Expert: Justin Choo - 4/6/2008

Question
Please can you help me out. I have recently been reading stuff about buddhism and it makes more sense to my morals and beliefs about how I should lead my life than anything that I have ever encountered. I have been struggling with life, responsibilities, morals, personal ethics and hope for any change or future for my life - directionless.
I went to visit the Manjushri, Kadampa Meditation Centre (NKT) in Ulverston ( parents live locally there).
I have read on the internet that some people consider NKT a cult. I read about their disagreements with HH the Dali Lama and I cannot understand how this fits with tolerance of other beliefs. I realise I am ignorant, all I know is how I think I should behave towards others and how I need to learn to change my selfish behaviour. I do not want to be told rights and wrongs (I think I can work that out - anyhow if I wanted a set of rules with no freedom to think I would be happy baptistised R.C.)  I respect peoples beliefs as it can bring them inner peace. I thought I had found something that could help my journey. Now I find it confused with politics and debate between groups.  Can you please tell me why NKT is considered wrong? I know very little. I only want to listen to wise words that can make me a happier, more tolerant, more compassionate human being.

Claire

Answer
Hi Claire,

As with many religions in this world, it is the so-called followers who messed things up. Buddhism is not spared.  I googled the site and found that it was one of the Tibetan sects.  Honestly I don't know anything about it.  So it is not for me to comment.  The best source is to surf through the internet.  I agree with your last comment: "I only want to listen to wise words that can make me a happier, more tolerant, more compassionate human being."  Then just study the prestine teachings of the Buddha and participate in reliable Buddhist forums.  Once you have built up a good foundation of what the Buddha taught, then you will have full confidence to discern which is the true Buddhist centre.  

To assist you in your search, please refer to the web sites below.  I wish you peace.

justinchoo :-)

http://www.buddhanet.net (The “mother” of all Buddhist web sites)

http://www.bswa.org
This site is in Western Australia where Ajahn Brahmawamso resides. He is an English monk and is a very popular speaker. You can listen to his talk through this site.

http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/
E-Sangha forum.
This is a very active and highly authoritative forum.

http://www.dhammasukha.org
This is also a very active forum, mainly on meditation.

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv
This is a Buddhist news channel, giving latest news in the Buddhist world.

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/whatbe..
"What Buddhist Believe" by Ven. K Sri Dhammananda. This book explains the Buddhist perspective on life's general questions.
Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda was my revered teacher. His writings have benefitted countless people throughout the world. He had recently passed away (18 Mar 1919 -- 31 Aug 2006)