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Expert: - 10/2/2009


Question
Hello Justin,

Living in the United States, I’ve seen greater and greater Buddhist influence in this predominantly Christian country with every passing year. Some people seem genuinely changed by their new religion, but others seem to be more superficial about it. Do you think the rising popularity of Buddhism in the West is merely a fad? Would the world be a better place if Buddhism had more influence all over the globe?
  I’m sorry for how broad and vague these questions are. I was just wondering what your thoughts were on the matters.
  One last question, if you don’t mind: Is there a particular aspect or idea in Buddhism that draws you to it above anything else?

Thank you
Anna


Answer
Hi Anna,

In all human endeavours, there will inevitably be the positive and the negative aspects.  There is indeed a rising interest in Buddhism in the West.

"Would the world be a better place if Buddhism had more influence all over the globe?"
I am a Buddhist, and to answer this question will be viewed as a biased opinion.  But let us put it this way.  Buddhism encourages people to live a harmless life.  I think this is enough point to ponder.

"Is there a particular aspect or idea in Buddhism that draws you to it above anything else?"
The most salient aspect of Buddhism is FREEDOM in its practice. The Buddha encouraged his followers to use their common sense and human intelligence to analyze his teachings before accepting them.

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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