Buddhism: The Affects on America
I chose to do my research topic on how Buddhism has influenced America and how America has helped Buddhism grow as a religion. After reading the article about Buddhism in America in module five, I was really intrigued on how Buddhism is growing as a whole and how they may have influenced America. Buddhism is a very unique religion because it can adapt and grow into cultures and societies so quickly. There are about two million Americans that practice the religion of Buddhism in the America society. In the article “Buddhism: Growth and Influence in America” it states that, “According to the Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Buddhism has recently climbed to the 3rd most practiced religion in America, below only Christianity and Judaism”. It is amazing how fast and rapid Buddhism has grown throughout America. Buddhism has targeted a universal audience by focusing on attitudes of peace, care and mindfulness and only sharing that mind set and practice with each and every person or living thing they encounter. Buddhism has influenced the population as a whole by giving people not just a reason to be nice but a less stressful and happy lifestyle. By showing people the way of Buddhism it has actually helped make America as a whole more open to the diversity in the American society. Also it has help influence people to stop living a stressful life and start focusing on finding happiness in your life. Buddhism is considered a much looser religion then most religions because it focuses on individualism. The religion is about the growth of individuals and how certain events in life can help develop you as a human being. One of the main things Buddhist have influenced in America is the support on the fight of protecting the world from pollution because Buddhist believe that all things living and non-living should be taken care of in the world. Also Buddhism has inspired many people to mediate and to do yoga in their lives. Buddhism will continue to grow and influence many individuals in America. Through it’s teachings and costumes. America would not be the same without Buddhism.
Citations:
“Buddhism: Growth and Influence in America.” Buddhism: Growth and Influence in America. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://buddhisminamerica227.blogspot.com>.
