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Buddhists/Dealing with others
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Question
Hi. I'm fairly new to Buddhism and am wondering how to handle people/friends who make poor decisions (obviously) and want me to be happy for them. To be true and honest, I cannot support their poor decisions. how do you handle situations like these. My questions, in a nutshell, is is it ok to speak your mind even though you know someone won't like what you have to say or is it better to just keep your mouth shut?
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for asking me.
Beind knowledgeable in Buddhism doesn't qualify a person to be an expert in counselling. The Buddha's teachings are about eradicating greed, hatred and ignorance so that one can live in peace and contentment. Your question is more about human relations. In general, I would suppose that one should be tactful and friendly towards others. As to what is the best approach, it is anybody's guess. You got to consider individual and specific situations. One approach may be appropriate for a certain situation, but may not be suitable for different scenario. Sometimes it may be appropriate to speak up; but at times it may be better to keep silence.
I think you just have to make your own judgement. Maybe you can discuss with your friends and colleagues who are in a better position to understand your current experience.
I am sorry I can't help you much.
Smile from justinchoo :-)
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Answers by Expert:
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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