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Australia's Buddhism

By Ian Nance - posted Friday, 13 March 2015


Language is not as big a problem as might be assumed when the various ceremonial rituals, including chanting sessions, are conducted in the language of a particular temple's mother tongue.

Over countless years, the use of a non-English language has not been an impediment to participation in orthodox religions provided that the nature, intent, and meaning of whatever is being recited is clear and known to those involved.

For example, for many years the Catholic creed conducted its masses in Latin without any real detriment to its followers in Australia. Similarly, many Islamic events now take place in Arabic.

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My own particular Order has its origins in Taiwan, and uses Mandarin as its normal language with many of its Asian members speaking fluent English as well. The books used for ritual ceremonies are printed in a display of Chinese characters, Pinyin ( English-spelt text), as well as in straight English, so participants need never feel alienated from the facts being outlined by the messages.

Although it is convenient to brand Buddhism is as a religion, I suggest that this is not so; it is more a lifestyle practice without being faith-driven.

For a start, its basis lies in the appreciation and understanding of its tenets of psychology and philosophy, couched within a context of deep spirituality.

It is an extremely practical way of living based on the principle that every person is totally responsible for the outcomes of his or her life, with the denial of the existence or power of any form of supreme being, or deity.

It is an ethical and moral compass to guide an individual's actions, not the pronouncements of some form of divine commander whose wishes must be followed. In other words, you're the boss of you own life and its outcomes – not anybody else.

Buddhism draws heavily on the ancient Hindu tradition of karma which is essentially action seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, either in this life or in a reincarnation.

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I find this early belief explained well by Newton's third law of motion which states that, for every action, there is an equal opposite reaction, meaning do good and you'll enjoy goodness, do bad and you'll suffer badness as an outcome.

Another way that it differs significantly from religions is that Buddhism has no hierarchy.

Sure, there is the need for leadership and co-ordination, but this is done democratically by the decisions of the communities about who will act as an abbott or abbess. Note here the fact that, from its beginning, Buddhism has never recognised any gender supremacy.

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About the Author

Ian Nance's media career began in radio drama production and news. He took up TV direction of news/current affairs, thence freelance television and film producing, directing and writing. He operated a program and commercial production company, later moving into advertising and marketing.

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