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On Faith
Alfred Bloom
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Buddhism, like ‘furoshiki,’ is adaptable
Those familiar with Japanese culture will certainly have encountered the "furoshiki," a bath cloth or sheet. It has been one of the most commonly used Japanese accessories in many areas of life. Appearing as far back as the sixth century, the square piece of cloth was traditionally used to carry clothing and utensils for one's daily trek to the public bath or on a journey.
The furoshiki has since expanded to wider uses, from being used as a shopping bag or to carry any heavy load; farmers use them to carry their products to market. It is easily transportable, folded up and kept in a purse when not in use.
Over time the furoshiki gradually evolved into a beautiful but practical gift. Now they are used even as head coverings, scarves or table decorations.
The furoshiki is a good representation of Buddhism. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as silk, cotton, rayon and nylon, and it can be variously decorated. Likewise, there are many forms and expressions of Buddhism. They each have a message for modern people, but all have the essential or core teachings.
Despite the diversity of Buddhist traditions, they are all bound together by certain basic principles focused on the teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment, such as the four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path of Discipline, the Middle Path between extremes of bodily mortification and pleasure, the principle of dependent co-arising and the concept of no-soul, or emptiness.
A major feature of the furoshiki is that it is square. Squareness connotes completeness and fullness. It has the sense of something strong, steady or solidly based. For instance, we talk of having three square meals a day when people eat well. Or we are square with people, meaning that we are honest with our fellows. Or we hit the nail squarely on the head. In Christianity there is even the Foursquare Gospel.
Buddhism can be seen as a foursquare religion in the four Noble Truths, which comprise a complete analysis of the human condition as suffering, dissatisfaction, frustration, the source of our spiritual ills, the basis for overcoming and the path to spiritual liberation, known as the Eightfold Noble Path.
Like the furoshiki, Buddhism is adaptable. Whatever the size or shape of the object, the furoshiki can enfold it. Similarly, Buddhism adapts to individuals. It is said in the tradition that there are 84,000 teachings. There is something whereby each person can reach spiritual fulfillment.
It integrates with the societies and cultures where it takes root. Buddhism does not require changing one's culture in order to belong. It accepts all people, whatever their social status, spiritual abilities, moral condition or intellectual capabilities. It is an inclusive and universal, welcoming faith which believes that all people have Buddha-nature, or the capacity to become enlightened and transform their lives.
Buddhist furoshiki faith can contribute to American and Western culture as its inclusive and flexible compassion and wisdom enfolds the hearts and minds of modern people.
Alfred Bloom is professor emeritus of religion at University of Hawaii.