Buddhism has experienced a surge of high-profile popularity among Westerners in recent years. That is, most kinds of Buddhism, the kinds that appeal to our American desire for a serene mind and settled body. But, according to a story in today’s New York Times, not all kinds of Buddhism have the calming accoutrements of Tibetan or Zen; Shin Buddhism, a part of Pure Land, once popular with Japanese-Americans, is on the decline many say, because it doesn’t have a meditation component. In fact, its founder Shinran, started the Shin 800 years ago because he thought it was better to simply trust in the Buddha and not bother with meditation and other practices.

Now, the article said, some Shin Buddhist temples and churches, though, are offering meditation—some of the leaders are even shaving their heads to better match public conceptions—because, the article said, some temples were finding that 60 percent of potential members requested it. And of course, purists look on this with disdain. Those who are changing the religion see it as simply the sugar that makes the Buddhism go down, a way to grow their congregations and spread Buddhism.

Religion is nothing if not ever-changing; Buddhism in particular is based on the very notion that everything changes. Yet, of course, this seems different, like a teenager changing outfits so the popular girls will like her (and she can spread her own teachings?–ok, faulty metaphor, but you get the idea). What do you think? How would you feel if your religion started adding practices?