The purpose of this ethnography essay is to show Buddhism in America and how its contemporary application. Also to show its ability and how it can be useful to society without showing off and modifying the social fabric to the point of clashing. The ethnographers wanted to show the unique perspective and showcase the spread of Buddhism in this country by showing its benefits and cultural achievement. They show how Buddhism influenced Americans and how they modified and embraced Buddhism to fit their own belief system. For example, by not fully embracing Buddhism as a religion but rather as a set of beliefs, they can apply it wherever it is necessary for them. To prove this they told the reader what Buddhism really is. They said Buddhism is not a traditional religion like Christianity, but rather a selective belief system. Participants may practice some aspects of Buddhism but are not required to fully practice the religion. Buddhism has no god and in certain sects anyone can be Buddha. Furthermore, it is not a religion of faith, but of reason. The observer reaches reason through intellectual reflection which is called meditation. Thus, they showed us that there is a separation between religion and its practices. I think this is because in Buddhism you are taught to follow your own path, and if this path does not ascribe to your needs you can take from it what you want and live the best way you want. it gives you harmony. This ethnography showed that American observers personalized religion by adding American cultural identifiers. Such as bowing not only to the Buddha statue but also following the students. They say this demonstrates an American worldview of being “equal and individual.” Furthermore, on the part of American teachers, the invention of things like walking meditation gives Westerners an easier path to meditation and allows them to go anywhere to reap the benefits. It also shows cultural adaptation and acceptance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The ethnographer went to a Buddhist group in the northeastern United States in the spring of 2010 and observed this group's Friday study group and Sunday mediation. They conducted informal interviews and took a census of the group. They found that most participants were “women in their 50s and 60s.” They said that on average there were "10 to 12 people who came for the mediation sessions." During their interviews they stated that among the group members, on average, only 3 people in their class of 12 were actually practicing Buddhists. Proving that it is not necessary to observe religion to benefit from it. The group followed the teachings of Tick Nat Han Buddhism. Which emphasized Buddhism while sitting and Buddhism while walking. They said they observed patrons bowing to the Buddha statue during meditation, but also to other students, which was an "American dynamic that reflected our individual worldview." They also stated that the groups impart anti-material aspects of Buddhism by talking about social change. For example, a group of women after a class talked about going to Walmart where they throw away the "good" products and give them to people who might eat them. I enjoyed this dive into more contemporary American Buddhism because it showed how the average practitioner would react and contribute. They could only see this group of people, I think they could have gotten more by going