What are we doing here?

I was having a discussion with some Buddhist leaders who lamented on how the local authorities have (are still at it) put up "guidelines" on how, where to Buddhist temples. Some felt that Buddhists need greater representation and need to speak up again such system of control. I do agree.

However, I think we need to think deeper and do more then just be reactive to the situation. Buddhist leaders need to ask themselves what are we doing?

Should we be building temples of focus on Dharmaduta?

Before we answer that question, we need to appreciate the fact that Buddhist leaders were the MOST innovative in adapting and finding ways round such obstacles and present Buddhism is a form acceptable by the people they are addressing. This is evident in that fact Buddhism is so tightly knitted into the fabric of the cultures it spread to. Eg, Mahayana, Tibetan Buddhism, Japanese Zen, etc.

We also need to appreciate the fact that Buddhism is not such much about the form but about the mind. Images of the Buddha from Gandhava and Mathura were fine examples.

So, can we be innovative about Dhammduta or do we just want to build temples?