Expert: Justin Choo - 6/21/2008

Question
I as well am doing a report on Buddhism but my questions are different but I am going to combine some of the answers from the other question from the other scholar to do my report but I have my own questions, if you could please help me I would appreciate it a lot. Thank you!!!


Why did you choose Buddhism as your religion?

How long have you been a Buddhist?

Are there certain days of the week you celebrate your religion?

Who is your “God?”

Where do you attend service when ever you go to it?

What types of nationalities if any in particular practice Buddhism?

When and where did it originate?

Are there special days that you celebrate “your leader or God?”

What are your leaders called? Kind of like Pastors, Fathers, ect..?

When you get married do you have to take classes?  

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

This is a follow-up.

Thanks for your ratings.


[You are invited to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

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


justinchoo :-)



Hi Stephanie,

From the questions you asked, I think you have not done much study on Buddhism.  As you are doing a report, I take it that you are a student.  I think you need to do a bit of reading on Buddhism to assist your understanding of it.  But never mind I shall answer your questions in very concised manner.  You can always look into the archives for more info.

<<Why did you choose Buddhism as your religion?>>
<<How long have you been a Buddhist?>>
I was born in a Buddhist family.

<<Are there certain days of the week you celebrate your religion?>>
We don't actually celebrate.  We observe certain important days, like Vesak Day.

<<Who is your “God?”>>
I am my own God.

<<Where do you attend service when ever you go to it?>>
In a Buddhist temple.

<<What types of nationalities if any in particular practice Buddhism?>>  (Don't know what you mean.) Maybe the answers are: Asian countries, and spreading in the West.

<<When and where did it originate?>>
Are you asking about Buddhism or relating to above question.  If about Buddhism please find out from Wikipedia which will give you detail info.

<<Are there special days that you celebrate “your leader or God?”>>
I am my own leader, I am my own God.  Buddhism is not about all these things.  Buddhism is about how to live a harmless and peaceful life.   

<<What are your leaders called? Kind of like Pastors, Fathers, ect?>>
Different nationalities have different salutations such as Reverend, Venerable,(Western);  Ajahn,(Thailand); Sayadaw,(Myanmar); Thera,(Sri Lanka); Sifu,(Chinese); Lama (Tibet) and many others.  More generally used in the Theravada tradition is Bhante.


<<When you get married do you have to take classes?>>
No.

Regards, justinchoo :-)