Buddhism Quote by Stephen Batchelor
“Each time the dharma moved into a different civilization or historical period, it faced a twofold challenge: to maintain its integrity as an internally coherent tradition, and to express its vision in a way that responded to the needs of the new situation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Dharma: A Very Short Introduction, 2011
Dharma must stay true to its core while adapting to new cultures and eras.
In simple terms: Tradition balances consistency with change.
Key Takeaway
Preserve core values while adapting.
Themes
tradition
adaptation
culture
integrity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- teaching Dharma
- interfaith dialogue
- cultural integration
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy
religious studies
historical change
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we keep essential teachings intact while embracing new contexts?
- What risks arise when tradition changes too quickly?
A Different Perspective
Adaptation may dilute original meaning if not careful.
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