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Buddhists/How Do I Explain Buddhism to my Friend?

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Expert: - 1/26/2009


Question
My friend recently found out I practice Buddhism, and of course, has all kinds of misconceptions about it. Basically she believes if I don't believe in the God of the bible and if I don't follow the rules of the Christian bible, God is going to destroy me.  How do I deal with a good friend who tells me that?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Melanie,

Thank you for asking me.

First, welcome to the path of contentment and inner peace.

It is always difficult to respond to a person who is set in her mind regarding her belief.  This person cannot understand, lest accept, that others may have the freedom to choose what they want to believe and follow.

Since this person is your friend, we should avoid arguing with her. Just let her know politely that it is your choice to be a Buddhist.  It has nothing to do with her belief in God.  You can invite her to learn what Buddhism actually is, and then be able to make judgement.  Most certainly, she won't.

If you have any "progress" or "problem" with her, you may like to share with me in future.

Take care.

Justin Choo.

[I like to invite you to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

[And these sites by Rev. Dhammika:]
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/
http://www.buddhismatoz.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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