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China: Buddhism Enjoys A Revival

Mitch Moxley

BEIJING, Nov 30 2010 (IPS) - Quan Zhenyuan discovered Buddhism by accident. After the owner of a vegetarian restaurant here in the Chinese capital gave her a book about the religion, she became hooked. Today, Quan is one of a growing number of urban Chinese who turn to Buddhism for spiritual fulfillment.

“I always used to believe Buddhism is a kind of superstition, but I changed my mind completely after reading the book” called ‘Recognising Buddhism’, says Quan, 32, an executive manager at a tourism agency in Beijing. She says Buddhism has taught her how to better solve problems and cooperate with employees and clients. “Buddhism gives me peace of mind.”

China, an officially atheist country, is experiencing a Buddhism revival.

Rites and Rituals

These are included within customs and traditions. The rites and rituals are an ornamentation or a decoration to beautify a religion in order to attract the public. They provide a psychological help to some people. But one can practise religion without any rites and rituals. Certain rites and rituals that people consider as the most important aspect of their religion for their salvation are not considered as such in Buddhism. According to the Buddha, one should not cling to such practices for his spiritual development or mental purity.

THE PURPOSE AND BENEFITS OF VISITING A BUDDHIST CENTRE

In this digital age, do we still need to visit Buddhist Centres?

Before Dhamma teachings were so easily available on the Internet, Buddhists went to temples to listen to teachings and to offer Dana as part of their daily or weekly routine. But thanks to technology, thousands of Dhamma talk recordings and e-books are now just a mouse-click away. Cash donations can also be done on-line and smartphone users can listen to their favourite Dhamma speakers anytime, anywhere. Thus, have Buddhist temples and centres lost their purpose and significance? Do Buddhists still need to visit these institutions?

Digging in the Dung, by Ajahn Brahm

When I was a schoolteacher, my attention was drawn to the student in my class of thirty who came bottom in the end-of-year exams. I could see that he was depressed as a result of his performance, so I took him aside.

I said to him: 'Someone has to come thirtieth in a class of thirty. This year, it happens to be you who has made the heroic sacrifice, so that none of your friends have to suffer the ignominy of being bottom of the class. You are so kind, so compassionate. You deserve a medal.'

What makes a Buddhist an exemplary Buddhist, praised and held up by the Buddha?

Candala Sutta AN 5.175

"Endowed with these five qualities, a lay follower is a jewel of a lay follower, a lotus of a lay follower, a fine flower of a lay follower. Which five? 

SABS at Nalanda Buddhist Society

SABS's happy and meaningful spiritual study trip to Nalanda 3/8/14. 

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn6jWUDemrA