Expert: Justin Choo - 11/18/2010

Question
I am taking a class in religion and have to ask some questions I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.

1. In 50 words or less how would you describe Buddhism?
2. What challenges, if any, are there to practicing   Buddhism?
3. How has Buddhism shaped your life?
4. If you had to choose one aspect of Buddhism which was of the utmost importance what would it be.

Thank you so much in Advance,
Juliana
4.  

Answer
Hi Juliana,

Your questions have been asked numerous times.  

1. In 50 words or less how would you describe Buddhism?
Buddhism points to the realities of life.  It encourages its followers to realize the pitfalls of life caused by greed, hatred and delusion.  It teaches people to live in contentment and to live a harmless life. Do good, avoid evil deeds, and purify the mind.

2. What challenges, if any, are there to practicing Buddhism?
To avoid harming living beings, to live a good moral life avoiding telling lies, stealing and consuming intoxicating substances.  And to abstain from sexual misconduct.


3. How has Buddhism shaped your life?
To strive to reduce greed, hatred, and delusion of the realities of existence.

4. If you had to choose one aspect of Buddhism which was of the utmost importance what would it be.
Freedom given to its followers to use their common sense and human intelligence to analyze its teachings, and only to accept if found logical, agreeable, useful and beneficial.

Take care.

Justin Choo