There are some common problems which Buddhist beginners often have and which are usually brought up in Dharma discussions. Many practitioners have been so familiar with their old life styles and frames of reference,their culture of individualism and self-centered freedom, consumerism, and the dualistic and specific way of thinking. Changing their way of living is difficult; changing their way of viewing or perceiving themselves and the world is much more difficult. Cultural influences are very subtle, even beyond the individual's consciousness.
The first problem or challenge is alcoholism. Some have been alcoholic, and are struggling to abandon this "habit," in order to observe one of the five basic precepts in Buddhism. As Buddhists they are supposed not to have alcoholic beverages, while many of them might have been alcoholic for a long time before they came to know and learn Buddhism. It is not easy for such people to practice the precept if they do not have a strong determination.
The second problem is related to the culture of consumerism. Many have been bombarded with business advertisements in the mail,on TV and on the Web. They were born and brought up in a consuming world filled with junk mail, catalogs, shopping malls, with one "special" day after another. They enjoy the convenience of buying and using non-reusable items without realizing that resources on earth are limited. It is hard for them to follow the simple and stoic life in Buddhist monasteries with strict rules or precepts. Leading a simple life with few needs and feeling happy with the few possessions one has is a huge challenge to some practitioners.
The third problem, which is also the most difficult, is the discriminative and dualistic way of thinking or perceiving themselves, others and the world. Born and growing up in a Christianity-dominant society, some Buddhists usually find it difficult not to be influenced by such long-established and well-accepted concepts as "creation, ""creator," "the soul," and to adopt new ones such as "non-self," "interconnectedness," and "emptiness." Buddhist beginners are usually so attached to the phenomenal world and the dualistic way of thinking and perceiving things, they often get stuck in physical appearances, personal comments and bias criticism. They got bogged down in concepts while trying to analyze words or the language used in sutras or Dharma talks. Their mind gets fuzzy with discrimination and comparison, praises, comments or criticisms.
Such problems or challenges can be overcome with time, and a right view, and especially the practitioner's determination and efforts. The practitioner plays the most decisive role, while the right view is fundamental for any transformation or revolution. With practice and a calm mind one sees things as they actually are. Gradually it is easier for one to realize and select the right path to follow.
