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Dialogue with a Chinese Buddhist

by Jason Gatts

Growing up 45 years ago as a Buddhist in China was very dangerous. Diana says, "We had to hide our rituals in our house so the government wouldn't find out". She continues, "but a lot has changed since then. Now there are many religions in China and people don’t have to keep their beliefs a secret." Diana's English is not the greatest, so it takes great patience to get the answers to specific questions, but from what I gather her Buddhist practices and beliefs are different than anything I have ever heard of. When asked what sect of Buddhism she practices she replied, "Chinese Buddhism", and after conducting my interview I've come to the conclusions that there just might be such a thing. 

She says that her family burns incense and prays/meditates every morning. On the first and fifteenth of every month they keep the incense burning all day, eat no meat, and only drink tea. The two main deities that she prays to are Kwan Yin, the protector of women and children, and someone who phonetically spelled is Gento Kuan (who was apparently a human being at some point in time) who helps protect and bring good fortune to businesses. "When I pray to Gento Kuan I burn 6 [sticks of] incense and money [ceremonial money manufactured to be burnt in rituals] and when I pray to Kwan Yin I burn 3 [sticks of] incense and offer chicken, fish and pork." She adds, "The smoke carries the food and money to God so that he will provide for us." She seems to use the terms God, deity and saints interchangeably. 

Diana says that in China her family set off fireworks every morning to drive away evil spirits, but here in America she can't. She can't even burn incense in her house because the neighbors in her development complain. Her family is forced to do their ceremonies on the front steps of her house (so much for religious freedom here, too). "I pray to the sky, then the house, then the ground." She stresses, "it is important to pray in this order so that you ask for blessings for the gods, then the family, then the world." 

This unique blend of beliefs and rituals seems more to me like a traditional Chinese folk religion than any form of Buddhism that I have ever encountered. She never even mentioned Buddha. Perhaps it is because I grew up in a different society than Diana, but I don't feel that I can really understand or appreciate her beliefs and practices. My guess would be that much of it is symbolic than most of its practitioners know. I didn't even see where the teachings of the Buddha play much of a role on this Buddhist sect. Her faith seems to give her fulfillment and peace of mind. I am very happy for her, but I don't believe that it could do the same for me. 

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