“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” ~Pema Chödrön
Buddhism has made such a smash into the daily lives of Americans. What was once a trickle of small proportions—Beats, aesthetes, and the curious, has become common place. Of course there are always those who feel threatened or diminished by what others do. Or feel that there is a pagan ritual involved with having a statue of the Buddha in a home.
Religion or philosophy, belief or practice, Buddhism is what you make it.
And no, the Buddha was not a god, nor did he claim to be one. And no, a statue of the Buddha in my home does not mean that I worship at the altar or an icon. And yes, one can be a Christian and still practice Buddhism.
Namaste, Pax, and Peace
Writers Ink—Writing and Stuff 