Expert: Justin Choo - 4/17/2010

Question
Hi Mr. Choo,

I come from a Protestant background, however, I have stopped practicing and attending church for about 5 years because of church politics and the feeling of no spiritual growth amongst so-called "brothers and sisters of Christ". I have recently found a new Sifu for kung-fu and as an extension of this lifestyle I have also begun researching into Buddhism and Guan Gong for spiritual growth. I am curious if it is safe to transition into Buddhism coming from a Protestant background. If so, how do I know what denomination (forgive my ignorance if this is a Christian term) of Buddhism to seek and how to begin?

I currently wear a red/white jade pendant of Guan Gong on a red string. I wear it daily and never take off, with the exception of during heavy physical training because of sweat, showering because of soap and shampoo chemicals, and other chemical factors that can harm jade such as public swimming pool with chlorine. I feel that I am paranoid about maintaining the jade. Should I not worry about never taking the pendant off?

I plan on purchasing an approximately 3 foot clay statue of Guan Gong soon. This particular statue has him wearing a red robe. Does robe colour symbolize anything? The lady at the store is Buddhist and mentioned not to believe in Feng Shui's perspective of placement (e.g. Northwest corner of the house). She said you can place anywhere in the house as long as it is not in the bedroom or any place of relaxation such as the living room. In terms of blade position, she stated not to place the edge pointing inward as if cutting oneself, and not to place the edge outward as if harming others. The best placement is positioning the blade edge towards the ground so it is neutral. Lastly, the lady said that an alternative way to worship Guan Gong (aside from incense) is to simply purchase this specialized cup to fill with water. The water is then to be placed in front of Guan Gong for approximately 30 minutes before pouring the water out into another cup and drinking it.

I was wondering if you can verify if what she said is correct. I am still unclear as to how to begin worship in Buddhism, specifically for Guan Gong. Is there something I have to do before I begin worship or can I just get the statue and begin? Finally, in terms of Guan Gong worship, what do I offer and how do I offer to Guan Gong? Are there limitations for this deity on what I ask for (since I only know Guan Gong for purpose of protection)? Do I just think in my mind or actually speak what to ask for?

Thank you for your time and I really appreciate your knowledge on Buddhism. Take care.

Answer
Hi Steve,

I take it that you are not familiar with Chinese beliefs and Buddhism.  Chinese beliefs are totally Chinese.  While Buddhism is the teachings of the Buddha who was from India.  The Chinese embraced Buddhism a very long time ago.  The teachings of the Buddha, being universal and liberal, could be practised by any nationality without it having to change its tradition or belief.  The Chinese like many others simply incorporated Buddhism into their culture, and included the Buddha as one of their deities, although there were a few sects that practised mainly the teachings of the Buddha.  These sects belong to the Mahayana tradition, and they are as practised today.   

Guan Gong was a historical figure famous for his bravery, integrity, loyalty and righteousness.  It is kind of a very complicated history of the Three Kingdoms Saga.  You can read a short description in Wikipedia @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guan_Gong .  For a full review, you need to read "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms."

Actually, Guan Gong had nothing to do with Buddhism; but the Chinese have a special place for him as the Protector of the Dhamma (Buddha's teachings).  Many Chinese, especially those in business have Guan Gong as their "patron saint."   As for the positioning of the Long Blade, you can refer the picture at Wikipedia which shows the "classic posture" of Guan Gong with the Long Blade pointing downwards.

For a simple read on Buddhism, may I recommend this book which you can read from the link below:
  http://www.goodquestiongoodanswer.net/

I will not further confuse you at this juncture.  Please come back if you need further clarification.

Take care.

Justin Choo