What is New Buddhism?

Hi,

I was just wondering what is meant by the term New Buddhism?

Namaste,

Chip

Me too!
I would like to know?
I hope its not New Kadampa.
because they are a Cult,
out for your mony.

Hey, there -- perhaps it is Kadampa; if you look at some of the discussions further down the line from this one, where it says "Find a Buddhist Center Anywhere in the World," it mentions Kadampa!

Agh.

The term "New Buddhism" refers to Western Buddhism. Buddhism has been around for centuries, but only for the past decades has it reached the Americas. Buddhists try to find their inner self, and be the best people they can be, therfore they don't believe in taking anything from other people. They are not a cult and are not out for your money!

SOME CLARIFICATION IS NEEDED HERE

There is an original Worldwide Buddhism Meetup, which has it's own message Board, and when someone takes the initiative to start a new and separate Worldwide Buddhism Meetup site, it takes the title of the Worldwide NEW Buddhism Meetup.
The question has started an interesting discussion, but it is in fact just a way to distinguish the two different Worldwide Buddhism Meetups.

Is it necessary to make the distinction of New Buddhism from traditional Buddhism? Buddhism has evolved over time and space. But the core teachings should remain the same. I do think that for Buddhism to survive in the Western world, some modifications to the way the teachings are carried out may be necessary.

Westerners may consider the traditional ceremonies too serious and be intimidated by them. Being a Chinese immigrant, I feel ok with all the formalities. I am curious to hear what other peoples opinions are regarding the Buddhism ceremonies, practice, etc. Is it just too serious for the western world?

New age religions of the East, is nothing but a disguised euphemism for hate, bigotry and misinformation about Christianity. The Buddha indeed was a noble man, a great philosopher seeking enlightenment, wisdom, knowledge and tolerance. However, by his own admission, especially on his death-bed he clearly acclaimed not to be regarded as Deity. He was not a God. The recently and heavily promoted lecturer of the “New Buddha” claims the validity of his sect by the Christian practice (according to him) of subjugation of women in Western Societies. Supposedly, the direct by product of this is a 90% divorce rate in Western Societies. I don’t know where this guy gets his statistics, but 90% divorce rate? Indeed it is high, in a democracy or in a democratic Republic believers of any faith, including atheists have a right to follow any moral standard they chose, but that is not a reflection of Judeo-Christian values. True believers of Christ who practice their faith have far less divorce rate, than secular society and women are treated with far more respect in Christian societies, than in countries where they are predominantly Muslims, Buddhist, Krishna, Shinto or virtually anything else, with the possible exception of Judaism. Yes, admittedly Catholic Masses can be boring, hypocritical and on occasions equally misinformative. Unfortunately that is due to the general decline of educational standards and intelligence from which seminaries have to draw their future pastors. However, that does not alter the basic consciousness and righteousness of the Christian faith. As a result it has become "fashionable" to seek a religion from the "tranquil, peaceful gardens of the East" and "to be in harmony with the Universe" - whatever that means. But if you want to look at empirical evidence, look at the ENTIRE society of these countries. It is hardly fair to compare the best garden variety from a tiny microcosm of an Eastern Society and compare that to the worst decadent aspect of Western Civilization

To me, New Buddhism does refer to Western Buddhism, as practiced in the US. And the distinction I see between Western Buddhism and "Eastern" Buddhism is that generally I have found Chinese Buddhists follow certain specific practices and rituals, Tibetans have practices and rituals specific to them, Thais have theirs, etc., and Americans use parts (sometimes) or (more often) none of these traditional ritual practices. American or "New" Buddhists seem to me to be more interested in learning the concepts, ideas and philosophies and not so much the bowing and chanting of sutras in languages many of us don't understand. We tend not so much to go to formalized services. Many have had religious backgrounds and upbringings with parents dragging them to Sunday services and as adults have sworn off ever participating in those kind of doings again.
In a sense it's a little like "New Age" where it borrows some things from here and some things from there, but the core ideas (Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, meditation) are constant no matter what other "trappings" any individual applies. Some have Theravada tendencies in what they think and others have Mahayana, but we meet to discuss our own perspectives and can find common ground in the basic tenants of Buddhism. In general, we take ideas from varied sources, share our perspectives and many of us aren't participating in formal temple services of any sort.
At least that's how I see it.

Hi,

You have given a lovely description of what I think 'new buddhism' might mean. Except that the 'West' probably includes more places that the US.

Your description sounds apt for many people i know in Australia. ... borrowing from rituals in a creative way when they seem to help, keeping away from too much dogma, seeking the heart of the basic purpose for buddha's teachings, trying to figure out how it fits with daily life in a westernised country... good luck with your practicing and your positive influence on others,

Amitofu