Expert: Bodhicitta - 10/11/2006

Question
Hi, my name is Kelly and I live in Boston Massachusetts. As an assignment for my philosophy class, I was asked to do a brief interview with a follower of Buddhism. I have a couple of brief questions..

What are some obligations that a Buddhist must follow in order to practice this religion?
In your opinion, what is the most significant value or teaching of Buddhism?
How can one apply the teachings of Buddhism to American society today?
Can a person remember their past life (or lives)? Do they carry what they learned with them or do they become a new person?

Thank you so much!
Kelly West

Answer
Hi Kelly
"What are some obligations that a Buddhist must follow in order to practice this religion?"
Meditate according to the instructions of a trained meditation  teacher from the tradition and discover truth through first hand experience for yourself. Anything else is secondary.

"what is the most significant value or teaching of Buddhism?"
discovering truth.

"How can one apply the teachings of Buddhism to American society today?"
meditate. america and be true to your heart.

"Can a person remember their past life (or lives)?"
According to tradition this is possible. But it is a very
rare thing. Most people who claim to remember such things
are deluded.

"Do they carry what they learned with them or do they become a new person?"
It would seem wisdom is not conceptual so it is independent of confused memories of the mundane.

Pleasure
good luck
Bodhicitta