Expert: Justin Choo - 8/1/2010

Question
last year my son was given a Buddha charm contained in a pouch to carry around in his pocket. I was told it was personally blessed by a temple in Vietnam for good luck and protection. This year the person who gave it to him asked for it back. I don't have a problem giving it back but I'd like to understand what this means. Will he no longer be protected?

Why does one get a charm to begin with? is it to keep them safe or keep those around them safe? Could tis kind of charm ever be used as a hex instead?

thanks

Answer
Hi Lisa,

The Buddha specifically forbade his monks to demonstrate their supernatural powers.  This was to discourage people from depending on these forces; and also to prevent monks from deceiving people if those monks did not actually possess such powers.  Buddhism is about how to live in peace and contentment; and nothing to do with charms.  In Thailand especially, talisman and what not are produced in abundance by so-called monks in the name of Buddhism.  It definitely has nothing to do with Buddhism.  

Now to your question.  By all means, give it back.  Consider your son having good fortune to rid of this charm.  We don't need external object to protect us.  It is due to our ignorance and fear that we seek and depend on these external objects.  When we have confidence in ourselves we don't need external protection.  If we lead a harmless and noble life, we will be able to live in peace and happiness.  

If charms are so effective, keep the charm with you and try crossing the road with your eyes closed, and see what happens if you are lucky to be alive to see it!

Charms are usually associated with black magic.  Black magic depends on the control of certain forces to give it power.  Once the person loses control over these forces, he would be controlled by them instead.  It is a very dangerous occult pursuit.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo