For a long time, I quiet or cover up my faith and my original citizen, I work in a group of foreigners. We come from the wide world: Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, of course, we different skins, cultures and faith. Most people in my group are believers of catholic, Christian, and someone Muslim. Only me Buddhist
One day I think:” Why to be shy? Why not proud Buddhist? Why cover up the background?”, and I strongly confirm with some friends:” I’m a Vietnamese Buddhist”. Someone asking: “What do you believe in Buddhism? Who is founded Buddhism?”. I know this is a big question but I gave the basic answer:” The Buddhism founded by Sakyamuni Buddha. He was born in India and he just an enlightener. He, no a God or creator. He came into the world to teach people the Middle Path. This way helps us be free from suffering and liberate. The basic Buddha teaches in the sort text:
Don’t do any evil
Do everything kind
Keep physical and mental purity
That all of Buddha teach
In American culture have some quotes the same or close with Dhamma:” What goes around come around”, “reap what you sow…
My friend never see me eat meat, someone asking:” Are you vegetarian? And why?”. I said:” Because of Buddhist respect all living beings”. They ask again:” This is the law or request in Buddhism?”. I said:” Just advise and have many options for choice”
At my workstation, everyone is busy, but I always think, remember, and whisper:” Amitabha Buddha” or “ Great Heart tantra”. This is the best way to help me comfortable in my job and keep me in balance, sometimes I lost mindfulness and let angry explosion when hit something unsatisfactorily, and sometimes do the bad or talk the ugly words too.
I practice Dhamma at the workstation, reading Buddha texts, tantra, or practice Meditation every weekend. I study Dhamma of both branches Theravada and Mahayana. I see many differences between and be undecided. I have a dream to become a Buddhist monk too but not easy, I can’t let down let go, sometimes feel like people at the intersection. I see the basics of two branches of Buddhism: The Four Noble truths, The Eightfold Path, suffering, emptiness, selflessness, Impermanence…
I believe in Buddha and his teachings. I follow and practice in Mahayana way but I learning Vipassana too. This is a meditation way teach by Sakyamuni Buddha. Vipassana said:” Our physical, not purity, be sensitive is suffering, the mind nonstop changing, material and mental selflessness”
I am no more shy or scary. I strongly confirm and proud: I’m a Vietnamese Buddhist. I am still happy and harmonious with everyone at my workstation. Everybody treats me well too, we work together in happy and respect others. We really don’t care about differences in skin color, culture, or faith.
Steven N
Georgia, 05/2021