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
3) Why do some people belive these teachings are important? and
4) How did the Buddha life end?
4)
Answer Thank you for letting me answer your questions.
The answer to question one is yes, Buddhists follow the same teachings today as they did in Buddha’s time, 2500 years ago. In fact, it is one of the most important parts of Buddhism to make sure that the teachings as close to what the Buddha taught as possible and the lineage of teachers can be traced back to the Buddha, himself.
The answer to question two is that yes, the teachings do affect human life today. They are as relevant today as in Buddha’s time, for they deal with how to find happiness in one’s life, eliminate suffering, be compassionate to one’s fellow men and reach Nirvana. These are the main subjects that Buddha teaches about, so you can see, if they are practiced correctly, they affect human life today in a very profound and positive way.
The answer to your third question is: Some people (mainly Buddhist practitioners) believe these teachings are important because they help those people live happier lives. They help them to train their minds to learn that happiness comes from inside and not outside. They help them to train their minds to realize that suffering comes from one’s one concepts and not anything outside themselves. They help them to train their minds to see reality for what it is and not what we currently and commonly believe it to be. They help us to train our minds to find Enlightenment so that we can in turn help all other sentient beings who wish to, also achieve Enlightenment too.
The answer to your fourth question is a bit unclear. Some say he was poisoned by an angry monk. But most say he was in the jungle city of Kusinara in India and after eating dinner offered him by a blacksmith, on his eightieth birthday, he fell ill very quickly, but the Buddha, it is said did not blame the blacksmith for it. He gathered his disciples around him and asked if they had any final questions. They did not. Then the Buddha said "All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence." With that, he left this earth and passed into Parinirvana.
I hope these answers help a bit. Please don’t hesitate to ask any further follow up questions.
