Expert: Justin Choo - 10/5/2008

Question


Hello my name is Michelle and I am going to ask you several questions bout

Buddhism for my philosophy class.

1.   How do you think the practice of Buddhism has changed the United

States (or any other nation)?

2.   If a cat was struck by a truck, had severe injuries and was going to die a

long painful death, what would a Buddhist do? Even though killing living

beings is against the principle ideas of Buddhism, would it still be wrong to

put this animal down even if it is seen as the “humane” thing to do?

3.   Given the current state of the United States’ economy (or any other

country’s), how would a Buddhist react?

4.   How do Buddhists view American politics? In general do they support a

certain candidate or is it something they steer away from?

5.   How do Buddhists view other religions and philosophies, specifically

Christianity?



Thank you for your time and effort in answering my questions

Answer
Hi Michelle,

1. So long as people never change even in the name of religion, what is there to change in a nation?

2. What if you are struck by a truck, had severe injuries and was going to die a long and painful death, what would you want me to do to you?

3. A knowledgeable Buddhist would not react, but would respond.  Buddhists view this existence as a very unsatisfactory and problematic one.  This is the nature of the world.  Live with it, while taking appropriate steps to solve the problems, as would an ordinary person.

4.  A Buddhist is just an ordinary person like you and me.  

5.  Buddhists don't like passing judgement on others' beliefs.  Live and let live.

Hope this helps.

Justin Choo

[I like to invite you to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

[And this blog by Rev. Dhammika:]
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/