+1
Oh my interesting thread! I'm glad its you and not me. for the record I have practiced Buddhism for something like 15 years. and other stuff.
Lots of critical thinking for me. Thank you =P
1) Do you find it hard to explain Buddhism?
I do find it hard. It has many facets, I don't know where to begin without launching into a thirty minute lecture. I've taken a liking to explain the story of Buddha's awakening, as most proper thought can be stemmed from those events.
2) How similar or different do you consider Buddhism to be to Taoism and also to Hinduism?
I find Hinduism to be more rooted in appeal to authority, more focused on the creators of the universe and those above you in the caste system. I don't know much about Taoism, to be honest, but if I had to take a jab at it I'd say Taoism is very much like Buddhism but without the focus on Buddha. I hear it is highly individualistic in nature. I've got some decent reading material on it, I just haven't gotten around to it. I'm not much of a reader, tbh, and I'll touch on that more in the coming questions.
3) To what kind(s) of Buddhism do you feel yourself drawn to? Thoughts on why?
I enjoy thinking of Buddha the person, much as I enjoy thinking of Christ the person. Again, I'll touch on it later in your questioning, but I don't find enjoyment reading others' speculation of intent and beliefs behind the individual, when so much direct source material is available for my mind to turn over. Mayhana Buddhism seems most in line with what drew me in to the line of thought. I have heard of a line of practice that deals primarily in the recorded history of Buddha, I will likely subscribe to that, someday.
4) Reincarnation is one of the topics in Buddhism that many people either don't take seriously, stand agnostic on, or ignore. What are your thoughts on reincarnation? Do you prefer the word "rebirth" instead? If so why?
During my studies, I have 'seen' the truth of rebirth. I have come to understand the power in cycles and waves, which I highly relate to the concept of reincarnation. I do not know if I trust my logistic abilities to say for certain anything, though, and will likely remain agnostic on the subject until further thought is injected into my brain.
5) What are your thoughts on the notion of "powers"?
Hm. The word invokes much thought. In context of Buddha himself, I do not believe he was divine. I know for certain he did not wish to be thought so, and particularly did not desire to be worshiped as above the man to his right. I'm not sure if I am on to the right thing, reading your next question. I'd like to learn of it.
6) Ken Wilber, when talking about Buddhism, made the point that "reincarnation and "powers" are a lot like abortion, no matter what you say you automatically lose/offend half your audience." Do you find it surprising that apparently half of people who are Buddhist would be offended if reincarnation and powers were not taken seriously?
I am not surprised. I know of the story of the disciple who went on his Lord's behalf to argue with Buddha the facet of reincarnation. Utterly convinced Buddha's line of thought was correct, far superior to his Lord's, he wished to be taken as Buddha's, though Buddha declined, and sent him back to further study as he had done prior to their exchange. I'm sure there is logic somewhere deep enough to warrant proper attention, though I have not come across it. Someday I've told myself I'll attend studies, I just cannot bring myself to do it.
7) Buddhism is the most psychological of the major eastern traditions, and the one most open or amenable to philosophic examination. Do you think that helps Buddhism and its being understood by people in this country? Does that lead to people "analyzing" or "being scholarly" instead of actually practicing?
I forgot I skipped this one.... I'll have to answer it later in the thread.
8) Many Buddhist teachers in the US face the question of how should they present Buddhism to Americans/westerners, and specifically how much should things be done exactly they way they were/are in the east vs how much should things be modified or adjusted for a western audience. thoughts?
I suppose it's a bit like a business. I have no qualms about watering something down to spread to a differing audience, especially if it means keeping the word (and the speaker) afloat. I think proper course of action would alleviate any potential misdirection one would achieve during casual presentation, perhaps through more in-depth study groups and things of the like, for those who are genuinely interested vs. those simply looking to invest their religious emotions into something.
9) How much of Buddhism's popularity do you think is due to it being an "in thing" or a common "I reject your culture/religion and choose this other one instead"-type of social statement vs actual interest?
I've always said I'd be Christian if it weren't for the Bible. Buddhism and Buddha himself is simply the most logical focal point for personal advancement, for me. I'm sure other's don't feel the same way, buying into it because it's something to buy into. But I don't know. They can do whatever, I suppose.
10) Why Buddhism vs any other major eastern tradition?
During my studies of quantum physics, I don't know. Everything I was learning, everything I was thinking... I just came across it and it clicked. I'm sure it could have happened with anything sufficiently relatable. I dislike that I can no longer pinpoint the 'whys' of many things anymore, it's closer to some large framework I once developed that still stands erect, but I have no fucking clue how it got there or how to work myself inside.
11) Do you think Buddhism is an easier "entry point" than the other eastern traditions?
Hm. Yes? I don't know much about other eastern traditions, to be honest. It seems more relevant to today's society than Hinduism, to say something.
12) What books or authors have you read?
I'm in the middle of one about Buddhism by George Braziller, after this I have one on Hinduism to read (if I get around to it). Like I said... I'm really not big on philosophy other than what I've thought. Sounds kind of.... uneducated, but it's the truth. I read mostly non-fiction, when I do read. I've read 'Sword and Mind' by Yagyu Munenori. Philosophy just doesn't do it for me, I guess. I'd prefer my philosophical text to be thematic in science fiction novels, lol.
13) When Buddhism [and yoga] were brought to the West in the 60's, do you feel that things were "Watered down?"
Likely. Us westerners are a weird lot, contextually. I don't think many of us have the desire to do anything in depth, or something like that.
14) Are there any particular reasons that you haven't read any Buddhist canon or other historical books, for examples by Japanese zen masters from centuries back?
Do you have any suggestions? It's hard for me to pinpoint anything,
if I were to of read anything of the like it would have been online, and I would not have paid much attention to who was saying what when and why, you know what I mean? I just kind of... take in the information, and it's all part of the same structure.
15) Do you "practice" anything? If so what and how would you describe it?
To be Buddha-like, daily. It involves much analysis of my chosen actions throughout the day, and how I could function better. I Ti my actions to death =/
16) Many people start a beginning meditation practice, often vipassana or shamatha, and have problems almost falling asleep and they talk about just how "boring" it is? How do you feel about that?
I find meditation boring, in the traditional sense. I've wondered what the qualifications are to constitute a proper meditation. I feel my mind is highly contained, and does its meditating pretty much whenever it feels fit. When I sit down to do it proper, following a set of methodological 'rules', I rarely see it through. So does my personal meditation 'count'? I don't know.
17) When people find out you are Buddhist what are some of the common reactions? Why? How does that make you feel or think?
To be honest, not many have found this out about me. I don't really talk about it, and if I do it's in passing reference or something. If someone does find out, I find it most entertaining to tell them the 'surprises' of Buddhism, such as absence of deities and things of the like. I kind of steer clear of the more humanitarian side of it all... no one's really pushed me that far into my thoughts, though.
If there is anything I can elaborate on, or a line of dialogue you wish to open, let me know.