Buddhism: made for the internet

[Ensapa]

Is Buddhism really meant for the internet? this article explores.

Buddhism: made for the internet
Tuesday 30 April 2013 5:16PMRachael Kohn


 IMAGE: BUDDHIST MONKS WAIT FOR A PROCESSION AS THEY ATTEND A CEREMONY COMMEMORATING DUSUM KHYENPA IN BODH GAYA, INDIA (DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

Buddhism is a largely de-centralised religion, with ancient communities throughout Asia and more modern practitioners in Australia and across the world. Mapping the modern day face of the religion proved a difficult task for Professor Lewis Lancaster, until he struck on the idea of a digital atlas.


At the heart of Buddhism is a metaphor for interconnectedness: Indra’s net. The Vedic god’s net, which is supposed to hang over his palace on Mount Meru, is said to stretch to infinity. At each point where the threads cross sits a jewel that reflects all the other jewels, and like mirrors within mirrors, the entire cosmos is reflected.

Lewis Lancaster, Professor Emeritus of Buddhism at the University of California at Berkeley, knows how apt that metaphor is in the current world. For years he's struggled to find an adequate way of documenting the complicated, almost infinite spread of Buddhism from its 5th century BCE Indian origins. That is, until he found an equally complex instrument to map the ancient faith.

From early on, Buddhism was a uniquely portable religion, spreading far and wide, with few of the barriers that anchored other religions to their original historic settings. After being driven out of India in the late middle-ages, Buddhism was not associated with one nation, one territory, one sacred temple, and not even one sacred tongue.

Sanskrit and Pali were the first languages of the Buddhist canon known as the Tripitaka (Three Baskets: Sutras, Vinaya, and Abidharma) but by the 2nd century the first translations into Chinese began. These texts were taken to Korea in the 4th century, and from there on to Japan.

To trace this epic journey, and map the contemporary face of Buddhism, Professor Lancaster formed an association of scholars and developed the Electronic Cultural Atlas Initiative, which is essentially a collection of maps with dots, with each dot representing a place where Buddhist temples, monasteries, communities, resources, and histories are available by simply clicking your mouse.

From early on, Buddhism was a uniquely portable religion, spreading far and wide, with few of the barriers that anchored other religions to their original historic settings. After being driven out of India in the late middle-ages, Buddhism was not associated with one nation, one territory, one sacred temple, and not even one sacred tongue.
The Electronic Atlas was not Professor Lancaster's first attempt to engage Buddhism with the modern world. For the Seoul Olympics he transferred a complete 13th century Korean woodblock printing of the Tripitaka onto a CD Rom. During the Korean Olympic Games, the CD Rom was placed in a glass reliquary and carried into the stadium by Buddhist monks.

The CD Rom as sacred relic is characteristic of Buddhism’s adaptability. Relics in fact are typical of Buddhism, and are often found as crystalline knobs in the cremated remains of a Buddhist saint or Bodhisattva. The Temple of the Buddha’s Tooth in Kandy Sri Lanka is a rare example of an actual part of the body as a relic.

Today, however, a sacred relic might just as well be a CD Rom that contains the Dharma or Buddhist teaching. The Dharma teaches that the nature of the material world is transient and insubstantial. It's made of elements that come together and will later decay, only to be reborn as something else. This endless cycle of birth and death is known as samsara, and Buddhists believe it's the fate of all things and beings. The electronic digital age has also plunged us into this perspective and no more obviously than in our attempt to store information in new, fragile forms.

In contrast to the wooden printing blocks of 800 years ago, which can still be used to produce copies of the Buddhist canon, we do not know what digital platforms will be in use even 20 or 40 years from now. To keep abreast of this constantly changing technology, the Electronic Cultural Atlas Initiative, which has been stored at the University of California Berkeley, is now poised to be housed in Taiwan, where a more advanced software will allow it to survive the inevitable obsolescence of the computers and programs it was created on.

'If you start a project on a computer, you have a baby that never grows up,' Professor Lancaster says. 'You can never leave it, never ignore it. If you do, it dies.'

