Additional Thoughts on Buddhism in the West

In “The Monk and the Philosopher” by Matthieu Ricard and Jean-François Revel, Matthieu Ricard states in the last chapter:

"It is no good expecting that Buddhism in the West will be practiced as it was in the East, and the lifestyle of monks and hermits in particular is unlikely to become as widespread here as it is in many Buddhist countries. Nevertheless, Buddhism seems to be able to provide the means necessary to instill in all of us a degree of inner peace. It is not a question of creating a Western form of Buddhism, reduced to an insipid ‘lite’ version by numerous concessions to everyone’s wants, but of using Buddhism’s fundamental truths in such a way that the potential for perfection we all have within us can be actualized."

I definitely cannot say it better myself.

I want to add to this a list of daily items that are necessary to make any progress along the path as a Buddhist practicitioners (courtesy of Lama Marut):

- Have a Daily meditation practice
- Check your ethics regularly each day
- Help someone at least once a day
- Study some spiritual text daily
- Get some kind of exercise to keep ones juices flowing

Sounds like a good start for Western Buddhism.

Many Dharma Blessings,

Geoff