Buddhist Sangha of South Jersey
Introduction
Our Sangha
We are lay practitioners who have come together to support each other in practice and to help others see and learn the path. We do not have a teacher, so we help each other follow the way. We hope that you will join us and contribute your strength for the benefit of all living beings.
Contents Of This Site
We have included various items of interest about Buddhism. These include links to other Buddhists, selected texts from different traditions, some ideas on how to meditate, books on Buddhism and sources of meditation supplies.
Buddhism and Other Religions
Its not necessary to give up your current religion before practicing Buddhism. As far as most Buddhists are concerned, there is no conflict. The Buddha is not God and the practice of Buddhism is simply a way of life leading to generosity, kindness and insight. While Buddhism contains some ideas that may conflict with other religions, the Buddha never asked others to give up their beliefs. He offered his teachings to be tested against our experience and asked us to accept only what we found to work in our own lives.
Buddhism and Women
Women are full and equal partners in modern American Buddhist practice. In the Buddha's time this was not so and in some Asian countries women still do not share equal status with men. When Buddhism came west, the cultural prejudices against equality were left behind and there are now women Zen masters as well as prominent women in many other schools of American Buddhism.
Faith And Patience
Buddhist practice is quite challenging. Americans are used to quick and easy fixes: Enlightenment in a weekend, all meals included! Our practice is to work slowly and steadily, following the Way and looking carefully at things just as they are. The most important thing is to have faith in yourself and in the practice.