Expert: Justin Choo - 2/28/2011

Question
Your question was

Hi, I'm doing a school project about Buddhism and was wondering if you could answer some of the questions that I have:

How did you become a practitioner of Buddhism? Where you originally raised under Buddhism or did you convert?

How strict are you in following the teachings of your faith, and how strict is Buddhism in general in regards to following its concepts?

The first of the Noble Truths is that "Life Means Suffering." Can you elaborate on this? I don't understand; life means suffering, but it also means happiness, and to me it seems to be an overly negativist view.

How do you personally try to achieve a balance between the extremes of asceticism and indulgence?

I've read that the soul, the Atman (by the way, how would I pronounce this word? I'm curious) cannot be destroyed. Can it be created? What happens to the Atman upon "death?"

How do you apply the concept of karma within the unfortunate events of everyday life? From little events such as getting a paper cut to large ones such as car crashes? Do you personally attribute these events to karma?

How does one achieve Right Mindfulness?

Answer
Hi Justin Lim,

(Your surname brings home closer to Malaysia.)

<<How did you become a practitioner of Buddhism? Where you originally raised under Buddhism or did you convert?>>
I was born in a Buddhist family, but I self-studied Buddhism.

<<How strict are you in following the teachings of your faith, and how strict is Buddhism in general in regards to following its concepts?>>
"Strict" is not in the dictionary of Buddhism.  Buddhism only advises its followers to practise diligently the teachings of the Buddha.  It is up to them to decide.  Whatever good or bad that each has done, the results will be upon each person.  There is no one to punish anyone.  
As for me, I just try my best, which is not good enough!

<<The first of the Noble Truths is that "Life Means Suffering." Can you elaborate on this? I don't understand; life means suffering, but it also means happiness, and to me it seems to be an overly negativist view.>>
Instead of explaining till the cows come home, just rephrase to read "Life has suffering". Now you will agree with that.

<<How do you personally try to achieve a balance between the extremes of asceticism and indulgence?>>
Use my common sense and human intelligence.

<<I've read that the soul, the Atman (by the way, how would I pronounce this word? I'm curious) cannot be destroyed. Can it be created? What happens to the Atman upon "death?">>
"Atman" is pronounced "Art Marn", Marn as in mundane.  Atman is Sanskrit and is a Hindu concept, meaning soul.  In Buddhism it is "Atta" which is in Pali, meaning "self".  The Buddhist concept of "No-self" or Anatta is thus self-explanatory, meaning there is no real "self" in each of us.

<<How do you apply the concept of karma within the unfortunate events of everyday life? From little events such as getting a paper cut to large ones such as car crashes? Do you personally attribute these events to karma?>>
Karma or kamma is a very misunderstood Buddhist term.  Not every event is the result of kamma.  We have a certain degree to direct our life.  However, a big portion of our life is affected by our kamma, or rightly our past kamma, meaning our past actions.  You can control your own safety, for example look before you cross the road.  However, if you have bad kamma working against you, a car can just appear from nowhere and strike you to high heaven.

How does one achieve Right Mindfulness?
This is very difficulty to achieve at all times.  Periodical, we can.  Through training of the mind by meditation, this will help.  By using auto-suggestion at all times will also do the job.  It will also depend on the personal character of the person.  Some are by nature, very mindful; while others are not.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo