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Expert: - 1/20/2009


Question
How has religion shaped your life?  

What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion?

How did you come to study this religion?  Was it passed down through from generation to generation?

Do you practice meditation and how much time do you spend in meditation?

How often does your congregation meet or fellowship?

How would you introduce your religion to someone who knows absolutely nothing about your Buddhism?

What is the most misconception about Buddhism you find from those who do not practice your religion?

What role do women play in Buddhism? In your country and in your local assembly?

What is the most important impression you want me to leave with after this interview about Buddhism?


Answer
Sharon,

How has religion shaped your life?
To accept many things that are beyond my control.

What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion?
To reduce greed and hatred.

How did you come to study this religion?  Was it passed down through from generation to generation?
I was born into a Buddhist family.  But I self studied and listened to Buddhist talks to learn more about Buddhism.

Do you practice meditation and how much time do you spend in meditation?
In the morning for short duration.

How often does your congregation meet or fellowship?
I don't have any group meeting, but I go the temple every Sunday.

How would you introduce your religion to someone who knows absolutely nothing about your Buddhism?
First he must show an interest.  Then it depends on what his preference is.  Some like to ask questions, others like to read and listen.  I will go along with their preference.

What is the most misconception about Buddhism you find from those who do not practice your religion?
The rites and rituals.  Most have nothing to do with Buddhism.  They are just traditional/cultural practices of the different nationalities who practise Buddhism.

What role do women play in Buddhism? In your country and in your local assembly?
All Buddhists are treated equally.

What is the most important impression you want me to leave with after this interview about Buddhism?
As you wish.

Take care.  Justin Choo  

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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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