Buddhists/Buddha

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Expert: - 4/8/2010


Question
Hi Justin,

I feel that there is only 1 onmipotent God which is the source and God will manifest in many different forms. So is Lord Buddha God or is he a prophet who points the way to take us back to God?  I am feeling very confused. There are so many contradictory spirtual teachings.  I don't know which way to go.  For example, Buddhism believes in reincarnation and we can be reincarnated into the animal realm but some teachings that I have read (not buddhism) states that animal and human souls are not the same.  Please guide me.  Deep in my heart, I still believe in Buddhism.

Thank you for your time and guidance,
clarice

Answer
Hi Clarice,
You are confused because you are not familiar with the Buddha's teachings.  May I suggest that you study the teachings carefully, and most of your confusion will be resolved.

I shall answer you briefly here.  Buddhists do not subscribe to the belief in God.  Buddha was not a God.  Buddha was the fully enlightened one, meaning he understood the universal truths of existence.

Reincarnation is different from rebirth.  The Tibetans believe in reincarnation.  The Buddha taught the concept of rebirth.  I don't wish to further confuse you at this moment.  

May I recommend you a simple book which you would find it useful.  The link is here: http://www.goodquestiongoodanswer.net/

The author is based in your country and you can read his blog here:
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/


I strongly recommend that you visit his centre.  You may tell him that I directed you there.

Take care.

Justin Choo  

Buddhists

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Justin 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 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

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)

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