But It Is Custom
by Roshi Hogen Berman

Man is constantly looking for what he perceives to be an "out" - or excuse for his erratic or illogical behavior. Recently as I was taking a group of Buddhist followers to task for breaking the precepts and practicing rituals that advocated the existence of an individual personal spirit, they replied:"But it is our custom."

I immediately understood that I would be the bigger fool if I argued against the custom of their country that had been ingrained for possibly 2,000 years. An intellectual argument from me, although probably correct, would not change their minds one iota, although intellectually they may agree with my thoughts. The question that we must address when such situations arise and our tendency is to criticize, in light of Buddhist Doctrine (or the doctrine of any other religion) is: when such ways are included as part of the religious or philosophical practices, is it still the same religion or philosophy that we are practicing?

For example, if it is the custom of the country to control weddings, funerals etc. on the basis of lucky and unlucky days of the month and this practice is recognized and employed by the religious groups -- although opposed by the doctrinal teachings of the religion -- is it still the same religion?

First, I suggest that to oppose such beliefs that are firmly set in a cultural environment is a fool's journey - particularly when such practices bring no harm to anyone in the community. Secondly, such opposition would result in only one person suffering as a result; he who did the opposing (why would you want to do that to yourself?). Thirdly, in the case of Buddhism; if one states such practices are not Buddhistic - then he has built a fence around Buddhism and indicates a lack of in-depth understanding of this way of life. Remember, if you build a fence around Buddhism and state emphatically that it is this or that, when the fence is completed there will be nothing inside.



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