AboutLaurie McLauglin Expertise I can answer certain questions about the Tibetan Mahayana path as well as many questions about basic Buddhism. If I do not know the answer chances are I can find out very quickly as I live in a Buddhist retreat center.
Experience I have been practicing Buddhism for over seven years and have had teachings from many very qualified Mahayana teachers such as Jon Landaw, Tubten Pende and Venerable Robina Courtin
Publications I have written articles on Buddhism for the on line magazine, Suite 101
Education/Credentials I have a BA in theatre from The Unversity of South Florida
Question I asked a question a few days ago, you HAVE not responded yet,
and the recipt email even says you have not answered it, and yet you say you have, DO NOT LIE TO ME,
Answer Hello Robert -
I am very sorry you are unhappy. Allow me to explain things from my side. I answered your question - see below and you gave me feedback. Thank you for that by the way.
I did get a message from Allexperts and it appeared that it was a duplicate question so I believe I wrote to you with a response saying I had already answered it.
But if am mistaken, I do appologize. I did not lie. Please ask the question(s) again and I will be happy to answer them.
Comment: None
Questioner: Robert
Category: Buddhists
Private: Yes
Subject: disability
Question: "Hello, I wonder if you can help, I am very intrested in buddhism but am a bit confused as I have a son with autism, and not sure if the faith means that because he has a disability it is his own fault as he has done something bad in a past life, could you please help explian this and how buddhas feel about disabilities.
Answer: Hello Robert -
Thank you for letting me answer your question. I rejoice in your interest in Buddhism.
As far as how Buddha feels about disabilities... I am not qualified to put words in the mouth of Buddha to say how he feels about disability. But I can tell you that Buddha has infinite compassion for all living beings. There is no belief that folks with disabilities are bad.
One example we always use is that if someone has cancer, we are not angry at the cancer, that would be silly.
The other part of your question is tricky because I am not really able to give you a point blank yes or no answer at this point.
However, what I can tell you is that what I said above is true. Buddha loves everyone unconditionally. He loves sentient beings so much, he spent 3 eons learning how to be truly compassionate and how to be completely wise in order to use his compassion and wisdom in the best way for each and every sentient being.
With all that compassion and all that wisdom, he was able to teach us about how the world really worked - not the delusional way we think it works with our grasping egos and emotions that get us in trouble and cause us to suffer, but the real way the world works. One thing he taught to help us was about karma. He taught that we do not blame external things for the way we are.
I would suggest you read books by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about karma or go to hear teachings about it locally if possible. I would also suggest you start reading and studying the Lam Rim. That is the path which Buddha's disciples laid out to help us learn the Dharma. Studying the lam rim (of which karma is a part) will I believe help you understand how karma works, how it fits into the teachings of Buddha, why he taught it and therefore answer your question.
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to let me know.
I hope you find the answer to your question and it brings you peace.
