At BeliefNet, Lodro Rinzler has a list of the "7 steps that make for a 'good Buddhist.'" I give him credit for putting quotation marks around "good Buddhist," at least. But the Buddha already created a list of the 8 steps that make for a "good Buddhist."
The 7 steps (see Rinzler's post for explanations) are:
- Have a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice
- Seek enlightenment/further awakening
- Learn something
- Learn from fellow practitioners
- Don't cause harm
- Do some good for the world
- Last but not least, consider meditation practice practice for our life
I came up with my own list. Excuse the Zennish.
- Don't be a "good Buddhist" -- don't create a self to hang the adjective "good" on.
- Seek not-seeking.
- Be open to learning -- empty your cup.
- Understand that a bookstore is not a sangha.
- Cultivate bodhichitta.
- Cultivate bodhichitta.
- Practice (meditation, chanting, etc.) and cultivate bodhichitta.
Did I miss anything?
I have to take issue with one paragraph of Rinzler's article:
What's the point in having a meditation practice if you're not trying to change at all? In my experience when people came to the meditation center I used to direct they weren't yet seeking enlightenment; they were seeking a way to work with their mind to reduce their own suffering. I think any motivation in between wanting to be less mired in confusion and ultimate awakening is damn fine since it's based in a desire to better oneself.
This is backward. The Buddha said, "I teach one thing and one only: suffering and the end of suffering." He did not say, "I will teach you how to better yourselves." He taught there is no "self" to be "bettered." And what is the distinction between "enlightenment" and "release from suffering"?
Hi Barbara, I appreciate your insight. I think any American might start with a ‘pop’ interpretation of self-improvement through Dharma. I think there is a place for it on the path, although when one attains wisdom there is bodhichitta instead.
Thanks for this post. I really hope North American practitioners continue to examine the many ways in which self help concepts are slipping into Buddhism here. It’s a watering down that may feel like opening the doors for more people to come in, but in reality is nothing more than a nice, little sugary treat for the masses.
While there’s nothing wrong with trying to be a better person- it’s commendable, really- it does not have the scope of actual Buddhism, the religion. This “Buddhism Light” is to Buddhism what fitness yoga is to actual Yoga, practiced in India and Sri Lanka.
I think that most Americans just find studying Dhamma too hard, so they stick with simple guidelines and meditation. That’s okay though- they can get it next time around.
I live in Sudbury Ont. Canada. Is there a temple Here???? Or other Buddhist’s.
Sept 22, 2011
Yes. There are Buddhists in Sdubury. My Buddhist name is Giac-Tri. I took my vows in 1998 and I am affiliated with a Buddhist Temple in Otawa.
I believe a “good” Buddhist is one who diligently practices the Way. The rest is quibbling.
To Stephen from Sudbury:
Found this: http://lumsa.tripod.com/