Isn't this a bit ironic?

Question

Buddhism is about detachment, the goal is to overcome attachment to things and people. Christianity, is about unity. Christians believe they are united by God and Christ.

Most Eastern people are Buddhist (Even Hinduism is a detachment based religion). Still Eastern societies are mostly collective societies. The group as a whole is important and separation from that group is frowned upon.

Now some westerners are christian (playing PC here). Yet western society is mostly individualistic. The individual is important any attachment to the group is seen as sign of weakness.

What do you say?

Answer 1

People are different and often inconsistent.

Go figure.

Answer 2

Native Americans and Latino Americans are more united/ close to their families,and live in collective societies in ways which are very similar to Eastern people, even though they live in the western world.  

Answer 3

Pardon my appearing a bit confused with your blanket statements, but, isn't it a bit too presumptuous to say the Buddhism and Hinduism are all about "detachment" and Christianity is about "unity"?

The theory of "bairagya" isn't really quite as simple as you try to make it appear, unfortunately; and Christianity, too, does have similar concepts though in a different leaning.

Also, may I point out that you contradict yourself in the second sentence which makes it unnecessary for me to point out to the importance of the "Sangha" in Buddhism. "Sangham sharanam gachchami", remember?

Pardon my saying this, but, I've been to India and the East and I'm afraid that the Orientals, nowadays, are more "individualistic" than the common Westerner. Looking for the really "Spiritual" Oriental would, literally, be like searching for yon needle in yon proverbial haystack, I'm afraid.

Trying to be PC here, I guess that's what it's just the role reversal that comes with the cycle of time, isn't it?

ST

Answer 4

A little tooooo ironic, don'tcha' think.

It's like rain

on my wedding day...

And it really makes ya' think. yea.

Answer 5

Yes, Buddhism teaches that the suffering in the world comes from man's desire, so the goal is to rid oneself of all desire until nirvana is achieved. Nirvana does not mean bliss as some people think, but rather it means the blowing out of the flame of desire.

The Bible teaches that suffering and death is the result of sin in the world that entered into the world at the time of the fall of the first man and woman. It does not teach that desire itself is bad, rather what is done with that natural desire.

For instance, the Bible declares that the love of money is the root of all evil. It isn't money that is evil but rather what will spring up from a love of money - placing it's value above more important things. We all need money to live in this world, but it is needed in proper balance.

In the past year my finances have hit an all time low and I am learning valuable things that have nothing to do with material riches.

It isn't easy but I believe it is ultimately for the best.

Not to miss your point - individuality is something that I have had to work to balance in my life. I have always tended to be a loner, but if I keep to myself I miss out on understanding many things - primarily God's love for people.

Answer 6

I would say Buddhism is about recognising one's inner spirit and growing from that point onward.

Christians think 'spirit' means god or evil spirit means the devil. They choose to recognise this make believe spirit before they recognise themselves. In that context Westerners are not so individualistic because they find a common need to worship a make believe spirit together.

It follows that Buddhists are therefore more individualistic, as they have taken that step to recognise their inner spirit. What could be more individual than that?  

Answer 7

It's not ironic, because you're oversimplifying.

Eastern cultures cultivate a deep spirit of self-sufficiency, which 'ironically' (ok, I'll use your word) lead to deeply interlaced society where everyone understands the importance of fulfilling their role.

Western culture (in the sense of a mold culture in my opinion) breeds the worst kind of self-worthlessness, lack of identity confidence, herd mentality, and an utter lack of self-identity outside of confirming social circles, affinity groups, and peer acceptance. Most westerners I know are totally dependent on groupthought, and will believe anything that enough of their friends beleive. They would not notice Jesus if he stood in front of them, becuase their friends would make fun of his shabby clothing and his bad smell. This sad state leads to 'unity' in the sense that westerners are helpless without the group, but 'ironically' (if we must) leads to totally unsustainable goupings based on delusion and ignorance.

Proof? The Iraq war. Heating houses with dinosaur juice. American Idol. The utter ignorance that surrounds me everyday, even of the most basic concepts, like don't-park-in-a-fire-lane, don't-walk-in-the-middle-of-the-road, vote-for-criminals-who-have-proven-that-...

It goes on.

Answer 8

Christianity has its detachments as well.

What is PC? as you say "some westerners are christian playing pc?

Answer 9

In western society, attachment to a group isn't necessarily a sign of weakness.  OVERattachment is.  Buddhism stresses overattachment to material objects and desires.

Answer 10

It is very ironic.

Answer 11

very interesting question.

I've never had it put this way.

I feel that there is a Religion for every personality type there is