Chickenless Chicken Soup

In dharma circles there is always talk about the developing "western" dharma.  How we are not Japanese, Chinese, or Tibetan and therefore we need to forge our own way in the Great Way.  Western practioners need to learn not to rely on cultural forms that have naturally fused their imprint into the Practice.  Buddhism is unique in its ability to subsume entire cultures as it advances across their lands.

In China, it digested Taoism and Confucianism.  Then it jumped the sea and swallowed Shintoism and even the samurai culture of Japan (sesshins are painful thats the only explanation!).  When Buddhism finally moved over the snowy passes to plant itself in Tibet, it could not do so without incorporating the mystical and sometimes fierce deities of the Bon religion.  Each culture provided a unique offering that not only enhanced Buddhism itself but made it part of the cultural identity of the country.

Now it comes to the West and America.  Jack Kornfield stated that he thought that Psychology would be the West's great contribution to Buddhism.   I would also like to think that western pragmatism would be a great gift to the Buddha Dharma.  

Ponlop Rinpoche's excellent Rebel Buddha discusses this conundrum of what to keep and what to set aside.  Reggie Ray talked about going to a large Buddhist teachers gathering in his jeans and t-shirt when most others were wearing robes.  Each of these teachers as well as many others are learning to work with forms more representative of our society.

But what I believe is not needed is a hasty re-invention of the Dharma itself.    The teachings of the Dharma began with the 4 Noble Truths and it is this profound teaching that is at the center of all dharmic teachings.  It could be said that if it doesn't somehow relate to the ideas presented in the 4 Noble Truths it isn't dharma.  It may be wisdom but it isn't dharma to quote a friend of mine.  From the small scope of the prateyakabuddha's all the way to the most profound tantra, these fundamental questions are being addressed.

  Concerning "teachings," the scriptures of the Bhagavan accurately teach that which is to be thoroughly

  known, that which is to be eliminated, that which is to be manifested, and that which is to cultivated...

Avalokitavrata's Commentary on the "Lamp for Wisdom"

I hear so many "Buddhist" teachers today that talk about everything from basic goodness, to we are in pain because we concretize the world, groundlessness, awareness wisdom, blah blah blah.  Its all good stuff.  But its chickenless chicken soup.  Its warm and comforting but without the real meat of the dharma its ultimately unsatisfying.

Chad