy to the Judeo-Christian West.

Instructions

1. Introduce Buddhist ideals as a system of logic. Buddhism is strictly rooted in logic. All doctrines and practices have a very practical motive behind them. The Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Middle Way are all logical and practical systems of living. For example, sila (ethics/morality) tells people to speak and act in non-hurtful ways. The Middle Way, for example, preaches the avoidance of excesses, something Westerners should be able to relate to.

2. Explain the connections between metaphysics, quantum physics and Buddhism. The similarities between the theories of modern scientific models and Buddhist beliefs are many and help give Buddhist thoughts more credibility in the West. Buddhists believe that physical reality is an illusion and that the material world is made of up the same basic substance or energy. Quantum physics supports this theory.

3. Draw parallels between the teachings of Buddha and the teachings of Jesus. The teachings of the two great spiritual leaders are extremely similar in their messages. Both preached non-violence, love, charity, humility, compassion and ethical behavior.

4. Discuss the origins of the Christian beliefs and doctrines. Western society is predominantly influenced by Judeo-Christian beliefs. A seemingly stark contrast between Buddhism and Christianity is the belief in reincarnation by the Buddhist. However, by examining the roots, edits and motives of the original scripts from the Bible, some scholars believe that reincarnation was in fact a Christian belief that was edited out to keep power in the church. This is a point of debate in the Christian religions, with many churches staunchly opposed to the twin concepts of reincarnation and karma.

References

• "The Awakening of the West: The Encounter of Buddhism and Western Culture;" Stephen Batchelor; 1994
• "Mind Over Matter: Reflections on Buddhism in the West;" Tarthang Tulku; 2002
• "Reincarnation: The Missing Link In Christianity;" Elizabeth Clare Prophet and Erin L. Prophet; 1997
• "The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels;" Paramahansa Yogananda; 2007
• "Teach Yourself Buddhism;" Clive Erricker; 2008
• "Teaching Buddhism in the West: From the Wheel to the Web;" Richard P. Hayes, Victor Sogen Hori and James Mark Shields; 2002