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Expert: - 10/3/2008


Question
Hello, Mr. Choo. I am in an online class in which an assignment was given to "interview" an expert on an Eastern Religion. I have just a few questions for you..:

1. What exactly does being a Buddhist entail? (Worldly and emotionally speaking.)
2. Confucianism and Daoism are debatable religions and philosophies. Is Buddhism the same way?
3. Do you think Buddhism can be summarized in a limited amount of words, or do you think that it is an ever-growing compilation of old and new ideas?

Answer
Hi Steve,

1. This is too broad a question.  But I shall try to answer the best I can.  Being a Buddhist means to practise the teachings of the Buddha for the purpose of experiencing inner peace and contentment.  We have to come to terms with the problems of this world, and live within this framework.  Knowing the nature of this existence, we try to conduct our lives in a peaceful manner, living a harmless lifestyle.    

2.  Everything is debatable if we choose to question it.  

3.  Buddhism is not about old and/or new ideas.  Buddhist is about universal truths that transcend belief, nationality, time and space. The universal truths are that this existence is impermanent, unsatisfactory, and a phenomenon.  Everyone is subject to these 3 truths whether he or she wants to believe it or not.

Hope my answers are adequate.

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/  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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