The challenges of seeding Buddhism in the Wild West
In this session with Thubten Chodron called “Seeding Buddhism in the Wild West”, multiple speakers shared their personal journeys of discovering and practicing Buddhism in both the Eastern and Western worlds.
Born during times of social upheaval in the US, some of them, disillusioned with societal inequalities, explored various religious traditions.
Initially skeptical of religion due to Western history’s violent past, their open-mindedness led them to monasteries in Nepal and India, where they found wisdom and community.
Despite challenges faced by Western monastics, such as financial constraints and cultural misunderstandings, their unwavering commitment allowed them to establish Buddhist communities and preserve teachings for the future.
The session highlighted experiences of ordination, challenges in monastic life, and the establishment of Buddhist communities in the West.
