WLA Bulletin – March 2011
So You Want to Be a Buddhist. Which One?
(Reprinted with permission of Rev. Usuki, West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple)

When Buddha decided to break from the worldly life, he made four great vows:
1) To save all people; 2) To renounce all worldly desires; 3) To learn all the teachings; and 4) To attain perfect Enlightenment.
The Teaching of Buddha (2006, p. 17)

One of the more common questions asked by people who are interested in Buddhism is “How do I become a Buddhist?” Perhaps this is an odd question, but it makes sense in the West, since no one is born Buddhist, nor do most come from a traditional Buddhist family. Also, much fanfare has been brewing about Buddhism since the 1960s, so there is growing interest in it. The obvious answer to the question is that since there is no requirement such as baptism in Buddhism, one does not have to do anything but begin learning and taste what it has to teach. The teaching should become the source of one’s interest naturally. Joining a temple first cannot compel one to feel that he or she is a Buddhist. It gets even more confusing when we ask, “Which kind of Buddhist do you think you want to be?”

This question is similar to asking a child who has never tasted ice cream to make a choice at Baskin Robbins’ 31 Flavors, while being mesmerized by the pretty colors and fun names. It can also be compared to an adult deciding to buy a car for the first time and not knowing what type, size, power, cost, or color would be suitable. When looking for wines, I now buy based on price and the best looking label, since I have become rather disillusioned with connoisseurs and feel more ignorant about wine. Better yet, I drink whatever my wife brings home.

People may first be attracted to Buddhism through the influence of the media or they may be escaping traditional western religion. Thus, they seem to come seeking Buddhism with some confusion, much curiosity, and tremendous energy. Although many appear after finding us via our website, it is often the first time they have heard of Jodo Shinshu, despite the fact that our school of Buddhism arrived in the West over 100 years ago. We may be the oldest tradition, yet the least known. So how does anyone make a wise choice among Tibetan (various schools), Zen (Soto or Rinzai), Soka Gakkai, Nichiren, Shingon, Hsi Lai, Jodo Shu, Jodo Shinshu (Higashi or Nishi), Chinese, Vietnamese, Tenrikkyo, Vipassana, and Dzogchen …? The list is endless and one can become more perplexed with so many new hybrid Buddhisms that seem to be forming constantly in the West.

It would seem that making such a critical decision as choosing one’s personal religious and spiritual path would require much more care and attention. There is no specific advice as to how one might approach this path, but for those who already have certain expectations or some mindset as to what they may want to try, such as meditation, chanting, or yoga, they must simply try it and get on with it. There’s no use suggesting a particular flavor of ice cream to someone when he or she already has a severe craving for bubble-gum mixed with Oreos.

Many people are attracted to Buddhism simply due to a perceived exotic nature seen in rituals, ceremonies, robes (and the chance to wear them), unique music, chanting, and the smell of incense. I had one inquiry from a young seeker who was interested in buying or making a robe based on what he saw on TV, simply because it was “cool” and he wanted to wear one. Buddhism brings out very interesting people, and why not? We live in a very liberal and free society that offers many choices for every aspect of our lives. Whether one is seeking Buddhism, ice cream, or a car, no one is chastised for their taste in any personal decision. However, I would think that whether it is Buddhism, Islam, or Christianity, making a choice as to the specific path to follow should not be taken so lightly as to be based on appearances or exoticism.

Buddhism has a long and complicated history and has gone through multiple transformations since Sakyamuni attained Buddhahood. Much of what we practice today is de-votional and worship Buddhism that developed in its migration from India to China and Japan. Many new ideas, methods, practices, and rituals emerged, some of which seem mind-boggling to believe and understand. Thus, one can only suggest that you try it, taste it, and feel it. If it feels right then you may be on the right personal path.

Rev. Fumiaki Usuki

9th Annual San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Golf and BBQ

What a crazy year we have been having. Does it look like anything is going to change…for the better? I have to believe it will and what better way to start making that difference happen than getting ready to play in the 9th annual SLOBC Golf and BBQ. It’s hard to believe that a year has already past and 2012 is in full swing (pun intended). Come join us for a fun filled day of golf and grub. For those who have played in our tournament in the past, thank you for your support. The feedback from past tournaments has been outstanding, commenting on the friendships and camaraderie throughout the day and enough competition to keep it all interesting and challenging. For those of you who have not played in this event, it will be one you won’t forget. The format is a four person scramble and shot gun start. Thanks to the generous folks at Golden Hills Auto Center, all the par3’s have awesome prizes for that hole-in-one with the opportunity to win a brand new 2012 GMC vehicle on hole 11. Our competition finishes up with what many consider to be the best BBQ banquet to be found anywhere. Eat to your hearts’ content and mingle with some old friends and new at the Hayashi Ranch, located just minutes from the course. The raffle is becoming just as famous as the BBQ, with so many donations and contributions, it’s hard not to be a winner. This is all made possible by the many participants, merchants, and the community who have all come together to make this event great. Hope you can fit this into your busy schedules and make it out to play some great golf with some great people for a great time.

For those of you who cannot participate, but would like to make a donation, hole sponsorships are appreciated. Please send a card or description of what you would like written and a sign will be placed on a tee box in your name. Hole sponsorships are $100. And/or if you would rather donate a gift to the raffle, any and all donations are welcome. In the past we have received some really great raffle prizes from players and non-players who have made the drawing at the dinner really special.

Please send checks payable to:
SLOBC Golf & BBQ
c/o Alan Hayashi
2460 Gracia Way
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Interest in this year’s tournament has been great and looks to fill quickly. Please return your replies and information as quickly as possible to ensure your team's spot in this year’s event.