Expert: Justin Choo - 2/13/2010

Question
1. What are the important holidays and traditions of Buddhism?

2. How has Buddhism shaped your life?

3. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion?

4. Has Buddhism religion changed over the years?

5. Are there different types of Buddhism religion?

6. Why do you believe people in other religions believe that the Buddha is worshiped like a god?

7. What is Buddhism to you personally?

8. How can a person handle pain and suffering?  

9. How does a person find enlightenment?

10.  What kinds of rituals are used in Buddhism?

Is there anything else you would like me to know about your religion?

Answer
Hi Hilda,

1. What are the important holidays and traditions of Buddhism?

The most important holiday is Wesak Day which falls on the full moon day of May.  It marks the day which the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passing away.  There are however some other important days depending on which Buddhist tradition.  Buddhism is about truth and inner peace. Traditional practices in the name of Buddhism are more related to the different cultural practices of the different nationalities which are incorporated into the practice of Buddhism.  For more info please refer to www.buddhanet.net. @
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/festivals.htm

Traditions" are cultural practices perculiar to a certain society.  They are not Buddhism.  That's why we have Tibetan, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other types of Buddhism


2. How has Buddhism shaped your life?
It helps me to understand the true nature of life and the universe.  It helps me to respect others' beliefs and to be more tolerant with those who do not agree with me.  It helps me to want to reduce negative traits such as greed and hatred.

3. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion?
The challenge is to change oneself to be less greedy, less hateful, and to be mindful to improve one's spiritual life towards living in peace with oneself and with others.

4. Has Buddhism religion changed over the years?
The original teachings never change.  

5. Are there different types of Buddhism religion?
Buddhism means the teachings of the Buddha.  Like all other religions, there will be those who misinterprete for their selfish motives.

6. Why do you believe people in other religions believe that the Buddha is worshiped like a god?
I never believe that.  Those who have this view do not know Buddhism.

7. What is Buddhism to you personally?
Refer answer #2

8. How can a person handle pain and suffering?
Pain and suffering are part of life.  If one realizes this, then one will have less pain and less suffering.

9. How does a person find enlightenment?
Get rid of all your greed, hatred and delusion.

10.  What kinds of rituals are used in Buddhism?
Rites and rituals are actually not Buddhism.  They were introduced to satisfy the emotional needs and also to have a set pattern to pratise the religion.  That's why you have different rites and rituals in different cultures practising Buddhism.

Is there anything else you would like me to know about your religion?
If you are really interested, and not merely doing assignment, then you should read more to know Buddhism better.