AboutJustin 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 a thousand questions since joining this category. You are welcome to try me.
Experience I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 30 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)
Question I refer to the very first one, ie to abstain from killing.
I notice that some Buddhists practice this to the extent of
not even killing a mosquito when it landed on his body ready to suck his blood and as a consequence the mosquito may transmit denque/malaria virus into his system. why not kill it instead of blowing it away, only to land onto another person to be infected. Is that cosidered compassion to the mosquito when such action will result in the other human being to suffer. I know this will lead to a long argument, best discussed in an open forum. your views appreciated. Thank you.
Answer Hi Jin Tuan,
Thank you for asking me.
Yes you are right, this topic will lead to long argument. I also agree with your reasoning.
If we look at the 5 precepts carefully, the most important phrase is "undertake to observe the precept of not (killing.......)". It is like saying I shall try my best not to kill. The precepts are not strict commandments that you must not do this or that. One should practise the observance of precepts to one's best ability. In addition one should also use one's common sense and human intelligence to analyze each situation.
As you correctly said, if we don't kill the mosquito (if it happened to be the one capable of spreading the disease) then we are actually setting it free to attack some others. This is a "catch 22" situation. If you kill the mosquito, you are committing killing. If you don't, then you are exposing others to the danger. This situation calls for what I consider as the principle of "for the greater good".
It's like asking the question: "who is going to do the "dirty jobs"? Who is going to defend the country? Who is going to keep law and order in the streets? Who is going to get rid of the pests that may affect our health? These are all very urgent and realistic questions. Those who are in this category may take consolation that they are doing it for the greater good of the society and nation.
As for the little mosquito, the choice is quite clear. We still can strive to lead a dignified, noble and harmless life as best we could. We still can follow and practise the teachings of the Buddha to the best of our ability.
The realities of this world and this existence are such that there are always this unsatisfactoriness and imperfections where many a time we are confronted, without much choice.
Take care.
Justin Choo
You are invited to visit my blog
and Rev. Dhammika's :
