“Buddhism is changing,” says Tenzin Palmo, “the lay population—
both men and women—is now highly educated, and that changes
their role in the dharma. They are no longer passive supporters but
come with their own expectations.” She says that to stay relevant
in a modern world, Buddhism has to repackage itself to make sure
younger generations can recognize its extraordinary philosophy and
practice.
Eun-Su Cho, a professor of Buddhism at Seoul National Uni-
versity and vice president of Sakyadhita, agrees that Buddhism
must adapt to modern values. In Western countries, she says, Bud-
dhism is popular because it is seen as a progressive alternative to
established religions; Buddhism in Korea, meanwhile, is associated
with repressive, conservative values, so it fails to appeal to younger,
more progressive Koreans. “Many younger Korean women prefer
rick simeone
(Rick Simeone)
#1