Editor’s note: This article by Vista Buddhist Temple President Ricky Schlesinger first appeared in the EVERYDAY BUDDHIST blog at everydaybuddhist.org and is being reprinted with his permission.
Most of my lifelong friends and my family are not Buddhist, but they all know I am. Some of my local friends have joined me at a Vista Buddhist Temple service. They asked for a book to read. And most of them, at one point have asked me, “So tell me, what is Buddhism”?
I feel like I am as articulate as the next guy and have spent most my career communicating concepts (marketing and sales). But I have a very hard time delivering a simple response to “What is Buddhism”? Almost always, I find my answer a bit hollow and inadequate. Kind of frustrating, kind of embarrassing!
I am committed to Buddhism, and I really believe that if my friends experienced what I have experienced, they would want to jump in and get involved, but I just can’t deliver an elevator pitch explanation.
I have tried the … “It’s about wisdom and compassion” angle; that doesn’t quite get there. Lots of belief systems involve wisdom and compassion. I have tried the Four Noble Truths approach, but talking about “suffering” is like a cold shower. I can never remember all eight of the Eightfold Path; that’s awkward. They always want to talk about reincarnation, but that is not really my Buddhist driver. Maybe “Just Do It” is really a Buddhist message, and I could use that as my “go to” response. But I am afraid of being sued by Nike.
So here is my conclusion, it’s twofold. One, I have an increasing respect for our Buddhist leaders and authors who can provide a succinct answer to “What is Buddhism” off the cuff. Two, and most important, keep practicing, (even though it sounds like a golf tip). Buddhism is like a flower blooming in slow motion. It unfolds to you as your understanding matures.
So now I am gratefully engaged in the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha (I can retain those three). And I try to remain present in every moment. I study a little, and I look for the Dharma wherever and whenever it presents itself.
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