Expert: Justin Choo - 1/5/2012

Question
Hello. I have recently become very interested in Buddhism and plan to begin attending classes at a local center when the next round begins next week. However, as I read more and more about it, the question that my wife and I keep coming to concerns emotions. It seems that as you progress in your Buddhist journey, you become less emotional. I am probably not being as clear as I hope, but it seems hard to be as joyful as you were before when you think constantly about impermanence, duality, and that your joy will pass. For instance, few things bring me as great pleasure as watching my favorite pitcher on my favorite baseball team strike out an opposing hitter from a rival team. But if all I think about is the fact that the hitter is losing every time my pitchers has a victory over him, it seems like the joy would be sucked out of the experience. I don't think I want that to happen to my life.

Answer
Hi Eric,

Welcome to the journey of peace and contentment.  When you experience "peace and contentment" you are not losing out on the little pleasures of worldly life like "watching my favorite pitcher on my favorite baseball team strike out an opposing hitter from a rival team".  

Buddhism is about the realities of existence, which you would know by now what they are.  Knowing the truths doesn't mean that we surrender and succumb to all the "miseries and sufferings" in life.  It is in the "Knowing" that is the difference. "Knowing" and "surrendering" are two different aspects. We need to strike a balance between living a practical worldly life and practising moderation in the Buddhist perspective.  As I said, it is a journey.  Don't be like a "born again" Christian.  There is no born again Buddhist.  Being a Buddhist means to learn and practise "step-by-step".  Just take it easy.  

In the process of learning Buddhism, you would encounter (which you already had) some seemingly contradictions between practical worldly life and the teachings of the Buddha.  Given time, you would be able to put these contradictions in their proper perspectives.  As you progress, you would know how to live a harmless, happy, contented, equanimous and peaceful life.

Should you need further clarifications, please come back, and I shall be most happy to share my thoughts.

Take care, and have a happy time watching your favorite baseball team wins!

Regards,
Justin Choo