| The future of Buddhism can be viewed as the future | | | | The Buddhist tradition came to become a remarkably |
| of physics. If indeed it is the truth, Buddhism will be | | | | researched and guarded philosophy. It was protected |
| what it will be. Cause and effect will be at play, | | | | against outside intrusion. When Tibet was invaded by |
| funneling Creation in the only direction possible. | | | | China and the Buddhist monks fled their country, |
| Proselytizing is uncomfortable in the Buddhist tradition, | | | | they took their learning with them. The result has |
| and not advocated for. The reason is that, again, | | | | been that the world received these teachings. |
| when an individual stops working on their own | | | | The invasion that was intended to quell the tradition |
| enlightenment to instruct another, he or she has, in | | | | that was offensive to the Chinese, instead resulted in |
| that act, interfered with the greater Power of | | | | the spread of Buddhism through the world. This is an |
| Creation. | | | | example of the cause and effect that is life in the |
| Just as in physics, theories abound of global warming | | | | physical. No one knows what the result of their |
| and the influence that humans have on our | | | | actions will be. We can try our hardest for one result, |
| atmosphere, in reality this is a local situation. The | | | | and end up with another. |
| self-absorbed concern for oneself of the human | | | | In Buddhism, one is extolled to leave the tradition if it |
| being, suggests that we will change the character of | | | | does not suit one. As in physics, the investigation, |
| the Earth by our misuse of the environment. | | | | scientific discoveries and education of the scientists, |
| This will, ultimately, not mean a thing to the Universe, | | | | will not influence the subject. Both Buddhism and |
| planets, or the Earth itself. For the same reason, the | | | | physics are bigger than humans; and we are |
| fact that humans so cavalierly play with environment, | | | | immersed in both. |
| is witness to our lack of understanding of the | | | | And this is the truth that will allow humans who |
| enormity of the Power of Creation and our | | | | follow the Buddhist tradition, to find their personal |
| association to it. | | | | place in the vastness. This is the reason it is advisable |
| It is usually the unforeseen circumstances that tell | | | | to work on one's "own little acre of Paradise", as it |
| the tale of the future. For example, Buddhism | | | | were. |
| developed in the isolation of the Himalyas. In this | | | | The future of Buddhism will unfold as it will. It will |
| remote area, the focus could be placed on the inner | | | | need no formal program or plan as layed out by its |
| world, without the distractions that the rest of the | | | | followers. We are instead free to put the effort into |
| planet was bombarded. | | | | ourselves. |