IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ORIENTAL CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES PROTECTION ALLIANCE (OCHSPA)

Buddhism: Expectation and Reality Series

This talk looks at how Buddhism has evolved from its original teachings to the way it is practiced today. It begins with the question of language: the Buddha encouraged oral transmission, and over time his words have been preserved in Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan. It also reflects on the robes of monks, once uniform, but now adapted to different regions and climates. Food offerings are another example—originally very simple, they now include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

The speaker will then turn to the diversity of Buddhist schools, showing that despite their differences, all are grounded in the Vinaya, the code of discipline. The talk also considers how monks sustained themselves in the Buddha’s time, compared with today’s realities.

A central theme is the Middle Way, a teaching common to all traditions. Theravāda emphasizes the Noble Eightfold Path, while Mahāyāna highlights the idea of dependent origination. Beliefs about deities are discussed, including common confusions such as mistaking Brahma for the Buddha. Another important topic is the place of women in Buddhism. In Thailand, the role of Bhikkhunis, or female monks, is debated, yet Chinese records from the Tang Dynasty suggest they once had a place. Together, these points show how Buddhism has adapted across cultures and times. At the same time, they reveal a shared spirit that unites the tradition. The talk invites listeners to see Buddhism as both faithful to its roots and responsive to reality. It asks: how can we honor the past while living fully in the present?