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Buddhists/Concept of Sin in Buddhism
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Question
Hello Sir,
In one of your response you mention that there is no concept of sin in Buddhism.
Then why we are asked to do merits? Isn't to better one's life. In Buddhist scripture of Cambodia, Buddha in conversation of Brahmin priest on asking about the sin and merit. Buddha said "look for the the Holy One" who will carry the believer over the cycle of re-birth.
I saw this in relation to sin, merit and nirvana.
Thanks you
Hi Jitendra,
I think we should first define what "sin" means.
Dictionary.com @
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sin
has these 3 definations:
1. transgression of divine law: the sin of Adam.
2. any act regarded as such a transgression, especially a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle.
3. any reprehensible or regrettable action, behavior, lapse, etc.; great fault or offense: It's a sin to waste time.
My comment was in reference to #1. As for the other definations, I certainly agree that we all do "sin".
Hope this clarifies.
Justin Choo
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Justin Choo
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When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.
Experience
I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple.
My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @
http://www.ksridhammananda.com
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I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.
Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @
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Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)
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