Non-Sectarian Buddhism: No favorite tradition? No sangha? No problem.
After a few conversations with local Buddhists here in Ohio and other bloggers, I’ve finally put my thumb on exactly what, at least for me, keeps me in the relative limbo of ‘non-sectarian’ Buddhism.
With every system of Buddhist practice that I’ve become acquainted with, my practice has deepened. I can see that it is possible to get ‘enlightened’ by any one system (or even no system at all). But for me, the most remarkable growth I’ve seen in myself happened after I began incorporating the philosophy of a different sect of Buddhism. The gentle philosophy of Thich Nhat Hanh was the entry point, and then the development of a personal sangha, which aren’t at a particular group but rather the collection of people I’ve met along the path.
Then came my first introduction to the Suttas, in the Pali canon. Then, the hunt for every MP3 file and e-book I could find online, to devour in my free time. The establishment of a regular meditation routine and the resulting experiences which encouraged me to keep researching and asking questions cemented my practice. Getting my position at Examiner engaged me in a practical way, making the ‘living meditation’ a habit and my work ethic keeping me in check.
Now a study of a Tibetan text and instruction in a different way of meditating, and of course the retreats and other experiences that have acted like a catalyst. Having a multi-faceted practice is to Buddhism like a house of mirrors, allowing you to see in every direction (if only you can make sense of what you’re looking at).
Honestly, I’m not sure I could practice in the long term unless I had access to all traditions and the particular viewpoints they all hold. The stark simplicity and mouth-watering challenge of Zen is inaccessible to me when I am depressed; in order to keep the still point raised in my mind, I need the compassionate humanity of Tibetan teachers. In happier times, my practice would get stale unless I had the demands of Zen. Likewise, the wisdom of the scholarly Forest monks are necessary for long, involved studies of the Buddha’s sermons.
The Buddha recommended the development of wisdom for many reasons, and was explicit on what to do with it: whatever the situation recommends. It seems natural and very Buddhist to use the different lineages’ wisdom like medicine. When the situation calls for a certain branch, apply liberally. Once that particular energy is spent, examine the situation and make a new determination.
Sure, this makes for more work and study- but is there anything else more worth doing? Whatever you do for a living, whatever your situation in life, wouldn’t you be more effective and create more happiness if you were a Buddha?
This is me. I’m American- of English, German, Irish, Swedish, and American Indian bloodlines and with no particular culture beyond my immediate family’s traditions. While cultural imperatives are appealing to some, I was OK living the way I was beforehand. Why would I take on another land’s customs? Makes no sense, like dressing to ‘fit in’ and I always thought that was pretty dumb too.
I know not everyone feels that way and I certainly am not saying they’re wrong for doing it- just that it’s not for me. What’s more, I know I’m not alone. I may be beating a dead horse here, but there is a new American sangha making its face apparent right now. This isn’t ‘new Buddhism’; it’s just American Buddhism. It will look just like Americans do- a mix of traditions doing their best to stay supported in the face of Samsara and all its vagaries.
Is that so wrong?
Excellent post Emily, very well put.
What’s wrong with that?
Well, I’ll tell you.
Nothing Emily.
It’s the same journey that I am on, and possibly a lot more Americans from various backgrounds, different religions. Me, I’m Greek and German. Father was Orthodox, mother Catholic. Raised a “mackeral-snapper,” as they used to call us.
Call my self a “Zen Christian” now, leaning so far to the Zen side, that I can’t wait until Sunday when the “holiday” will be behind us, and I can make a second visit to a Tibetan Buddhist Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Not crazy about all the “trimmings” on the walls. Beautiful depictions of Buddhist dieties. Just attended a “Tea Ceremony” that was very moving, only to learn the chants we made were to a fierce diety, a woman who drinks from the skull of the son she killed. She is the protectress of Tibet and no one I would ever want to see riding sidesaddle on a donkey heading in my direction.
The difference between Buddhist and Christianity? Meditation. The approval one gets to seek enlightenment from “within” while seeking an understanding of teachings from the Zen masters. In Christianity, spirituality seems to come from Above, the priests coming first and quiet, reflective prayer a distant second.
Nirvana is within. So is the kingdom of Heaven. Which one do you think can be more accessible from our practice?
michael j,
fellow journeyer
Because the Tibetan Buddhism is fundamentally a tantric tradition then a Guru (Lama), lineage and Yidam is required. Lineage and Sect should not be taken as being synonymous. Without a Guru in the tantric tradition then one really doesn’t make any progress. An authentic Guru will also be a lineage holder.
Mark
Very true.
Not that your comment was made in this light, but I feel it’s necessary to point out again to possible readers that Non-Sectarian is not meant to be a ‘new’ tradition, and certainly not a replacement for established lineages and sects. However, gurus and teachers are very scarce in the majority of the U.S. and Centers where one can practice are few and far between, giving rise to this phenomenon. People make do and have have been resourceful, combining efforts with various traditional groups to make resources more readily available to the curious who may just be starting out on the Path.
Sect is a western term which carries a negative connotation in many cultures. For example here in Australia sects are generally thought of as ‘religious’ organisations where disciples are brainwashed and/or taken advantage of by the sect leaders.
Regarding finding a Guru or Lama, if one is truly wanting to enter the path of enlightenment then one will be prepared to travel to find such a person. We have many examples in the history of Buddhism where people have travelled far to engage with an authentic teacher.
Tantric Buddhism is a rapid path however it requires some effort from our side.
For those who are curious and starting out it is good to provide an overview of the ‘authentic’ lineages of Buddhism. Engaging with the ‘qualified’ spritual friend is fundamental and the basis of all the meditation practices that follow.
Mark
To me ‘sect’ merely is a shortened and specific form of the word ‘section’- no negative connotation implied. I am aware that in Australia there is a greater awareness of cult-like groups, however, so the point is taken.
The point of the eclectic sangha is to dispel such notions and increase awareness of all lineages and branches of Buddhism, teachers and their teachings. Ideally, I would like teachers from all traditions to come to the site and say whatever they like, provided it is in a open-minded and compassionate context. Opening the dialogue, and not necessarily gaining followers, is the idea. There are so many people in rural areas that would like to practice, but have no idea where to start, having no idea what the individual traditions are and teach even if the groups exist in their area. This sangha is intended to fill that gap.
I’d like to personally invite you to our new, small but growing group of Buddhists- all are welcome! Peace Ground Zero network- Eclectic Buddhism Central
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I am a filipina buddhist and just how glad I am to have been grasped and never to be abandoned by the Tathagatha. The Tathagatha does everything for me, an evil doer, and I do not have to do anythin at all. The Tathagatha accepts me just I am.
NAMUAMIDABUTSU.
Sheryl Mohri
Remember that you are the Buddha!
Thank you very much. But to claim that I am a Buddha is foolishness on my part though human beings are foolish in all aspect. I don`t have the 32 physical characteristics of a Buddha andTo claim that I am a Buddha would mean that I a have wisdom that is incomparable to other people on earth. To claim that I am a Buddha means clinging to an ego of “I”.