Question

What issues are Buddhism people facing today?

Answer 1

Challenges are many, of which I see four as particularly pressing. First, in the next couple of decades, Buddhism will lose many of its most charismatic and internationally-influential spokespersons, such as the 14th Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Hsing Yun, among others. The passing of such major figures may well usher in a period of decreased global attention to Buddhism and decline within the movements built around them. Some organizations are clearly well positioned to continue after the death of their central figures -- such as the network of Vipassana lineages organized by S.N. Goenka -- while others will fall apart over factional infighting and lack of strong leadership.