CIS 110
Mr. Eric Davis
15 October 2014
Cultural Interview
Culture Topic: Buddhism
Interview 1 Questions: SGI Buddhist Student Association member Meera Nair
1. Do you follow a more traditional or more modern Buddhist lifestyle?
A more modern lifestyle.
2. How are modern Buddhists different than traditional Buddhists?
There are different sects of Buddhism, and some people believe in dressing and
conforming to being a monk. In this case, you go through your spiritual duties differently
than modern teachings.
3. What is it like living a Buddhist lifestyle in college versus in the comfort of a
Buddhist home? Do you feel that your peers treat you differently for being
Buddhist?
It is the same. It is the same walk of life. I am from a Hindu family and am the only one
in my family practicing Buddhism.
4. Do you see Buddhist stereotypes in society, culture and the media?
I think people believe that if you are Buddhist you have to be a monk, wear orange and
shave your head but that is completely wrong. It has been twisted so much over the
yearsespecially after Buddhas death in India, where I am from.
5. How does your spiritual life tie into your daily life? Rituals? Role of Buddha?
Meditation is a big part of my life. If I have a personal problem, academic problem,
problems with family, friends, boyfriend, etc. I think myself what is not clear in the
situation. Or how can I alleviate and solve this situation. Meditation helps me to sort
through my life and bring me to peace. Mediation helps to eliminate all anger and find a
way to tackle the situation.
Interview 2 Questions: SGI Buddhist Student Association President Zina Merkin
1. Do you follow a more traditional or more modern Buddhist lifestyle?
A more modern lifestyle.
2. Do you think Buddhists live an entirely different lifestyle to the typical college
student?
No, I believe us to be the same as other college student.
3. Do you think people place stereotypes on Buddhists unfairly? Do you feel that you
are treated differently for being a Buddhist?
Buddhism is actually finding your true self, and people do not give it a chance. I have
seen these stereotypes in several movies and TV shows that show Buddhism through the
use of our beads, which help us to focus our minds.
4. What makes a Buddhist lifestyle different? Dress? Meditation? Family/marriage?
Books? Worship styles?
The dress is the same as a typical college student. If I go to a party I wear my party
clothes. We have a book written back in the 1200s that I use to chant which is another
way of bringing peace rather than meditating. I am not very good at keeping up with this.
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Commentary on Changes to Interview Questions
o I believe that the suggestions made by my peers were very helpful, and that I will get
more information and details out of my interview because of the additions I made.
o Receiving criticism on my set of interview questions helped me to get several different
perspectives on the quality of my questions.
o Some of the comments/suggestions repeated some of what I had already said, so I did not
add those so as to not sound repetitive and boring.