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 40 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 QUESTION: I am here in the West (US) and my I wanted to know if we here in the West can get ourselves too caught up in a certain Tradition? Can we get ourselves lost away from the Buddhas basic teachings?
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. I know all the different Traditions in Buddhism started in different cultures. I know our culture here in the US is much different here then around the world. I find myself getting lost when I stray out to read some of the different Traditions. The basics in Buddhism make a lot of sense to me. I am not finding it hard to follow. At this point I cannot see a Tradition that fits my life or that I really understand.
Thank You
ANSWER: Hi Ed,
When I started learning Buddhism, I was not aware of the existence of the different traditions; and found myself miserable after realizing that. All I wanted was to learn the pristine teachings of the Buddha. I was not interested in the different traditions. Somehow I managed to persevere and came to understand the historical development of the Buddhist traditions. It is up to us to follow the traditions that suits us, or even not to follow at all. The important thing is not to fall into the abyss of the rites and rituals of the tradition.
QUESTION: I know they say to find a good teacher but for me there is no one around my area. You have been the closest to a teacher I have right now.
I visit your blog too. Learning more all the time. Is this the only way to keep in contract with you?
Thanks Again,
Ed
Answer Hi Ed,
Thanks for the ratings. It gives one, happiness knowing that one's effort is appreciated.
You can post comments in my blog, and return here to ask more questions or just to say "Hi". In addition, please follow Rev Dhammika's blog. He is a very learned monk with great sense of humour and the intellectual ability to quote the Tipitakka for all topics.
Another person you can communicate is Bhante Kovida @ buddhadipa@yahoo.ca
He is a Chinese Jamaican monk, very friendly and versatile. Just mention my name.
