Expert: Justin Choo - 9/23/2010

Question
Hello, my name is Colleen and I am currently studying Buddhism. One of my assignments is to interview someone with an extensive knowledge of Buddhism--may I ask you several questions instead of just one?

-Buddha identified 3 obvious kinds of suffering as old age, sickness, and death. Does youth have a particular significance in the Buddhist concept of immortality or is it valued in any way?

-Do you consider Buddhists realists or idealists?

-The Second Noble Truth identifies tanha, negative desire, as the cause of suffering. Are there positive desires and what are some examples?

-Is Nirvana a constant state once it has been reached, or is it possible for one to "fall from" Nirvana after attaining it?

-Is Buddhism strictly dogmatic, or is it possible for teachings and precepts to change?

-The Buddha described the Eightfold Path as a means to Nirvana. Does someone who has reached Nirvana still need to follow the Eightfold Path? If no, why not?

-What are some examples of how you, personally, follow the Eightfold Path?

-What are some challenges (ethical, political, spiritual, etc.) for Western Buddhists today and what are some for Eastern Buddhists?


If possible, I would greatly appreciate a response by October 1. However, I understand that you are very busy and have many questions to answer. Thank you,
Colleen

Answer
Hi Colleen,

<<-Buddha identified 3 obvious kinds of suffering as old age, sickness, and death. Does youth have a particular significance in the Buddhist concept of immortality or is it valued in any way?>>

"Youth" is also a passing event.  Of course, when one is youthful, one has the advantage of possessing "energy", which if put into good use will be beneficial.  I don't think there is any particular significance.


<<-Do you consider Buddhists realists or idealists?>>

Buddhists are realists in the sense that they face the realities of existence.


<<-The Second Noble Truth identifies tanha, negative desire, as the cause of suffering. Are there positive desires and what are some examples?>>

Unchecked desire is the cause of our suffering, here and now.  If we can be contented with our lives, then there is less suffering.  "Desire" in the context of the Four Noble Truths, has three components.  The first is the desire for sensual pleasure.  The second is the desire for existing or becoming. And the third is the desire for not wanting to become.  In simple language it is this:
"I like; I want; and I don't want."

In normal worldly life, there are certain things that we need to achieve.  These kinds of "desire" are practical approaches to life.  We cannot consider them as bad.  They only cause us problems when we become too extreme or fanatical in pursuing these objectives.  Examples of "positive" desires are passing exams, getting a good job, and even finding the ideal life partner!


<<-Is Nirvana a constant state once it has been reached, or is it possible for one to "fall from" Nirvana after attaining it?>>

Nirvana is a state where there is no more conditioning; no more becoming.  The person cannot "fall" back.


<<-Is Buddhism strictly dogmatic, or is it possible for teachings and precepts to change?>>

Buddhist teachings are about realities of existence which don't change. Buddhists try to live in accordance with the realities of existence.


<<-The Buddha described the Eightfold Path as a means to Nirvana. Does someone who has reached Nirvana still need to follow the Eightfold Path? If no, why not?>>

When one has reached Nirvana, that one is already enlightened. There is not a need for anything else. The Eightfold Path is a means to attain enlightenment.  Once enlightenment is achieved, there is no further need for it.


<<-What are some examples of how you, personally, follow the Eightfold Path?>>

The Eightfold Path can be grouped into three categories.  The moral obligations are Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood.  The effort and concentration to lead the right path through Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. And the third category is acquiring wisdom through Right View and Right Attitude.

The practical approach is first to understand the true nature of existence....Right View, and then to have the Right Attitude to live a wholesome life, through Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood.  In the process of this lifestyle, it requires Right Effort to maintain Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration for steering along the right path, which is the Noble Eightfold Path.


<<-What are some challenges (ethical, political, spiritual, etc.) for Western Buddhists today and what are some for Eastern Buddhists?>>

The challenge for Western Buddhists is to be able to overhaul their mindset and break through the threshold of "conventional" Western thinking about soul, heaven, hell and God.

As Eastern Buddhists, they need to study the teachings of the Buddha properly and break through the threshold of "conventional" rites and rituals.


Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo