Running Head: Tibetan Buddhism: A Religion That Can Accommodate The Everyday

American

Tibetan Buddhism: A Religion That Can Accommodate The Everyday American

Olivia Craig
University of Kentucky

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

Abstract:
This essay speaks of Buddhism and how it can be accustomed for the average American.
It touches base on the religions history, views, norms, practices, etc. There are
numerous branches of Buddhism, including Tibetan Buddhism, a religion in exile that has
a growing popularity in the West. Tibetan Buddhism can be extremely appealing to
Americans and the lives that they live. This religion does not demand much of its
followers and can accustom to life of the average American. Buddhists do not follow a
specific diet nor do they have to meditate in a certain place at a specific time. Unlike
many religions, Buddhism is nontheistic; it does not worship any gods or god-like
figures. But like many religions, Buddhism approaches the idea of improving oneself for
the greater good. Buddhists believe in peace and bettering themselves as well as the
world around them. Tibetan Buddhism is much more than what Americans perceive it as
a hippie religion. If Americans knew more about Buddhism, they would be more open to
its religion and culture.
Keywords: Buddhism, American, religion, Tibetan Buddhism, peace, everyday, accustom

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

Tibetan Buddhism: A Religion That Can Accommodate

The Everyday American
Buddhism is not all what it seems from the outside. It is not a hippie-loving
religion that preaches world peace and is made up of monks. It is not a strict vegetarian
culture that worships the Buddha. Buddhism is a lot more relatable to Americans than
what they think. It is a religion, or culture, that can easily accommodate the average
everyday American and their life.
Some view Buddhism as a religion. Others view it as a practice, or as a
philosophy of life. Regardless of what to label it as, Buddhism islets say a religionthat
focuses on improving ones self and the others around them. Buddhism is called a
religion in the West because people do not know what else to categorize it as (Mary-Joe
Gatton, Cheryl Coovert, personal communication, October 14, 2014). In reality, it is
more of a way of life, a philosophy of life. As a way of life, Buddhism emphasizes its
followers to be the best they can be (Low, 2012). To better themselves, to better the
others around them, to better the community and Earth around them. Tibetan Buddhism
teachings provide a peaceful antidote to the age of greed and aggression of today
(Shambhala Meditation Center of Lexington).
Like the many branches of Christianity, there are many branches of Buddhism.
One that is very popular in the West is Tibetan Buddhism, a religion in exile. Buddhism
was brought from India into Tibet, at the end of the eighth century (British Broadcasting
Company, 2004). Bob Crabtree, a Tibetan Buddhist instructor at the Shambhala
Meditation Center of Lexington, explains that there were two spreadings of Buddhism in
Tibet: the first one came but died out, but approximately one-thousand years later it

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

reappeared, this time without losing its popularity (personal communication, October 7,
2014). When the Chinese conquered Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism was forced from its
homeland. As the religion has been in exile, it has spread throughout the world. Tibetan
Buddhism survives today and has practice centers on every continent, except Antarctica
(British Broadcasting Company, 2004). It is widely growing in popularity in the West,
also known as Europe and the Americas.
Vows are important in the Christian religion, just as vows are in the Buddhist
religion. To become a Buddhist, one must take vows. A teacher can perform vows on
one, or one can do it themselves. There is instruction in books on how to take Buddhist
vows. According to Bob Crabtree, whether if one has studied or practiced either with a
teacher or in a center (a Buddhist gathering place for meditation) but has never taken
vows, they could actually take their vows without a teacher in attendance (personal
communication, October 7, 2014). Quite opposite to Christianity, where only the priest
can perform a baptism, the Buddhist culture is not strict on exactly who takes ones vows.
As long as one can do the vow, they are considered a Buddhist. The first vow is called
the Refuge Vow, and that is when one becomes a refugee (Bob Crabtree, personal
communication, October 7, 2014). There are plenty more vows to take, but the Refuge
Vow is one of the more important ones because that is the gateway to officially becoming
a Buddhist.
Like most religions are with practice, one of the main concepts to Tibetan
Buddhism is practice. Buddhists do so through meditation. Meditation is used as
practice because during meditation, the mind is at rest, but all the while open and alert.
Through meditation, one can realize the beauty and simplicity of the world without

