Buddhism in America

The goal of life in Buddhism is to find release from our narrow concern with ourselves and our own interests, and the desires and cravings that make us restless, discontented and unhappy.

The lifestyle of a Buddhist, giving up their desires, clashes with that of an American, who we teach to be go-getters. However, although differences between the two ways of cognition exist, it is not impossible for an individual living in America to follow the teachings of Buddha.

In America, we encourage people to achieve their dreams and teach them to think and act in a way that is best for themselves. We instill the thought that nothing is impossible, making people believe that their dreams can come true. Buddhism, on the contrary, is the exact opposite and teaches one to give up their desires to achieve a state of enlightenment. Regardless, both decisions are based on the path that their individuals choose to follow. Considering the fact that the United States was founded on the belief in freedom of religion and expression, following the lifestyle of a Buddhist in America is possible.

Buddhism focuses on detaching oneself from their desires and wishes, but to begin the path toward enlightenment, an individual must first choose, wish, and desire to become enlightened. Since that is a self-made decision with freedom, I find there is a hypocrisy within the theory of Buddhism.