I recently had a debate with my wife about how Buddhist can live a productive life in the USA. This turns out to be a big problem and one that has been asked by many people, even the Dai Li Lama.
Let me define a few terms so things are clearer. I used the term "Buddhist" to mean anyone that follows the core principles of Buddhism: The Middle Way, The Four Noble Truths, The Eight Fold Path, Refuge in the Three Jewels. When I say "live a productive life" I mean work for a living and provided one's family with all the basic needs, i.e. food, warmth, shelter, etc..
The crux of the problem is the fact that one cannot survive in the USA without making money. The exception to this rule is to isolate oneself from society completely or live in an isolated community. This avoids the problem rather than dealing with it. Although it may end up being the "correct" solution. There a stories of buddhist retreats setting up shop as a bed and breakfast or a bakery to make money to run the actual retreat or provide other services to those in need. This apparently is what defines American Buddhism. The use of capitalism in the name of doing good for others.
I am skeptical if this is practical solution. I seems to me that this takes something away from Buddhism. It is basically the logic that Robin Hood used. Maybe the distinction here is the money is not bad, but rather the greed that it is associated with is bad.
Let me define a few terms so things are clearer. I used the term "Buddhist" to mean anyone that follows the core principles of Buddhism: The Middle Way, The Four Noble Truths, The Eight Fold Path, Refuge in the Three Jewels. When I say "live a productive life" I mean work for a living and provided one's family with all the basic needs, i.e. food, warmth, shelter, etc..
The crux of the problem is the fact that one cannot survive in the USA without making money. The exception to this rule is to isolate oneself from society completely or live in an isolated community. This avoids the problem rather than dealing with it. Although it may end up being the "correct" solution. There a stories of buddhist retreats setting up shop as a bed and breakfast or a bakery to make money to run the actual retreat or provide other services to those in need. This apparently is what defines American Buddhism. The use of capitalism in the name of doing good for others.
I am skeptical if this is practical solution. I seems to me that this takes something away from Buddhism. It is basically the logic that Robin Hood used. Maybe the distinction here is the money is not bad, but rather the greed that it is associated with is bad.
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