Buddhism: Science of the Mind.

Did you know that Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in America? Yep, most scholars and research buffs have it behind Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The number of adherents rose by 170 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to the American Religious Identity Survey. An ARIS estimate puts the total in 2004 at 1.5 million, while others have estimated twice that. "The 1.5 million is a low reasonable number," says Richard Seager, author of "Buddhism in America."

Yet I have found that many people do not know much about Buddhism. This was really made clear to me last night in viewing the first episode of the new season of "The Amazing Race." This is a reality show where contestants travel around the world in hopes of winning $1 million. Well, one of the girls in the cheerleader duo team said, "Do Muslims believe in Buddha?" I was not offended by this statement of ignorance but it did make me think, "Do we Buddhists need to be doing more to inform the general public as to what we believe and what we are all about or should we just continue to focus on our own practice?

Generally we Buddhists do not proselytize and I think that is still the way to go. In fact, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that people should not become Buddhists!! Interestingly, Buddhism is often called the "religion of no religion." The Dalai Lama would most likely agree with such a definition since he sees "Buddhism" actually being more a science then a religion as Buddhism urges personal experience/experiment rather then accepting things upon faith. In addition, the Buddhist master says, "If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality."

As we all know Buddhism is also very much about radical acceptance of the role change plays in samsara and that includes the very religion itself. We should not become attached to "Buddhism" and the idea of being a "Buddhist" as they are simply hallow words, things and just more attachments. And I believe also that numbers should not matter to practioners as those change too. People come and go. And perhaps one day "Buddhism" will no longer exist but that is nothing to fear. There will hopefully always be a path available to those trapped in samsara but it may not be known as "Buddhism."

Thus, in conclusion I believe that one's karma is what brings one to the path of the Dharma. It can be no other way can it? For if we come to Buddhism through coherson(sp?) or because it is "cool" then it actually becomes a negative as we simply see it as a "thing" rather then a path to liberation, a tool. Perhaps the saying, "when the student is ready the teacher arrives" is cliche but it is still none the less true.

Just my two cents anyway. Of course I could be totally off base so don't take my word for it--see for yourself. Look within for answers to your questions. Experiment with the "science of the mind" better known as "Buddhism" (smile).

~Peace to all beings~