cultural immersion- Buddhism

Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION BUDDHISM 1

CULTURAL IMMERSION BUDDHISM 2

Cultural Immersion Buddhism

Courtney Wagner

Liberty University

Cultural Immersion Buddhism

I. What events did you attend? What happened?

When I was assigned this project I was excited to learn more about the Buddhism religion. Once I selected this topic I immediately began looking for activities that I could attend. I was excited to find that there was a Buddhist temple in my own backyard with a lot of opportunities for learning.

The first event I attended was the Sunday Open Market. This event happens every Sunday at the Wat Temple in Tampa, Florida. It began in 1988 with just 2 tables and has grown into the large market it has become today (Wat Tampa). There were many fruits, vegetables and other food items that I was not familiar with. I am not very adventurous when it comes to my food, so I was scared to try many things. One thing I did try and enjoy were some fries bananas. They were very interesting and quite tasty.

In touring the Sunday Open Market I was surprised to find that it is operated 100% of the time by volunteers, both Thai and American (Wat Tampa). These people use there own time and money to make and serve this food to all those that come. In addition, all the proceeds that are raised from the market are given to the temple to further the message of Buddha (Wat Tampa).

The second event I attended was a Buddhism Discussion Group. I would say that this event was my favorite of all of them. In this group I knew that all those attending were people who were new to Buddhism, or who were like me and just wanted to learn more. In this session we were provide with a list of FAQs that are also available on their website. In addition, this was an open Q&A session where we were encouraged to ask questions, no question seemed to be off limits. The monk that lead the session was very informative and answered all the questions asked of him.

Once the Buddhism Discussion Group was over we were invited to attend a prayer session. I was very nervous to attend the prayer session, but decided to do so anyway. When I entered the temple I took a mat in the back and set back to watch the session. The session lasted a little over an hour and I was surprised it took so long. There was a lot of chanting and bowing, which was foreign to me. I was surprised that the monk leading the session spoke in both Thai and English.

II. How did your experience of actual cultural events compare with the expectations you had developed from the readings and Internet/media explorations you did in Cultural Immersion Project – Part 1?

Some of what I experienced I anticipated after doing my research, and other experiences turned out very differently. In doing my initial research I learned that Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world (Hawes, 2013). Knowing this I was not surprised to find a large number of people at all three events I attended. In addition, my research also prepared me to come into all of these experiences with an open mind and without judgement. While that was hard I am glad I had Luke 6:37 (ESV), “Judge not, and you will not be judged,” running through my head during each event.

While I was working hard not to judge, coming into this I was certain that those at the temple would judge me. While I am sure some did, those that I interacted directly with were very open and willing to assist me in any way they could. I felt no judgement, just a genuine want for me to learn more about them and their beliefs. One perfect example of this is at the temple for the prayer service. One thing that has to be done prior to entering the temple is shoes have to be removed. While this sounds easy, removing ones shoes is only the first step in the process. Once the shoes are removed and you enter the temple you have to mind your feet. Pointing your feet at a monk is considered very disrespectful (Wat Tampa). One of the others attending the service made me aware of this fact so that I would not disrespect the monks.

I was also happy I had brought my husband along on this trip. I was unaware that monks were unable to touch women in anyway and should use a male go between if needed. Having my husband with me allowed me to use him as my go between with the monks.

III. How did participation in these immersion events impact you emotionally? In other words, what was it like to be a minority in this group?

As I have mentioned previously, I was extremely nervous and anxious to participate in these events. In addition to these emotions, I also experienced fear prior to attending these events. I was afraid of many things, but the two biggest were embarrassing myself and offending the monks or other Buddhists present. I did do my homework prior to attending in hopes that these fears would be unrealized, but I knew there was no way I knew everything I needed to prior to attending.

Walking around at the Sunday Open Market was the least emotionally impacting event that I attended. There were many their who were just there to enjoy the food an atmosphere. Prior to attending the Buddhism Discussion Group I felt nerves, but I knew that I would not be the minority in this group, so my emotions remained pretty well under control. The nerves I felt were more related to hoping I didn’t ask any stupid questions. The monk in charge of the session made me feel at ease about this right away. When I walked in and the session began he opened by letting us know that all questions were welcome, nothing was off limits.

The event that I felt the most like the minority in was the actual prayer service. When I walked into that temple, I knew that I was definitely the minority and that brought on the nerves and the fear all over again. I honestly thought about leaving before it even began I felt so uncomfortable and out of my comfort zone. My husband talked me in to staying and I am glad that he did. The experience was a very eye opening one.

IV. As you consider your own cultural background, why do you think you responded the way you did?

I believe that I have been very sheltered in my life when it comes to religions and philosophies outside of my own. My family grew up as Christians and that is how I grew up. While I have experienced other denominations, for example I have attended a Catholic and Methodist service, I have never been to anything outside of the Christian faith. Having had not experience with things outside of my own comfort zone definitely assisted in making me more nervous and anxious about attending these events. I believe however that anyone who was asked to do something outside of their comfort zone would react this way.

Being the minority was also something new for me and I am not sure I handled it the best way possible. I was so upset by this and let the fear and anxiousness get to me so badly that I was ready to give up on this project. Without my husband or the strength I get from out Lord I do not think I would have made it through. The verse of scripture I kept thinking to myself is Philippians 4:13 (NKJV), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

IV. What are some key things that you have learned about this culture through these events?

One of the biggest things I have learned thus far through my study of the Buddhist religion is that the main philosophy of Buddhism is that one should develop wisdom and have compassion for all forms of life (Harvey, 2006). This is made possible by the five precepts:

1. To refrain from killing

2. To refrain from taking that which was not given

3. To refrain from misuse of the senses and sexual misconduct

4. To refrain from lying or using false or harmful speech

5. To refrain from taking intoxicating drink or drugs which cloud the mind

In attending these events this philosophy and the five precepts were very much on display. The fact that volunteers would work so hard on a Sunday to make the money needed to further their mission is proof of this. They are also open to all people coming to the market and do not turn anyone away.

Another thing that I have learned is that this is a culture that is open to allowing others to enter. This is evident in the Buddhism Discussion Group that is offered weekly. It allows those interested in converting to the religion to have all their questions answered prior to doing so. I believe this is a tool the Christian faith could use.

I am excited to continue learning about the Buddhist religion through step three of the project. I will continue to keep with me the words of God at the for front through all of these events, Luke 6:37 (ESV), “Judge not, and you will not be judged.”

References

Harvey, C. (2006). A buddhist perspective on health and spirituality. Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy, 9(1), 33-35. Retrieved May 24, 2006, from http://www.sach.org.uk/journal/0901p33_harvey.pdf

Hawes, J. (2013, February 10). Buddhism basics. The Post and Courier. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from http://rx9vh3hy4r.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-

Wat Tampa. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2016, from What's happening at wat tampa: http://wattampainenglish.com/test/