Expert: Justin Choo - 10/12/2011

Question
My class assignment is to find someone who is an expert and/or follows Buddhism, Confucianism, or Taoism. I chose Buddhism and here are my questions that I still have on Buddhism. This is more like an interview not homework questions. Please respond as soon as you can. Thank you.

1. Do you think that Buddhism is a simple religion to follow?

2. Who do you think told Buddha to create Buddhism?

3. Do you think that the original concept of Buddhism was changed since it was
told mouth to mouth?

4. Has Buddhism changed your life? If so, how?

Answer
Hi Sharbel Hanna,

1. Do you think that Buddhism is a simple religion to follow?
Yes.  In short one only needs to do 3 things.  Reduce greed, reduce hatred, and reduce ignorance as to what real existence is.

2. Who do you think told Buddha to create Buddhism?
Nobody. The Buddha did not create Buddhism.  The Buddha realized the truth of life and existence through the power of his mind.  He shared with us his discovery, and we conveniently called it Buddhism. What the Buddha revealed was actually the truths of life's phenomena.


3. Do you think that the original concept of Buddhism was changed since it was
told mouth to mouth?
No.  What the Buddha taught were still retained.

4. Has Buddhism changed your life? If so, how?
It is difficult for one's life to be changed.  I would say Buddhism influences my lifestyle to be more contented with what I have, to have more compassion towards others and most important to live a happy, contented, and a harmless life.

Take care.

Justin Choo