Q: I started studying Buddhism 4 years ago abroad. and it’s only recently that I’ve been discovering Buddhism here in Korea and I’ve always been very fascinated by the temples. One thing that strikes me whenever I visit is that I see all these lamps and names with donations which I understand are very necessary to keep the temples going but I also get the feeling that there is some kind of contradiction because Buddhism teaches equanimity, non-attachments, non-aversion and please correct me if I am wrong. These wishes or favors people are paying for in a way are sort of way of clinging on more to an expectation or an outcome. So this is thought I guess. I’d love to hear your explanation.
The Path of Engaged Buddhism in a Divided World: An Interview with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
The purpose of the Buddhadharma is to empower people to relieve their own individual suffering.
