Buddhism in the West

In this talk Rinpoche clarifies Buddhism as a way of life with the potential to assist us to find lasting peace and happiness.

A personal search, to cultivate the qualities of a Buddha.

Rinpoche discusses the historical spread of Buddhist teachings and training methods to different countries and cultures; the Buddha having taught many different methods and skilful means. The Dharma has no colour, but is more like a crystal that appears differently when placed beside different backgrounds.

Ringu Tulku emphasizes that the essence of Dharma practice is awareness of: what we are thinking, feeling, reacting, how our emotions are arising; what we’re saying; and what we’re doing with our bodies. We work on our way of seeing and experiencing. As such, there is nothing Western, Eastern, Northern or Southern about dealing with our own emotions, reactions and how we live our lives.

If skilful means or methods are used, they have to be explained and understood; because different cultures have different cultural concepts, assumptions and interpretations. However, below the thin surface layer of cultural communication (where misunderstandings can happen) every human is the same- feeling compassion, joy and love the same way.

Some very great beings, like Karmapa, are able to inspire merely by their presence. Otherwise, more conventionally, understanding, then actualising the teachings is vital to make the Buddha’s teachings accessible to those in countries hitherto unfamiliar with them.

Rinpoche concludes by discussing:

• the wide variety of beings, with the title “lama”;
• if we can work with our own problems, then we can also help others.

Photograph by Conrad Harvey.

Two versions in audio: with English only and with German translation.

Audio Recordings