Many Chinese are born as a Buddhist / Taoist but leave the world as a Christian. At some point of our life, we will be introduced to Jesus through a mutual friend (aka your buddy who is a Christian). Some might feel uncomfortable with the new-found friend and forget about Him. Some find the new-found acquaintance interesting and will get to know Him more, then will eventually join His circle of friends.
People with the latter thought make this decision because they feel that the new circle of friends are able to help them succeed in life while their current 'friends' are just statues. The many annual ritual of burning tonnes of papers and joss sticks are simply a waste of money and it contributes to air pollution.
Besides that, all other groups have a 'manual' to follow and they have 'gatherings' every week but why not ours? We have no manual, no gatherings but we do burn papers and worship statues.
The above are all a very big misconception !
We do have our very own manual, and it's called The Dhamma.
We have gatherings too, also on Sunday. But it's not compulsory because it is a noble teaching and one shouldn't be forced to understand it if they are not interested. Being physically present does not necessarily means sincerity.
The most basic but also the biggest misunderstanding among laymen is the difference between Buddhism and Taoism.
Buddhist does not pray with joss sticks. No. Buddhist don't pray because Buddhism is a teaching and Buddha is the teacher. Joss sticks and burning of papers are Taoist practice.
Buddhist does not pray to 'statues'. The Buddha statue is just there to remind people to follow the Dhamma teachings. As a gesture of respect to the great Teacher, Buddhist simply clasp their hand and bow to the Buddha or light a candle. Again, no joss sticks are used.
Buddhist chant silently and meditate. No musical instruments or speakers are used because it is suppose to be a moment you connect with the great Teacher.
I was very fortunate to attend a musical play on the life journey of Siddharta Buddha yesterday. Although it was the last day of the three-day stint, the hall was still jam-packed. I even spotted Caucasians in the crowd. Unfortunately, no photo-taking are allowed.
The musical play was amazing with a crew of very talented cast, beautifully-done hair and make up, gorgeous costume, soothing music, perfect singing and life-like backdrops against a great story unknown to many.
I was reluctant to leave because the play was just so good. If only they have encore like those in concerts. My decision to wait a little longer pays because they have a photography session for the reporters after the crowd left. I sneak up to the stage and got a couple of snapshots.
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