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

manipulation or aggression. It is seen as a personal

journey and a path of social transformation (Shambhala
Meditation Center of Lexington). Christians practice by
praying together in church, but Buddhists do not speak
aloud through meditation (Lexington Shambhala, field
work, October 7, 2014). The most general Buddhist
meditation is called Mindfulness of Breathing. This is a
(2008). At Western
Buddhist Centers
[digital image].
and out for long amounts of time, and focuses on clearing
Retrieved from
buddhanet.net
their mind (Lexington Shambhala, field work, October 7, 2014).
meditation where one simply sits cross-legged, breathes in

Other ways of practice are through Rituals. These include making offerings to
statues of the Buddha and attending public ceremonies as well as teachings. There are
also demanding practices and meditations that are only possible to those who have
reached a sophisticated level of understanding. Senior Tibetan yoga experts are said to
have more control over their body than other human beings. This includes control over
their heart rate and body temperature (Low, 2012).
Tibetan Buddhism is also influenced by the Tantra, which, like Buddhism,
originated in India. It brings a magical element and portfolio of heavenly beings
(British Broadcasting Company, 2004), meaning there are many magical identities to
Buddhism. These tantras are a series of special teachings and practices. They are meant
to be looked at as a way to the Buddhists deepest nature, and as a means of
enlightenment.

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

Catholicism to priests is like Buddhism to Lamas. A Lama is a teacher in

Buddhism. These teachers are among the wisest and are usually senior members. The
most famous teacher, and one of the most known faces of Tibetan Buddhism, is the Dalai
Lama. The word Dalai comes from a Mongol word, meaning ocean, referring to the
depth of the Lamas wisdom (British Broadcasting Company). The Dalai Lama fled
Tibet during the Chinese occupation in 1959, because the Chinese were capturing
Buddhists and killing them. He has lived in exile in India ever since (Bob Crabtree,
personal communication, October 7, 2014).
Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha, who later adopted the name of
Gautama Buddha. The word Buddha means, enlightened one. He was not a God or
magical being, just a normal person who preached about non-violence and the ways of
life. One of his better-known teachings is the Four Noble Truths. The truths are (1) that
there is suffering, (2) there is a cause of this suffering, (3) it is possible to stop suffering,
and (4) there is a way, or path, to seize this suffering (Kumar Aich, 2013). These truths,
along with his other teachings, go along with Buddhisms belief of bettering ones self
and the world surrounding them. The idea of improving for the greater good can help
ease the unrest in this world. World peace may never be possible, but the Buddhists
philosophy of life may help that idea be met, even just a little bit.
Buddhism also focuses on study. Buddhists do not have a certain, specific book
that they follow, such as how Christians read and preach from the Bible. There are many
Buddhist books that are constantly being added throughout the years. During group
meditations, a piece of writing is usually read aloud while the group meditates. All
Buddhists writings are about teachings from the Buddha, and are usually explained and

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

interpreted in these writings (Mary-Joe Gatton, Cheryl Coovert, personal communication,

October 14, 2014). These teachings by the Buddha were not written down for a few
hundred years after the Buddha passed, so in the meantime they were passed down orally
(Bob Crabtree, personal communication, October 7, 2014). One of the most used books
in Tibetan Buddhism is the Tibetan Book of the Dead. It deals with the experiences of a
person between death and rebirth (British Broadcasting Company, 2004).
One thing that sets Buddhism apart from most religions is its belief on death.
Tibetan Buddhists emphasize the awareness of death. Rather than wallow in despair after
a passing, Buddhists believe that instead one should see the value of every moment of
existence (British Broadcasting Company, 2004). Tibetan Buddhisms take on life after
death is rebirth of the soul in a new body. To Buddhists, death is part of their journey.
Between death and rebirth is the state called Bardo, which lasts for forty-nine days. The
experiences of someone during Bardo depends on their spiritual training in life as well as
positive thoughts and practices by the living. The more someone prepares and practices
while they are still living, the better their time in Bardo will be. The Lama performs
rituals and prayers from the Tibetan Book of the Dead to help the dead. Also, family and
friends meditate to help the recently deceased have a greater experience during Bardo
(British Broadcasting Company). These families and friends must keep positive
thoughts, for the person in Bardo said to be able to look into the livings thoughts. If
their thoughts are more positive, then the deads experience in Bardo will be more
positive (British Broadcasting Company).
Like many religions, Buddhism takes on a peaceful vision, but it does so without
the worshipping of Gods. Unlike monotheistic religions like Catholicism and Baptism,

