The Center for American Buddhist Practice was established in 2005 in order to propagate the Buddha's teachings and Buddhist practice throughout the Americas (and now Europe as well). Our senior members originally joined together in San Diego and were influenced by the diverse traditions represented by the area's Buddhist community. Our organization was formed to offer the opportunity for the English speaking community to practice and study Buddhism without the cultural and language barriers that presented themselves in the past, but aside from these characteristics we are not distinct or separate from the general Buddhist community. In fact, we support and complement the various Buddhist traditions by encouraging a vibrant community for Americans. Although we are not a monastic order, the senior members have been trained and have taught classes in Buddhism as lay teachers prior to CABP. And, having been influenced in the Mahayana tradition, the teachers (priests) also take the Bodhisattva Vows beyond the Five Precepts. We are respectful of all traditions and welcome diversity providing that they share in the core of Buddhist teachings: the Four Noble Truths (the truth of suffering and the release from suffering), the Noble Eight-fold path (the steps that lead to peace and fulfillment), the Five Precepts (the moral code), the concepts of Emptiness and Impermanence, etc. Each individual is invited to explore and discover the teachings of the Buddha such that when applied to daily life the promise these Truths hold will continually unfold.
