Expert: Justin Choo - 3/2/2009

Question
Hi I was hoping you could help me with some questions on Buddhism that I've been wondering about.
First, about you, what made you want to start practicing buddhism?

What is the purpose of meditation in Buddhism?

What is the main difference(s) between Zen, Tibetan and Theravada Buddhism.

What is a Buddhists view on things like abortion and same sex marriage?

Do Buddhists pray? If so, to who?


Answer
Hi Marlon,

I was born into a Buddhist family; but I learned Buddhism through self study and listen to talks by Buddhist teachers.

The purpose of Buddhist meditation is to calm the mind and then to train the mind to be alert at all times.  The catchphrase is "to be mindful".  When one is mindful, one is in control of the situation.

Zen actually comes from the Chinese term "Chan" meaning meditation.  It stressed on medtitative contemplation to achieve mindful awareness.  Tibetan Buddhism is simply Buddhism as practised by the Tibetans incorporating their tradition and culture.  Theravada is closely associated with the scriptures expounded by the Buddha recorded in the Buddhist literature called the Tipitaka.  For more details please refer to the website:  www.buddhanet.net.

Very briefly, abortion is not condoned by Buddhists.  We never know at what stage life actually starts during pregnancy.  As for same sex marriage, if you look into any dictionary, "marriage" means the association of two different sexes.  However, Buddhism are does not pass any moral judgement on this topic.  It is the person's private affair.

Buddhist do not pray in the Christian sense.  They do recite the Buddha's discources for peace of mind and worldly protection.  The protection does not come from God for Buddhists do not subscribe to the existence of the all powerful God.  The wordly protection comes from the "devas" or "good spirits".

Take care.

Justin Choo