So the transient nature of digital technology is testing the preservation of the Dharma even as it confirms its teachings. If this is not ironic enough, a Buddhist nun and doctoral student of Professor Lancaster, Jue Wei Shin, is recreating a Buddhist festival of 1500 years ago from the ancient capital of Lou Yang. Her tool? An interactive multimedia display of Buddhist images and icons which can be seen at Darling Harbour on 11–12 May for the Buddha’s birthday celebrations.

Hear Professor Lewis Lancaster and the Ven Jue Wei with Rachael Kohn on The Spirit of Things Sunday 5 May, Tuesday 7 May.

[Big Uncle]

This is interesting article. However, I don't think the author understands the purpose of the veneration of relics. First of all, a CD is hardly a relic and what the Korean Buddhist did was to venerate the Dharma that was stored within the CD. Therefore, the CD is hardly a relic. A relic as the article says is the crystalline remains or little medicinal pills that appear after the cremation of a great master or a bodhisattva. The purpose of these relics is to heal diseases (for the pills when they are partaken) and to be blessing upon those who wear them. The blessing plants seeds and blesses us to start our Dharma journey.

[Ensapa]

This is interesting article. However, I don't think the author understands the purpose of the veneration of relics. First of all, a CD is hardly a relic and what the Korean Buddhist did was to venerate the Dharma that was stored within the CD. Therefore, the CD is hardly a relic. A relic as the article says is the crystalline remains or little medicinal pills that appear after the cremation of a great master or a bodhisattva. The purpose of these relics is to heal diseases (for the pills when they are partaken) and to be blessing upon those who wear them. The blessing plants seeds and blesses us to start our Dharma journey.

Perhaps, their definition of a relic is something that has Dharma on or in it in whatever way. There are different definitions of what a relic is depending on the different lineages and traditions, perhaps, or maybe, it has been lost in translation due to the various translators being confused about the terms and so forth and thus they venerate a CD with Dharma in it as a Dharma item. Translated articles can be tricky sometimes especially if the translation is done out of context (which can be a quite common mistake)

[fruven]

Interesting article. It says that Buddhism is a portable religion spreading far and wide and not confined to a culture, a race, or a country. Well humans do spread far and wide, don't we? Humans have been living in the cold to hot climate all round the places on these planet. It is ridicules and funny that our mind is so closed that externally we are adaptable to different environment but our mind cannot escape from our own reality to the reality. The Dharma which was taught by the Buddha himself has spread far and wide. As long as human beings and other sentient beings exist the Dharma will grow in places where people seek spirituality.

[Ensapa]

Interesting article. It says that Buddhism is a portable religion spreading far and wide and not confined to a culture, a race, or a country. Well humans do spread far and wide, don't we? Humans have been living in the cold to hot climate all round the places on these planet. It is ridicules and funny that our mind is so closed that externally we are adaptable to different environment but our mind cannot escape from our own reality to the reality. The Dharma which was taught by the Buddha himself has spread far and wide. As long as human beings and other sentient beings exist the Dharma will grow in places where people seek spirituality.

Buddhism will always be able to adapt to the various situations and conditions, namely because the Buddha's teachings are the truth and the truth will always prevail and because the Buddha's teachings is the truth, it will always be around although the mediums in where it will be stored and expressed would be different. Thus, Buddhism is a very versatile religion in this aspect and it does not discriminate in whatever from it would be presented.

[harrynephew]

Interesting article. It says that Buddhism is a portable religion spreading far and wide and not confined to a culture, a race, or a country. Well humans do spread far and wide, don't we? Humans have been living in the cold to hot climate all round the places on these planet. It is ridicules and funny that our mind is so closed that externally we are adaptable to different environment but our mind cannot escape from our own reality to the reality. The Dharma which was taught by the Buddha himself has spread far and wide. As long as human beings and other sentient beings exist the Dharma will grow in places where people seek spirituality.

