You are here:
- Home
- Homework Help
- Buddhism
- Buddhists
- Buddhism or Personal Life
Buddhists/Buddhism or Personal Life
Advertisement
Question
Hello,
A bhante at the Sri Lankan Temple near me asked if I would attend the Vesak program this Saturday. The program includes a Dhammacara initiation. This Saturday is also my girlfriend's three year old's birthday party. Both are very important to me.
How important is it to actually become initiated as a dhammacara? My heart tells me the right thing to do is to not flake out on Pamela's 3rd b-day. Also I think it would sort of dissappoint the girlfriend.
At the same time there is a part of me that wants to be a part this initiation.
Please get back to me as soon as you can, tomorrow is Saturday and I really need some advice. Thank you and may you be well.
Metta,
Mason Oliver
Dear Mason,
Thank you for your question. I am guessing the Sri Lankan Temple in question would be from the Theravadin tradition? I regret to inform you that I am not familiar with a 'Dhammacara' initiation. In fact, you may have mistaken it for taking the eight precepts or even a Samanera (Novice Bhikku) or Anagarika (Lay Attendant) initiation.
As an onlooker it's easy to answer your question and tell you what's the 'right' thing to do. Either way, I believe the answer to your question is in the question. Quote "My heart tells me the right thing to do is to not flake out on Pamela's 3rd b-day" therefore you should most certainly follow your heart. There will be many more opportunities to attend initiation ceremonies and a Vesak day in the future.
I make the brave assumption that you are not a renunciate and still living your life as a lay person, therefore you would be well advised not to sacrifice your personal life for Buddhist ceremony in this situation, unless of course you can involve the child and girlfriend or on the other side of the spectrum you are aspiring towards ordination and renunciation.
Vesak day is sometimes referred to as Buddha's Birthday, how better to spend this time with a beautiful 3 year old child on their birthday? Your decision will also say a great deal about where your priorities lie, so be careful and observe yourself carefully during this period.
Yours in Dhamma
JC Ball
http://www.knowbuddhism.info/2010/05/buddhism-and-personal-life.html
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | To a new spiritual friend, Your timeliness to my response was much appreciated. You are so correct-the answer was in the question. To go with what our heart tells us is good advice. Thank you for your wisdom As luck would have it Pamela, my girlfriend, and I were able to partially attend the Vesak. Pam was able to get a little birthday bracelet which was very nice. And also, although a few minutes late, I was able to attend her birthday party as well. If going to the Vesak and taking the precepts would have resulted in missing Pam's b-day though, I surely would not have attended. So all in all it was a very beautiful day. Your friend, Mason in Sacramento (msn_oliver@yahoo.com) | ||
Related Articles
- Job Interview Answer: What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
- Handling Hostile Questions - Public Speaking
- Hecklers - Public Speaking
- Job Interview Answer: What Computer Skills Do You Have and What Programs Are You Comfortable Using?
- Using Computer Software - Wills and Estate Planning
Answers by Expert:
Buddhis8 - BuddhismIS.com
Expertise
James Chen Ball is the founder of the Buddhism IS Community Forum and Know Buddhism Blog. His primary focus is promoting Meditation practise through his websites and establishing an active Buddhist social community on the Internet. James' approach to Buddhism is intuitive and you will rarely find him referring to Sutras or similar ancient Buddhist texts but rather his words come from experience and a natural grasp of Buddhism. A long-time lay practitioner and student of Buddhism who has lived and studied as a lay monastic in all of the three major traditions of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan/Vajrayana) practicing alongside Bhikku's and studying under Monks such as Ajahn Sumedho and H.E Lopon Tenzin Jigme Rinpoche III. I am happy to receive any question you have on the vast topic of Buddhism and will endeavor to give you a clear and honest answer where possible.
Experience
I am a long-time lay practitioner and student of Buddhism for over 14 years. I have lived as a lay monastic in many monasteries around the world studying and practicing alongside the Sangha.
Organizations
Buddhism IS Forum (http://buddhismis.com)
Tzu Chi Foundation, Taiwan.
Amaravati Monastery, UK.
Publications
http://buddhismis.com
http://knowbuddhism.info
Education/Credentials
Founder of the Buddhism IS Community Forum http://www.buddhismis.com
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.