Why so many Americans think Buddhism is just a philosophy
(WorldNews Entertainment)

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Pamela Winfield, Elon University (THE CONVERSATION) In East Asia, Buddhists celebrate the Buddha´s death and entrance into final enlightenment in February. But at my local Zen temple in North Carolina, the Buddha´s enlightenment is commemorated during the holiday season of December, with a short talk for the children, a candlelight service and a potluck supper following the celebration. Welcome to Buddhism, American-style. Buddhism entered into the American cultural consciousness in the late 19th century. It was a time when romantic notions of exotic Oriental mysticism fueled the...