[TigersEye]

It’s not that important but thanks for offering. It’s just that I’ve heard those accusations yet have seen none of it nor had it confirmed by those Tibetans I know in the 18 years I’ve been a Buddhist. Actually 22 years that I’ve been listening to my teacher’s stories.

[Talisker]

I don't know that I'd call them accusations. That's why I said cultural adjustments. Buddhism is in no way connected to bigotry of any kind - that goes against its core principles. And it's made cultural adjustments as its moved around for thousands of years. And as you know, it's a lot more powerful than sophomores in college realize when they share their insights about Alan Watts at Starbucks.

So when you put it all together, it's not a reach to have Americans get freaked out of their mellow when they come face to face with themselves and their teacher gives them nowhere to hide. I've been there myself, many times. I'm just not surprised about it anymore when it happens. But I was quite impressed that the Dalai Lama cared enough about the problem to address it with so much compassion.

[T-Bone Texan]

I am not a Buddhist, but I have a book called "What Would Buddha Do?", and it actually does help make sense of this world and helps me understand my place in it.

Folks think it competes against Christianity. I disagree. I have met several Baptists who are also Buddhists.