Response to the Buddhist Quaker connection

Hi everyone. Thanks for the inquiries regarding the Buddhist Quaker connection. Here is my response in the form of a list. Let me know your thoughts on anything from it. It would be nice to start a discussion on any of the points. Take care, Ben

1. Lack of dogma
The Quakers have ‘testimonies’ and the Buddhists have the Noble Eightfold Path. Both religions share lack of dogma.

2. Work ethic (manual labor)
Both religions put tremendous emphasis on manual labor and the importance of a strong work ethic.

3. The written word
Generally speaking, advancement in personal spirituality is viewed optimally through personal experience and not through reading canonical religious texts, or theologies. Both place importance on personal letters, diaries, journals, reflections of fellow Quakers or Buddhists.

4. Equality
Whether you view each and every person as having ‘that of God’ in them or as having ‘Buddha Nature’, they both place importance on equality. Buddhism considers all ‘sentient beings’ to have a ‘Buddha Nature’.

5. Simplicity
Both religions place a strong emphasis on leading a simple, frugal life. This includes living within your financial means, unassuming clothes, lack of personal beautification products, such as perfumes or make-up.

6. Personal revelation
Liberal Quaker Meetings are ‘unprogrammed’ and do not have a ‘leader’ (e.g. minister) who reveals the Truth to you; Theravadan Buddhism does not have a spiritual leader. That is, no one has ‘a more direct connection’ to revelation to the Truth (or ‘dhamma’) than you or anyone else.

7. Peace / Non-violence
Both religions place non-violence as a core ‘value’ or ‘testimony’. Both religions are very accepting of differing beliefs, but it would be quite difficult to be either a Buddhist or Quaker and not place peace and non-violence in high regard.

8. Openness
Given no creeds or dogma, both religions are very open to people of different faiths and accepting of differing opinions.

9. Stories
Morals, lessons, and spiritual reflections are frequently done through stories or anecdotes, as opposed to a ‘sermon’.

10. The truth
Both religions focus on telling the truth. In fact, Quakers do not take oaths because that would someone suggest you do not normally tell the truth under certain circumstances.

11. Integrity
Living a life that is full of integrity is important to both religions and emphasized.

12. Helping those in need
Both Buddhists and Quakers tend to the poor, mentally-ill, dying, and incarcerated with incredible passion.

13. The present moment
Put talk about ‘being in the present moment’ and the importance of living in the here and now. Buddhism focuses on life as a stream that flows and Quakerism does not have sacraments because every moment of life is sacramental. Both religions focus on the beauty and bliss of this very life, which I think is incredibly important.

Concern for animals

Both Quakers and Buddhism have a great concern for animals. In Buddhism, there is great for 'all sentient beings'. I am wondering how Christianity views compassion toward animals. For Quakers, do most think that there is 'that of God' in only humans or does that extend to animals as well?

The ultimate protest

It was uplifting to see the monks in Burma (Myanmar) protest the government by flipping over their alms bowls (see picture above) and rejecting food from those who are partial to the current regime.

Documentary: Buddha's lost children

If you haven't seen it already, you should check out this documentary. It is a great story and is quite uplifting. It is about a former Thai boxer that becomes a monk and takes in orphan and disadvantaged boys and helps them. They go around the north of Thailand helping impoverished communities. Nicely done.

Dr. Peter Santina

On the right side of the blog, check out some of the sites that are by, or in honor of, Peter Santina. He is truly an amazing mind. His books are fascinating. I would say that if you were to only read one or two books about Buddhism, I would mention anything by him. You can order his books on Amazon, but they are freely available in the links. Enjoy

Why are you a Buddhist?

I have been wondering lately why some are Buddhists. I would be interested in hearing why others became, or are interested in, Buddhism.

Quaker Buddhist connection

Have you heard about 'Buddhist Quakers'? Lot of blogs from them. I got into reading about the Quakers (Friends) last year and the similarity to Buddhism is amazing. Very active group and have many of the same general beliefs as Buddhists.