Expert: Justin Choo - 10/1/2008

Question
I have an assignment that requires me to interview an expert like yourself about Buddhism.  So if you can answer a few questions for me it'll be much appreciated.
1. What exactly defines Buddhism?
2. Do you feel Buddhism is a very enlightening religion or practice?
3. What are the major differences between Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism?  
Thank You

Answer
Hi David,

Thank you for asking me.

1. The Buddha discovered the way to peace and happiness through realizing the true nature of life and this universe. It was more than 2500 years ago in northern India where the Buddha through harnessing the power of his mind realized that if man were to be free of greed, hatred and delusion, he had to look inwards into his mind, and start cleansing his inner defilements. If one reduces one's defilements, one would experience peace and happiness. He discovered that the whole world had certain characteristics and that life continued to exist because of certain causes. This world is very uncertain and unsatisfactory, because we cannot be fully satisfied in life; and that nothing is permanent. He also pointed out that because of our craving for permanent and complete satisfaction, we were always miserable.
The most salient aspect of Buddhism is FREEDOM in its practice. The Buddha encouraged his followers to use their common sense and human intelligence to analyze his teachings before accepting them. He pointed out that there was no super agent who controlled us, punished us and rewarded us. We are not puppets on the strings; and there is no puppeteer up above to manipulate us. The natural law of cause and effect rules the world. No matter what you are and where you are, or what you believe, this universal LAW rules supreme. There is no escape. It is perfectly impartial. In simple language, good begets good; evil begets evil.
Buddhist teachings are like air. They are free, and non-discriminating. If anyone thinks they are beneficial, then they can breathe the air. If anyone chooses otherwise, then it's up to the person. This is the "religion" of Buddhism....Truth, Peace, Harmlessness, and Freedom.  A more appropriate term to describe Buddhism is "humanism". It deals with the peaceful conduct of human lives.

To refer to a more traditional rendition of what Buddhism is please surf through this website:
http://www.budhhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm

2. Of course, I would say it is a very enlightening teaching.  But if you ask a non-Budhist, the answer is a different one.  

3."Buddhism" is about universal truths. The teacher was the Buddha who lived in Northern India,(623BC - 543BC). It traces the truth of life which is "unsatisfactory".  It identifies the cause of this "unsatisfactoriness" which is due to the craving to exist.  It offers a "cure" to end this unsatisfactoriness.  And it prescribes the method to "cure" this "sickness". This is what we call the 4 Noble Truths.
(Google for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism)

 "Confucianism" is the philosophy of the Chinese Sage who provided a blueprint of a model family structure, based on respect for the elders and authority. His name was  Kǒng Fūzǐ (Romanized to Confucius) (551 BC - 479 BC). The foundation was the concept of "filial piety".
 (Google for info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius)


 "Taoism" is the teachings of the Chinese sage Laozi (literally means Old Sage).  His exact dates of his existence are not known,
between 6th and 4th century BC.  His thoughts are about the nature of the cosmos and its relationship with human lives.  His concept of "yin-yang" dichotomy, explains the harmony of "conflicts".  His teachings is for humans to live in harmony with nature.
 (Google for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_tse)

Regards,

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/