Buddhism will always be able to adapt to the various situations and conditions, namely because the Buddha's teachings are the truth and the truth will always prevail and because the Buddha's teachings is the truth, it will always be around although the mediums in where it will be stored and expressed would be different. Thus, Buddhism is a very versatile religion in this aspect and it does not discriminate in whatever from it would be presented.

the fact that Buddhism consists of definitive and interpretative teachings renders the practitioner flexibility and also gives them the chance to think for themselves to discern right from wrong, virtue from non-virtue. As such the Buddha's teachings is able to penetrate through different cultures and civilizations due to the fact that the truth is really timeless. Hence if in the future 50 years from now, the packaging of Buddhism may differ from what we have today, as long as the essence is retained, there's nothing really wrong with Buddhism in the internet as long as it benefits.

[Ensapa]

the fact that Buddhism consists of definitive and interpretative teachings renders the practitioner flexibility and also gives them the chance to think for themselves to discern right from wrong, virtue from non-virtue. As such the Buddha's teachings is able to penetrate through different cultures and civilizations due to the fact that the truth is really timeless. Hence if in the future 50 years from now, the packaging of Buddhism may differ from what we have today, as long as the essence is retained, there's nothing really wrong with Buddhism in the internet as long as it benefits.

And as such, Buddhism is one of the few religions of the world that never demands its followers to adopt another culture for their spiritual beliefs, unlike other religions who tend to destroy the indigenous beliefs of the locals and inject them with the culture of where the religion originates. Buddhism does not do this but instead integrates with the current culture and social strata of the places where it is spread to improve the people and make them better people. After all, Buddhism is all about caring for others and enhancing one's positive points and getting rid of one's negative traits.

[kris]

Internet is just a way to disseminate information and I don't see any solid argument about Buddhism is made for the internet. Any religion who wants to spread can claim themselves they are made for the internet too, and this is not even restricted to religions only.

On the other hand, internet is something which will stay her and mostly will stay here for long time, therefore, Dharma practitioners should fully utilize internet fully to make the most out of it. Don't miss this chance to spread Dharma FAR and WIDE!

[Ensapa]

Internet is just a way to disseminate information and I don't see any solid argument about Buddhism is made for the internet. Any religion who wants to spread can claim themselves they are made for the internet too, and this is not even restricted to religions only.

On the other hand, internet is something which will stay her and mostly will stay here for long time, therefore, Dharma practitioners should fully utilize internet fully to make the most out of it. Don't miss this chance to spread Dharma FAR and WIDE!

There are some religions that dont travel well with technology and has to be modified greatly from time to time. But Buddhism is one of the few that is compatible with science, progress and technology compared to other religions. It is this adaptability and fluidity that makes Buddhism a timeless religion that can be easily adapted and practiced. However, with that said, it also exposes Buddhism to another can of worms and that is misinterpretation of the teachings as well as the risk of people misunderstanding the more advanced teachings that are not to be made public.

[Rinchen]

Internet is just a way to disseminate information and I don't see any solid argument about Buddhism is made for the internet. Any religion who wants to spread can claim themselves they are made for the internet too, and this is not even restricted to religions only.

On the other hand, internet is something which will stay her and mostly will stay here for long time, therefore, Dharma practitioners should fully utilize internet fully to make the most out of it. Don't miss this chance to spread Dharma FAR and WIDE!

Agreed, the internet is a platform for people to teach and disseminate information to the rest of the world. Reaching out to people around the globe at their comfort zone.

The internet is not made for anyone or anything, or even any religion. When searched on the internet, all religious information can be found. It does not limit to only Buddhism related information. It is just a platform for the dharma to grow.

With internet, everyone of us can learn and read at comfort. Doing whatever they would like to anytime of the day. It does not restrict you to be at a very specific location. And this is one of the teaching on Buddhism. The value of impermanence.

[Ensapa]

Agreed, the internet is a platform for people to teach and disseminate information to the rest of the world. Reaching out to people around the globe at their comfort zone.

The internet is not made for anyone or anything, or even any religion. When searched on the internet, all religious information can be found. It does not limit to only Buddhism related information. It is just a platform for the dharma to grow.

With internet, everyone of us can learn and read at comfort. Doing whatever they would like to anytime of the day. It does not restrict you to be at a very specific location. And this is one of the teaching on Buddhism. The value of impermanence.

