Expert: Justin Choo - 10/10/2010

Question
Hello Mr. Choo. I've recently realized how much buddhism
ideals are the same as my own, and I am considering
converting to buddhism from agnostic.

Though I have a few questions, such as... one of the four
truths is to cause no pain (I believe, I could be and
probably am wrong, so please correct me) but what about
jokes? Say someone makes a joke about you, it means no pain.
Is this prohibited/looked down upon? Even if they don't take
any offense, or what if they do?

What about things like cussing?

Or sarcasm (lying as a joke) such as: "Hey john, is the
water free?" (pointing to the water, which is sitting on a
stand that says "free water") then john replies with "Nope,
its 15 dollars." Is this looked down upon? It is lying, but
as a joke.

Please help me. Thank you for your time

Answer
Hi Zach,

Welcome to the path of inner peace.  "Inner peace" implies having the wisdom to interprete life correctly and be able to live life in a practical and moderate manner.

The Four Noble Truths do not discuss about "causing no pain".  They state the existence of unsatisfactoriness, its origin, its cessation and the path leading to the cessation.

You need not have to go into such "detailed interpretation" of the Buddha's teachings in order to lead a wholesome life.  If one were to interprete Buddhist concepts in such detail, there is a possibility of falling into wrong practice.  One would then become a "good-hearted" fool or become a "narrow-minded" religious bigot, unable to fit into the society.  That is no good for anyone.  

As a practising Buddhist one should use one's common sense and human intelligence to know what is right and what is wrong, and should not be controlled by narrow interpretation of Buddhist ideas and concepts.  For a good guide, if one follows the five precepts diligently to the best of one's ability, then one is on the right path in practising Buddhism.

About "converting", actually no one can convert to Buddhism.  What you need is to follow the Buddha's teachings diligently and intelligently.  In this manner you are "converted".  


Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo