Scouting in the Buddhist Community

Background

• In 2008, Buddhism was the third-largest religion in the United States behind Christianity and Judaism.
  (Source: 2007 U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Forum)
• Approximately 2.1 million people practice Buddhism in the United States. Of those, 75-80% are of
  Asian descent and inherited Buddhism as a family tradition, 20-25% are non-Asians.
• 2009 Boy Scout of America Buddhist membership included:
• 748 Cub Scouts from 24 packs
• 807 Boy Scouts from 29 troops
• 60 Venturers from 8 crews

Religious Principles and Key Terms

• Goal: Enlightenment through understanding of the reasons and causes of suffering.
• Essential elements: Awareness of impermanence and of oneself and compassion toward others.
• Fundamental doctrine of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths, which are:
• Noble Truth of Suffering
• Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering
• Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering
• Noble Truth of the Path that leads to the Cessation of Suffering
• The last of the Four Noble Truths is also referred to as the Noble Eightfold Path, and includes the
  practice of:
• Right Views
• Right Thoughts
• Right Speech
• Right Conduct
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Meditation

Role of Scouting in Buddhism

• Founded in 1899, Buddhist Churches of America is an incorporated religious organization.
• It administers the religious emblems program for all Buddhist denominations in America.
• It is affiliated with Jodo Shinshu Hogwanjiha in Kyoto, Japan.
• Buddhist Churches of America is governed by Americans of the Shin Buddhist faith through a Board of Directors comprised of the:
• Bishop
• Board President
• Ministerial Association Chairperson
• District-level board members
• Board members-at-large
• Representatives from the recognized Buddhist Churches of America affiliated organization
• Buddhist Churches of America National Committee on Scouting works with the community Buddhist religious leaders to develop the Buddhist religious program.

Scouting Youth and Adult Recognitions

• According to P.R.A.Y., in 2007, the Buddhist youth and adult recognitions were used by:
• 50 Cub Scouts
• 7 Boy Scouts
• Any registered Scout or Scout leader who has fulfilled all of the requirements can receive the following recognitions.

Youth Emblems

	Metta Emblem
	Purpose Nurtures boys to relate to all things with loving kindness and goodwill
	Eligibility Buddhist Cub Scouts or non-Buddhist Cub Scouts with parental permission who have been involved in Cub Scouts at least three months
	Requirements Completion of 12 hours of instruction, normally meeting once a week for an hour over three months

	Sangha Emblem
	Purpose Stresses the importance of both harmonious relationships and the universal brotherhood of all living beings
	Eligibility Buddhist Boy Scouts or Venturers who are either at least a First Class Scout or have been involved in Venturing at least one year
	Requirements Completion of 72 hours of instruction, normally meeting once a week for an hour over two years

Adult Emblem

	Bodhi Emblem
	Purpose Recognizes adults who have demonstrated the highest level of dedication, commitment, and self-sacrifice of the spiritual development of Buddhist members of the Boy Scouts of America
	Eligibility Adult ministers, Buddhist/non-Buddhist laypersons, and adult leaders in Scouting who have: At least five or more years of outstanding service Rendered noteworthy service to youth Promoted the Religious Awards programs for Buddhist boys and girls, and encouraged non- Buddhists to participate in the Religious Award programs of their own faith Given notable service in promoting Buddhist activities and service projects for the Temple/church and shown willingness to serve on affiliated committees Participated in activities which contribute to the spiritual development of Buddhist members Fostered a good relationship with the Boy Scouts and proven capable of interpreting Buddhist programs to council members Given notable service in initiating Boy Scout programs under Buddhist sponsorship Through Buddhist and other communication media, helped ministers and lay persons have a better understanding of the goals and ideals of the Boy Scout program
	Requirements Nomination application and letter supporting the nominee from the Temple/church Board of Directors President must be submitted to the Buddhist Churches of America National Scouting Committee

Organizational Information

• For more information, contact your local Buddhist temple or:
• Write the National Buddhist Committee on Scouting, Buddhist Churches of America, 701 East Thrift Ave., Kingsland, GA 31548-5222; phone: 912-729-6323; fax: 912-729-1699.
• Web page: http://bcascout.webs.com/index.html
• Hawaii office: Hompa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96813; phone: 808-522-9200

Source: Boy Scouts of America