Buddhism for the Masses

Buddha attained enlightenment and taught that we too can attain the same realization. He likened himself to a doctor who can diagnose the patient and recommend medicine, which is the path of practice but it is up to each patient to take the medicine as prescribed. So the responsibility for one’s own awakening in our own hands. However I often wonder does Buddha cringe at seeing how his teachings have become for many a blind faith religion. Lay devotees worship his image and make offering and sponsor fancy robed monastic’s to recite the sutras in ancient language which they do not understand far less adherence to the advice. Anyway the present degeneration of teachings is unfortunately riff in all religions, teaching and paths and unfortunalty Buddhism is no exception.

Thai monks

Young Tibetan monks

In Bodhgaya thousands if not millions of pilgrims flock to sit under the Bodhi tree. It is a beautiful place and  special place and I have no idea why but meditation in Bodhgaya is always very good. However for the one person who sits under the tree to attempt mediate there has to be one hundreds who sit there completely distracted. Instead of meditation the main attraction seeing to be hanging around an dwaiting for a leaf to fall from the tree; a holy souviner ! I often watched the bus loads of nicely dressed pilgrims from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Burma being herded around the tree by a monk or tour guide speaking or reciting prayers through a mike with a mini amplifier. Gosh some time there would be three groups all competing to be heard. A cacophony of prayers in various languages said by distracted people in their best dress, looking pious and showing off their offerings.  What would the Buddha think?  

Vietnamese nuns chat

Tibetan nun make offering

Korean Zen

Burmese mother and monk son

Thai monk

He never wanted images made of him far less have a statue be an object of peoples devotion. On some days when there were large crowds mixed with Indian tourist snapping pictures of everything and having complete disregard for people trying to meditate or pray, the noise, the pushing and shoving to get to the tree or statue made me wonder, what was Buddhism really all about and what was I doing there? Was I just mouthing the prayers as well, was I being appearing pious to others? and yes I admit it I also have a wee stash of  Bodhi leaves. Then I would stop and remember my the feeling in my heart and the years of practice in this place and thought no it is ok, your right where you need to be; and so are all these people. We are all here trying to understand Buddhas teaching, looking for inspiration on how to lead a peaceful meaning full life and we all have our own obstacles to that understanding which we have to overcome. Mine is dealing with so many Asians at once !
The group that was most interesting to me were the Indian Buddhist, many of whom have converted to Buddhism from Hinduism out of disagreement with the cast system or a desire to go back to what their ancestors practiced. They were all so happy to be there and just elated when people would acknowledge them as equals. Their wonder at the place and their humility toward everyone was inspiring, made me feel a bit embarrassed of my judgements.
So on my last day in Bodhgaya I just watched and appreciated the effort of so many pilgrims from so many countries to come to this place and are trying to practice a non-violent religion. In this day and age this can only be a good thing and hey if they push and show are noisy or do not know what the monks are reciting then who am I to say any different beacuse we are all here in peace.

New Buddhist from Maharashtra India

Indian Buddhist lady's

Lady in prayer

Sri Lankan group