New Chan Forum 18

Growing Pains, Fresh Growth

Western Buddhism continues to struggle through its early adolescence. Maybe these growing pains are only mistakes along the way; some however, may become more serious. We have to keep in mind that while errors of individual leaders only make small waves, the faults of institutions can create a storm.

Two large institutions of British Buddhism are under fire from the press and fellow Buddhists, and there is an important underlying reason for concern. Large institutions may inadvertently or deliberately promote a form of spiritual hegemony by claiming to represent Buddhism to official bodies concerned with religious education in schools and elsewhere.

Risks of hegemony need to be countered especially when there is serious doubt about an ethical stance based not in the Dharma but in some particular individual’s interpretation of it.

These problems in Western Buddhism are addressed in several articles in this issue which attempt to contribute positively to this debate. Master Sheng-Yen, the Dalai Lama in conference with Western teachers, a comment on the Precepts and John Crook’s editorial and review of recent problems all deal with aspects of this theme.

More cheerfully, we present our own plans for leadership training, retreat reports, one of them concerning a Dzogchen retreat with Lama Surya Das and an account of life in a Hong Kong monastery.

There are good grounds for optimism. As these seeds of fresh growth begin to sprout, we continue to water them.