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

Buddhism is nontheistic. (British Broadcasting Company, 2004). Buddhism is all about

do no harm, much like many of the worlds religions, although the deciding factor
when comparing it to other religions, such as Christianity, is the fact that Buddhism is
nontheistic. This may not appeal to some people, but on the other hand, Buddhists do not
have to worship anyone or anything.
Many people believe that all Buddhists are vegan or vegetarian. This is false.
Many Buddhists actually do not follow a specific diet. Buddhism has never required a
certain diet; only certain branches or certain lamas have recommended one (Bob
Crabtree, personal communication, October 7, 2014). This can appeal to Americans
because most Americans love their daily, flexible diet. They can still choose to eat
healthy meals while also choosing to host cookouts with All-American food such as
burgers and hot-dogs. There is no worrying over not eating meat on Fridays or refraining
from eating breads for days at a time. Buddhists can enjoy and splurge all they want.
A popular stereotype of Buddhists is that they dress in loose clothing, similar to
the attire of hippies. No. There are Buddhists who dress like the everyday person.
They do not need to wear special robes or baggy clothes while meditating; a button down
and khakis will do just fine (Lexington Shambhala, field work, October 7, 2014). Even
instructors do not have to wear certain garments in order to instruct. Buddhists,
especially in the West, look and act like the average, every-day person.
Another widely used common idea is that all Buddhists are monks. This could
not be father from the truth. Many Buddhists live the same average lifestyle as the
ordinary person. In the West, many Buddhists can practice what is called the
homeowners tradition, because people in the West practice whenever they please.

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

9
They work, raise a family, own a
home, have hobbies they enjoy to
do. Then on their downtime,
maybe on the weekends or in the
summer, they go on retreats, go to

(2014). The Western Diamond Way Buddhist

Teachers [digital image]. Retrieved from
diamondway-buddhism.org

the center, or take longer courses on

Buddhism (Bob Crabtree, personal

communication, October 7, 2014). There is no worrying about having to attend a group

meditation once a week or having to practice in a specific place. A Buddhist can practice
anywhere, anytime. In a bedroom, in a center, or on the street. Buddhists are able to
meditate anywhere.
Tibetan Buddhism, and even Buddhism in general, is indeed a religion that not
many Americans know about or know enough about. Buddhism would grow even more
in the West if Americans realized that they can relate to it or that the religion would not
affect their everyday lifestyle. Tibetan Buddhism does not demand much, if any, of its
followers. American Buddhists still look the same, live the same, eat the same, and
preach the same as most other Americans. Tibetan Buddhism should be considered as a
desirable religion to Americans just as Christianity and Judaism is.

TIBETAN BUDDHISM FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS

10

References:
British Broadcasting Company. (2004, January 14). Tibetan Buddhism. bbc.co.uk.
Retrieved October 15, 2014 from http://www.bbc.co.uk

Kumar Aich, Tapas. (2013). Buddha Philosophy and Western Psychology. Indian
Journal of Psychiatry. Jan-Mar2013 Supplement, 165-170

Low , Prof Dr. Kim Cheng Patrick. (2012). Three Treasures of Buddhism & Leadership
Insights. Culture & Religion Review Journal. 2012(3), 66-72

Shambhala Meditation Center of Lexington. Lexington.shambhala.org. Retrieved

October 12, 2014 from http://lexington.shambhala.org