[Reatclaplen]

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. - That genial face has become familiar across the globe - almost as recognizable when it comes to religious leaders, perhaps, as Pope John Paul II. When in America, the Dalai Lama is a sought-after speaker, sharing his compassionate message and engaging aura well beyond the Buddhist community

After inaugurating a new Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education in Vancouver, B.C., the Tibetan leader this week begins a visit to several US cities for public talks, sessions with young peacemakers, scientists, university faculty, corporate executives, and a California women's conference. But he'll also sit down for teach-ins among the burgeoning American faithful.

Buddhism is growing apace in the United States, and an identifiably American Buddhism is emerging. Teaching centers and sanghas (communities of people who practice together) are spreading here as American-born leaders reframe ancient principles in contemporary Western terms.

Though the religion born in India has been in the US since the 19th century, the number of adherents rose by 170 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to the American Religious Identity Survey. An ARIS estimate puts the total in 2004 at 1.5 million, while others have estimated twice that. "The 1.5 million is a low reasonable number," says Richard Seager, author of "Buddhism in America."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20060914/ts_csm/cbuddha I found this story interesting. This is only part of it.

What do ya'll think about the concept of American Buddhism?

[byncnombmub]

Isn't Buddhism just an introspective teaching...and not so much a religion?

[petrarkaponye]

I would consider it a spiritual path, but not a religious path.

[ptolerezort]

Buddhism has been in the United States for a long time. It is good! There is a unique American Buddhist Sangha for the different Buddhist traditions... each with an unique American flavor. It is good to know that this religious/spiritual tradition has taken firm roots in the American soil. There is a wonderful magazine -- "Tricycle" -- that has become in a way the sounding board for the American Buddhist.

In Puerto Rico there are various Buddhist temples, but there has not emerged yet a unique form of Puerto Rican Buddhism. I am sure that it will emerge soon.

Hermano Luis
Moriviví Hermitage

[tpJKhY8Z]

I'm just now reading a lot more about Buddhism, and it intrigues me. I don't know. I also don't know that I would call Buddhism a religion, as there is not a deity, but more of a philosophy, but that's really just semantics.

I believe that the teachings and practices of Buddhism are beautiful and would be or could be beneficial to everyone.

[joe-salton]

Man, I'm really really confused. I swear I posted to this thread already, and my post disappeared.

I'm VERY interested in this, but the link seems to not be working (unless it's just me... ). I've been actively learning about Buddhism recently, and it resonates with me deeply. I haven't read the article, but the thought of American Buddhism intrigues me - talking and learning with others who are Western-rooted but inclined toward Eastern thought would be great!!