Expert: Judy - 9/27/2010

Question
For my school project I have been asked to interview an expert Buddhist. I don't know any Buddhists so I decided to use this website. Here are my questions.

1. Do you believe in Reincarnation? How did the belief of rebirth come to creation?

  2. Is Nirvana the equivalent the Christian Heaven?

  3. How were you first introduced to Buddhism?

  4. How does Buddhism affect your daily life decisions?

  5. Do you struggle in your daily life trying to reach Nirodha.

Answer
1. Yes, I do believe in reincarnation.  Everyone carries karma, causes and effects through lives.  Our thoughts, actions, speech, and so on affects everything related to our lives.  When we are still influenced by our minds, we are living and creating karma, and it's cyclical.  Unless we understand what life is really about and practice in real life, we will be reborn again without a choice.  However, we can choose to be reborn or not, based on our cultivation.

2. No, Nirvana is not equivalent to the Christian Heaven.  Nirvana is a state whereas Heaven is an environment, if I get the definition of Heaven right.

3. Don't quite remember how I was introduced to Buddhism, because it's not something that happens all at sudden or an event I went through.  Without being taught any religious aspect when I was little, I have always believed in karma and wanted to search for an answer about life.

4. Buddhism affects my daily life decisions in a way that I am more aware of what's happening around me.

5. No, I am not struggling or trying to reach Nirodha.  Whatever happens will happen.  Nothing can be forced to happen.  I am just TRYING to live my life fully at every moment.  Trying to reach any kind of state is not what learning Buddhism is about.