Culture or Nature? [Article]

Buddhism is unique in that it has a history of cultural branching. The historical Shakyamuni Buddha was Indian. The teachings were later introduced into Tibet and readily adopted and incorporated into Tibetan society. 

Buddhism also evolved distinctly…

Buddhism also evolved distinctly in Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. Each culture added their own layers, their own focus. From different prayers, robes, architecture and iconography, each country infused their own identity with the teachings of Buddhism. 

The fact that Buddhism has survived and thrived in these varying environments reveals a core truth—Buddhism is not about culture; it is about nature.

The essence of Buddhism

The essence of Buddhism is to reveal to us who we truly are. What is the nature of our minds? What is the nature of phenomena and our relationship to it? 

These are inquiries that transcend cultural boundaries. These are fundamental human questions. Buddhism offers us answers to our deepest suffering. We come to understand the origin of that suffering and the path to dissolve it. 

My teacher, Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, often says that Buddhism is for everyone and applies to everyone. Whether or not someone self-identifies as Buddhist only depends on the degree to which he or she is applying the Buddhist methods in their life. And it is totally possible to continue practicing whatever religion you were raised with and to simply add Buddhist practices to it. There is no conflict because Buddhism addresses our human nature. 

Buddhism addresses our human nature

In light of this, Buddhism is for all humans that strive to come closer to their true nature, a nature of clearness, awareness and interdependence. This is why the essence of Buddhism remains unchanged while it morphs with the cultural layers that are placed up on it. 

The exciting question this raises is: what does Buddhism look like in the west? It is evolving, as it should, because Buddhism adapts its methods to the psychology of the practitioner. Tibetan Buddhism simply cannot look the same in the US as it did traditionally in Tibet. 

So, let’s co-create its western manifestation as we practice the true, deep essence of this path. Let’s explore our nature. Let’s apply methods to come to know ourselves. Let’s practice Buddhism.