why is Buddhism gaining more adherents?
Based on a survey done in Singapore by the Straits Times with almost 1000 respondents recently, the following observations were made:
1. Young people are turning up to look for a way to let go of pressure from work.
2. Buddhist centres are conducting programmes in English attracting younger people. Buddhism used to be seen as a religion for the Mandarin- or dialect-speaking.
3. They have gotten organized and have publicity drives, seminars, camps, publications and websites.
4. Fads like yoga and meditation and the focus on calmness, plus having adherents among Hollywood stars, have made it hip to be a Buddhist. Even the Dalai Lama’s charisma is winning followers among the younger ones.
5. Attempts to be more relevant: a lot of meditation classes are held in many temples: 14 of the 20 top temples and centres have meditation classes; and there are even stess and career management courses.
6. Nearly six out of ten Buddhist converts say the religion gives them purpose and meaning, or has seen them through a crisis.
3 comments August 20th, 2008
