A Buddhist reader of SikhSpectrum.com would like to share these words of wisdom. --Editor

You are my friends and the greatest love a person can have for his friends is to live his life for them.

When two Christian gospel movies open this month in theatres worldwide, I am wondering when will the turn of Buddhist gospel be adopted in the Hollywood.

Flipping through the collection of the Buddha's sayings in more than 10,000 Suttas, there are more than enough inspirations for movie scriptwriters. Nevertheless, the only notable Buddhist movie in the past decade is Little Buddha.

The latest in the pipeline is Buddha, a 90-minute animation, produced by India's Pentamedia Graphics in a tie-up with Singapore's Economic Development Board.

What is it that the passion of the Buddha does not burn as lively as the Christ's?

One Friday when I was taking the elevator down at Suntec City Mall in Singapore, I was surprised to be greeted by the large crowd descending from the 3rd and 4th floor. These crowd of working professionals have just finished their evening service at New Creation Church, an independent charismatic church with 10,000 member-strength.

A youth's dream

I have been dreaming of a Buddhist service for young people like me. My Christian friends always have something to look forward to every week - recharging their spirituality with friends. I was left going on my own at a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple. It is not that there is no Buddhist services around. It is just that the youthful atmosphere is not there. You are crowded by middle-aged people, conducted by middle-aged, with topics hardly related to youths.

The problem of Buddhist youth in Singapore and worldwide is a complicated one. While young people are attracted to Christianity because of the practicality, the trend in Buddhist community has geared towards promoting more rituals. Some are banking on initiation and empowerment ceremonies to get more crowd. You can even notice this kind of poster in the bus stop, which can be likened to illegal posting in public places.

Getting more youths involved should come from presenting Buddhism in the more modern form, showing its relevance to young people's life. Or is Buddhism getting outdated that there is nothing useful to guide our life?

While the ultimate direction in Buddhism is taking the path of renunciation, it must not be mistaken that the Buddha only teaches this. Indeed, in various occasions, the Buddha showed lay people like us how to live a better life. This should be the main focus in reaching out to young people, showing them that understanding the Dhamma will prepare them to tackle the problems in life.

Once Buddhist, always Buddhist

One friend mentioned that all paths will lead to the same destination. It is the same old brainwash that I used to receive from moral education about religion that we should treat all religions as one. It will only create confusionism. Probably it is this mentality that make most Buddhists keep quiet and simply do nothing from the growing Christian evangelism. Or worst is that they are saying that the kamma has not ripen yet so never mind.

Most Buddhists will say numbers are not important. It is not about getting more Buddhists, but it is about getting more good and kind people. I am giving my opposition to this statement. When Buddhists are considering themselves pursuing humanity, instead of the Buddha's teachings, it is digging the grave for Buddhism. At one point of time, nobody will recognize that these are the Buddha's teachings. So they will recognize as the teaching of this master and that master. And so it passed down and got more distorted. This will be a great disservice to the Buddhasasana.

My friends like to complain that I always compare Buddhists with Christians. There are systematic outreach approaches in Christians that Buddhists do not possess. Isn't it time for Buddhists to wake up? Less talk and walk the talk more. For the most important element is the youth, who will shape the society's future, there is an urgent need to develop Buddhist youths.

The priceless gems are waiting to be uncovered. Touch the lives of the people around you. The Buddha would only sleep for 4 hours every day and dedicate the other 20 hours to reach out to people and devas. He would even walk around the country just to help people. This is the real passion.

Plant the seeds of the Dhamma for one small seed can grow into a great harvest. Share the passion of the Buddha today!

Editor
The Dhamma Times