Buddhism in America: An Overlooked Consideration

Watch out for the wrath of hate! How will we respond?

I recently listened to a public radio program on religious intolerance in the United States. The springboard for conversation was a new book focusing on the attack of homosexuals by fundamental Christian groups and most notably the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas – the authors of the “God Hates America (http://www.godhatesamerica.com/index.html) and its other ‘Hate’ sites.

Clearly, I could talk to the perversion of Christian teachings and the Bible (would anybody really think that the Old Testament is a guide to how one should live their life?). I could talk about the Buddhist teachings on negative thinking such as hate (negative thinking – including hate – 100% causes our suffering and is the condition of others suffering).

However, I want to point out a warning to us Buddhist Practicitioners here in the United States. Right now, we are off the radar screen of fundamentalist hate groups. As Buddhism grows within the United States, we are going to find more and more attention directed towards our practices and us! As Practicitioners, our actions and behavior will be increasingly scrutinized. Every Practicitioners actions will be looked at as a statement to the merits or the condemnation of Buddhism!

One of the points made during the public radio discussion of hate groups is their need to create a “bad seed” which can then be looked upon by groups. The “bad seed” is then alleged to be the reason why things are not going well. In the community, in the country, and in the whole world! As Buddhism grows in the United States, we can easily become target of their wrath.

We can become the new poster child for the “God Fearing” crowd. For now, I think we fall way behind, gays, illegal immigrants, and Muslims as the boogieman that is out to destroy these community’s view of the world.

How will we respond? Can we remain in equanimity and filled with love and compassion toward all beings – including those with so much hate directed towards us?

I can see that I must quickly train and purify my negative thinking now. It is in this way that I can help all sentient beings as well as hopefully becoming an example of Buddhism in action. All of our actions will be judged. Every one of us will be held to standards almost impossible to be met.

I feel that noting examples of good action is helpful for me to recall. One such amazing example is that of the Amish Community in Pennsylvania following the killing of 5 Amish children on October 2, 2006. The Amish community reached out to the killer’s family and even attended his funeral. While this was not done to spread good message about Mennonites, it definitely did so. Their actions speak louder than any printed text. We all grew a little more respect for this peaceful and compassionate community.

There are numerous examples including the forgiveness of Chris Williams here in Salt Lake City whose car was hit by a 17-year old boy who under the influence of alcohol. Chris Williams’ pregnant wife and two of their children were killed the evening of Friday February 9, 2006 in the accident. As a committed member of the LDS faith, he is exemplary in his thoughts and actions. Three days after the tragic accident and less than 24 hours after his release from the hospital, Chris is forgiving the 17-year old! Wow! I could only hope to be so compassionate. I aspire to be as forgiving. In fact, the future of Buddhism in America will depend on us practicitioners to do such.

As more scrutiny is placed on Buddhist Practicitioners, it will be up to us to weather the storm and act with love and compassion to all sentient beings – even those that will hate us, even those that will harm us, and even those that beat us.

Many Dharma Blessings,

Geoff