The Future of Buddhism

The future of Buddhism can be viewed as the future of physics. If indeed it is the truth, Buddhism will be what it will be. Cause and effect will be at play, funneling Creation in the only direction possible.

Proselytizing is uncomfortable in the Buddhist tradition, and not advocated for. The reason is that, again, when an individual stops working on their own enlightenment to instruct another, he or she has, in that act, interferred with the greater Power of Creation.

Just as in physics, theories abound of global warming and the influence that humans have on our atmosphere, in reality this is a local situation. The self-absorbed concern for oneself of the human being, suggests that we will change the character of the Earth by our misuse of the environment.

This will, ultimately, not mean a thing to the Universe, planets, or the Earth itself. For the same reason, the fact that humans so cavalierly play with environment, is witness to our lack of understanding of the enormity of the Power of Creation and our association to it.

It is usually the unforeseen circumstances that tell the tale of the future. For example, Buddhism developed in the isolation of the Himalyas. In this remote area, the focus could be placed on the inner world, without the distractions that the rest of the planet was bombarded.

The Buddhist tradition came to become a remarkably researched and guarded phylosophy. It was protected against outside intrusion. When Tibet was invaded by China and the Buddhist monks fled their country, they took their learning with them. The result has been that the world received these teachings.

The invasion that was intended to quell the tradition that was offensive to the Chinese, instead resulted in the spread of Buddhism through the world. This is an example of the cause and effect that is life in the physical. No one knows what the result of their actions will be. We can try our hardest for one result, and end up with another.

In Buddhism, one is extolled to leave the tradition if it does not suit one. As in physics, the investigation, scientific discoveries and education of the scientists, will not influence the subject. Both Buddhism and physics are bigger than humans; and we are immersed in both.

And this is the truth that will allow humans who follow the Buddhist tradition, to find their personal place in the vastness. This is the reason it is advisable to work on one’s “own little acre of Paradise”, as it were.

The future of Buddhism will unfold as it will. It will need no formal program or plan as layed out by its followers. We are instead free to put the effort into ourselves.