what I learned - Buddhism

http://www.uwestonline.com/laydharma//blog/index.php?postid=42

One of the motivations for me to join this class was to learn Buddhism in English. At the temple, (almost) everyone and (almost) everything is in Chinese. I find it extremely difficult to go back to the English world (which is where we live) to converse with others about Buddhism. I don't really have the local environment to systematically acquire Buddhism language in English until now. In addition, I was hoping to get a really good look at how westerners teach, discuss, question Buddhism. I am very happy to say that I certainly got what I wish for. For example, I find Dr. Long's lecture quite enjoyable, especially when he said things such as - how he relates King Asoka's pillars as modern day highway billboards. I have to admit that I did not read anything outside of the required videos and readings. But even with the videos, readings and ppt, I have acquired many English words and had a peek into how Buddhism is taught in the west. In conclusion, as a Buddhist, this has been a great refresher course. As a potential teacher, I say, forget it! I have a lot to learn still! Technology certainly is the enabler to make this learning experience possible.