Although America welcomes all religions, and individuals have the freedom to practice whatever religion they choose, some religions require practices and rituals that may not be as effective in American culture. When all forms of Buddhism are considered, such as Theravada, Mahayana, including Chan/Zen and Pure Land, or Vajrayana, I think it would be more difficult to practice Theravada Buddhism in twenty-first America. Theraveda Buddhism thrives in tradition, so monasticism and the community that revolves around the monks may be very difficult in American society. The Three Jewels in Buddhism represent the three most important aspects of the religion, Sangha (community of the Buddha,) Dharma (teachings of the Buddha,) and the Buddha himself.
