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BUDDHIST religion – adaptations to a contemporary world?

Study of Religion Assignment.
Researching how the ancient ritual of Buddhist meditation has been made more accessible to a more modern and secular mindset?

Good afternoon, Roar.

Seems like a rather simplistic assignment since it is obvious that the world has changed not only for Buddhism but for all practices be they Christian, Islam, Hinduism, etc.

But let me see if I can answer from the Buddhist perspective as I see it. My answers are based upon personal experience and readings too numerous to cite but I’m sure a fast search like “buddhism modern society” may provide some sources.

[Has] the ancient ritual of Buddhist meditation has been made more accessible to a more modern and secular mindset?
Obviously, the answer is yes. In the days of the Buddha one had to travel to meet the teacher in person. Today we have books, audio files, video discs, the Internet, chat rooms, etc. We have virtual Sanghas where we can ask questions and receive teachings via the Internet and broadband. The only thing missing is the transmission of empowerments in my tradition of Buddhism since there must be physical contact.

Has the PUPOSE of meditation changed over time to suit the contemporary world?
No. The purpose of meditation has remained the same–to calm the mind and provide insight into teachings. Meditation is meditation in any practice be it Buddhist, Christian, etc. There are varying techniques in meditation but, as I understand, the practice is the same. Now, it is possible and highly probable that there are those of us in Western societies who are using meditation techniques for more personal reasons—to deal with anger and pain–than those of us who are Buddhist; to gain Enlightenment.

Has the ritual been MODIFIED to suit the changes of the contemporary world?
If so, how?
Perhaps in a sense since there are now audio teachings and guided meditations that are available in various media. The more ritualistic forms of Buddhism (such as Tibetan for one) has not changed. There has been some inclusion of English in teachings (I for one do not understand Tibetan) but the rituals have, as I understand, remained intact.

If not, how is it still RELEVANT to today’s world? Why are people still performing the ancient ritual?
When rituals are entrenched they provide a basis of uniformity and consistency. Back in the 1960s, for example, Catholicism made a major change in its liturgy from Latin to English to mixed acceptance on the part of the congregants. But even so, the ritual of Catholicism, the Mass, has not changed as I understand.

HAS SOCIETY CHANGED and now happens to suit Buddhism meditation more? Ie. people are more stressed, meditation provides relaxation, etc?
Obviously society has changed but I think is more apropos to see if Buddhism will change as it has in other societies as it traveled in Asian countries. But meditation itself has not changed nor is it only a Buddhist tradition.

May all be at peace.

John

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