Expert: Justin Choo - 12/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: Is it possible that some people will be wrong about what will happen to them after they die?

What is neccessary in order for the plausability of a wrong answer? (Basically, what is the opposite of a wrong answer?)

Thank you for your time!

ANSWER: Hi Peter,

"Is it possible that some people will be wrong about what will happen to them after they die?"

By just using logic, it is not only possible, but definitely.  One group says only they can go to heaven.  The other group says if you are not with them, you go to hell.  And yet another group says, "To hell with all of you!"



"What is neccessary in order for the plausability of a wrong answer? (Basically, what is the opposite of a wrong answer?)"

I am sorry I don't understand the above question.  Perhaps you would like to elaborate/rephrase.

Thank you for asking me.

Take care, and have a nice day.

Justin Choo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer, Justin.

Let me try again with the second part of the question. Since you agree that it is not only possible, but rather certain, that some people will will be wrong about what they thought would happen after they die, then we can see that in order for there to be a wrong answer, there must be a right answer. Since we can now see the existence of absolute truth in regards to our final destination, we realize that it should not be taken lightly, but rather with great care in considering all things for the sake of our souls.

With that, I'd like to ask, how does Buddhism address the creation of all things, the origin of the standard for good and evil, and the person of Jesus Christ?

Thanks again, I hope to keep this going!

Answer
Hi Peter,

Thanks for the clarification.

"then we can see that in order for there to be a wrong answer, there must be a right answer."
Not necessary because we may not know the right answer.

On the question of "creation". The creation theory sets itself an unanswered question. If there is such an entity creating this and that, then who created this entity?

When we talk about time-scale in the cycle of existence, we need to free our mindset from the conventional measurement of time. If you study the subject of astronomy, then you would realize that the time-scale is unimaginably long, stretching to billions and billions of light years. The life span of our lives is just a very minute fraction of a mere dot in the time-scale. What we seem to be a very long time is actually a minute fraction of a blink of the eye.

Apart from time-span, we also need to consider the countless number of life-forms spreading across the endless universe and also in different dimensions which we could not see and comprehend.

Realizing these universal dichotomy of "endless time" and "countless life forms", how could we discern the mysteries of the beginning and end of time and the beginning and end of life-forms? There cannot be an end nor a beginning. The subject of astronomy is a very fascinating one. If you understand the nature of this vast universe, you will understand the Buddha's teachings. The universe has no end; that's why the most appropriate term used is "space". We try to measure distance and time. In actual fact "distance" and "time" do not exist in the universe. There is just "existence".

This "existence" is cyclical in nature, but stretching to extremely unimaginable time-span. Such is the length of time that the Buddha called it an aeon; incalculable time period. Our present existence is but a cycle of "formation, evolution, dissolution and destruction". In astronomy, scientists could observe this "phenomenon" of formation, evolution, dissolution and destruction of planets and stars. There is no beginning and no end. The beginning is from the end, and the end is going to be the beginning! It is a perpetual cycle. It has been like this in time immemorial and will be likewise forever, ad infinitum.

Within one cycle, there is the "creation" of world systems. Life appears from other planes of existence and evolves. The cycle will again go through the stages of "formation, evolution, dissolution, and destruction".

At this point in time, countless world systems go through the different phases of this cycle of existence. Ask any astro scientist and he will confirm this truth. The Buddha, with his mind power (omniscience) could see through all these phenomena.

There is a discourse where the Buddha explained the "evolution" or the "beginning" of life in this present world cycle. However this "beginning" was just the beginning of endless cycles of existence stretching for an unimaginable and incalculable long periods of time; for lack of a better word it is called an aeon for one such cycle.

Unless you are familiar with Buddhist teachings, you are not going to believe this. Be that as it may, the story goes like this: Long long ago, luminous beings having descended to earth from a higher plane of existence, found that on the surface of the planet was a layer of very aromatic substance. They decided to taste it and subsequently was addicted to it. After a long time they lost their luminosity and supernatural powers, and their forms evolved into what we are today. This was the result of having tasted the "forbidden elixir"....sounds familiar??

Having said that, I just like to remind you that Buddhism is not interested in the "beginning" of life, or what not. Buddhism is about living a harmless, peaceful and contented life.


Now, your second question:

"the origin of the standard for good and evil,"

In the whole scenario of existence, you see one life devouring another for sustenance.  There is only species that kills for other than sustenance; the human species.  In the other species there is no "good and/or evil".  There is just this phenomenon of existence.  Your comment/question can mean two things.  The "origin" and "the standard".  I am not sure which you mean.  But I shall comment on both.  The "origin" comes from the human mind which is capable of committing good and bad actions.  As for standard, you and everyone knows what is good and what is bad.  Our mind knows.  That is why we have the "Conscience".


We now come to the ever-unending question: "the person of Jesus Christ".  This question is not only "unending" but also a very sensitive one, especially to devout Christians.  My stand is like this:

As Buddhists, we are not concerned with what others think of our teacher. Likewise, we are not concerned about what others believe.  We do not ask others what they think of the Buddha, for we are not interested in their opinion.  Likewise, we need not have to comment about the teachers of other religions. They have the freedom to believe what they want. So are we. This is the respect we give to others for their beliefs.  And hope they reciprocate in goodwill.


Hope this helps.

Have a nice day, and take care.

Justin Choo