Buddhism is versatile and that fits in with the internet because like I have said before, not all religions are internet friendly as they have hidden interpretations and so forth and cannot be understood easily by those who do not study them well. Take Judaism for example. The torah and its interpretative texts such as the Kaballah can be made available on the internet but its not picking up because it is too mystical in nature, and thus, not made for the internet. Buddhism on the other hand, is far more pragmatic and open.

[Rinchen]

Buddhism is versatile and that fits in with the internet because like I have said before, not all religions are internet friendly as they have hidden interpretations and so forth and cannot be understood easily by those who do not study them well. Take Judaism for example. The torah and its interpretative texts such as the Kaballah can be made available on the internet but its not picking up because it is too mystical in nature, and thus, not made for the internet. Buddhism on the other hand, is far more pragmatic and open.

Yes I do agree with you, but I just think that having the information about the religion to be online or not is a choice thing. Not something that it is impossible to do so. It is just a matter of if we are willing to commit time to do extensive write ups about the knowledge or not. Or do we want the religion to be "exclusive" reaching out to only a few people at a time depending the on the time, location, and space of the venue.

With the internet they are able to do vlogs as well, explaining in details their teachings, but they are not willing to do so. Hence, it is not a matter of fact if it is possible to do it or not, but more of whether they would want to do it.

[Ensapa]

Buddhism is versatile and that fits in with the internet because like I have said before, not all religions are internet friendly as they have hidden interpretations and so forth and cannot be understood easily by those who do not study them well. Take Judaism for example. The torah and its interpretative texts such as the Kaballah can be made available on the internet but its not picking up because it is too mystical in nature, and thus, not made for the internet. Buddhism on the other hand, is far more pragmatic and open.

Yes I do agree with you, but I just think that having the information about the religion to be online or not is a choice thing. Not something that it is impossible to do so. It is just a matter of if we are willing to commit time to do extensive write ups about the knowledge or not. Or do we want the religion to be "exclusive" reaching out to only a few people at a time depending the on the time, location, and space of the venue.

With the internet they are able to do vlogs as well, explaining in details their teachings, but they are not willing to do so. Hence, it is not a matter of fact if it is possible to do it or not, but more of whether they would want to do it.

You see, it is not just about explanation alone. It is many things. For example, the audience needs to have the foundations of the religion and already knows certain things and have a certain level of understanding of the religion before understanding its deeper tenets which forms the core of the religion. Even in Buddhism, many "buddhist" teachings online actually just scrape the surface of Buddhism and have not reached the core teachings yet although the pali cannon is made online but sutras without explanation or adaptation would be hard to understand. This is what i meant.

[Rinchen]

You see, it is not just about explanation alone. It is many things. For example, the audience needs to have the foundations of the religion and already knows certain things and have a certain level of understanding of the religion before understanding its deeper tenets which forms the core of the religion. Even in Buddhism, many "buddhist" teachings online actually just scrape the surface of Buddhism and have not reached the core teachings yet although the pali cannon is made online but sutras without explanation or adaptation would be hard to understand. This is what i meant.

I have previously misunderstood you. I guess you are correct in a way that it would be difficult for the beginners to understand certain teachings with regards to the religions. But I still strongly believe that if a religion wants to do their teachings through the internet, it is possible. It is just a matter of how much are they willing to give for this cause of having many others to read and learn about their religion through this online portal.

[Ensapa]

I have previously misunderstood you. I guess you are correct in a way that it would be difficult for the beginners to understand certain teachings with regards to the religions. But I still strongly believe that if a religion wants to do their teachings through the internet, it is possible. It is just a matter of how much are they willing to give for this cause of having many others to read and learn about their religion through this online portal.

Religion is something very personal...but when it's made on the internet, it dosent become personal anymore. Everyone needs to interpret religion in accordance with their personal experiences and feelings. This is how one identifies with a religion that one chooses. If it is on the internet, sure some people can relate to it but not all and even if they can it would also be colored by their perception of how things should be as well. So in the end, everyone needs a mentor to guide them through a religion and not just read up on it.