Buddhism Elsie – Traditions and Culture

Resource Description

Analyse the role of traditions and culture in promoting continuity in one belief system or ideology.

(1197 words)

Code:

Marking Criteria (MC): Extensive application of concepts – Higher Order Concepts

Buddhism as a belief system has endured almost three millennia with traditions and culture playing a significant role in its continuity. Across the centuries Buddhism has faced many external influences such as westernisation and globalisation and while they have slightly affected Buddhism, traditions and culture have effectively maintained the core philosophies. Traditional texts and cultural leaders have aided in the cultural transmission of Buddhism. However, in a modern world that values hierarchy, they have had an important role in employing power rather than authority to sustain a decentralised structure. Commercialisation has allowed traditional symbols and practices to experience a level of commodification and the acculturation of Buddhism in the western world has shifted the nature of monasticism and gender roles. However, the belief system’s inherent malleability with the Second Universal Truth stating “Everything Changes”, has allowed the intrinsic values and guiding principles to adapt to their environment and time ultimately enduring. Thus, traditions and cultures, influenced by a degree of change, have played a significant role in the promotion of continuity in Buddhism.