Expert: Justin Choo - 2/27/2006

Question
Hi! I was asked to do some research on Buddhism by my Eastern Western Thought class. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me.

When did you become Buddhist? Did you learn about the philosophy later in life, or were you raised with Buddhist ideals?

How do you feel being Buddhist affects your life and your outlook on society?

Do you feel Buddhism brings you closer to or further from relations with the rest of humanity?

What are some ways you feel that your beliefs differ from many of the people around you? How are they similar?

Have you ever been ridiculed for your beliefs? How did you handle the situation?

What would you say is the most important aspect of the Buddhist philosophy?


Answer
Hi Kristina,

Thank you for asking me.

Your qn:When did you become Buddhist? Did you learn about the philosophy later in life, or were you raised with Buddhist ideals?
Answer: I was brought up as a Buddhist. However, I made great effort to learn Buddhism during my adult life, through books and through teachers.

Your qn: How do you feel being Buddhist affects your life and your outlook on society?
Answer: Buddhism taught me the realities of life and how to live in peace with myself and the world.  It is through this understanding of the true nature of the world and this existence that one can surf through the waves of live.

Your qn:Do you feel Buddhism brings you closer to or further from relations with the rest of humanity?
Answer: Buddhism helps me to understand the nature of this life and this world.  It enables me to live WITH humanity.

Your qn:What are some ways you feel that your beliefs differ from many of the people around you? How are they similar?
Answer: Buddhist values are universal values which transcend race, nationality, culture, and time and space.  Good moral values are the same anywhere irrespective of people's beliefs.  People choose to be different and difficult because they cannot tolerate and respect other's beliefs.  Buddhists practise compassion and non-violence.  These 2 principles help Buddhists to be very tolerant with others.  No blood is shed in the name of the Buddha.  Recently, the Talibans in Afghanistan blew up 2 huge Buddha statues.  Buddhists did not declare war.  Buddhists practise the teachings of the Buddha to be peaceful people.  They had the wisdom to remain calm despite the rude insult thrown on them.  The Buddha reminded us of the twin evils of hatred and revenge which will never resolve problems.  With this wisdom and restraint, many lives have been saved.

Your qn:Have you ever been ridiculed for your beliefs? How did you handle the situation?
Answer: Many other religionists take pleasure in ridiculing other people's beliefs.  There are 2 ways to respond.  One is to just ignore them.  The other is to state your point, to clarify, and at the same time questioning back on their beliefs.  I have not encountered problems with such people although I know there are plenty around.  I may choose either way to respond, depending on circumstances, situation, and my mood.

Your qn:What would you say is the most important aspect of the Buddhist philosophy?
Answer:
The most salient aspect of Buddhism is FREEDOM in its practice. The Buddha encouraged his followers to use their common sense and human intelligence to analyze his teachings before accepting them. He pointed out that there was no super agent who controlled us, punished us and rewarded us. We are not puppets on the strings; and there is no puppeteer up above to manipulate us. The natural law of cause and effect rules the world. No matter who you are and where you are, or what you believe, this universal LAW rules supreme. There is no escape. It is perfectly impartial. In simple language, good begets good; evil begets evil.

So,in Buddhism there is no dogma and no commandment. There is only the guidelines and noble precepts which the Buddha advised us to follow. As diligent Buddhists we use certain precepts to guide our lives. These are the 5 precepts: to refrain from killing, to refrain from stealing, to refrain from committing sexual misconduct, to refrain from telling lies, and to refrain from taking intoxicating substances.

Buddhist teachings are like air. They are free, and non discriminating. If you think it benefits you, then please breathe the air. If you choose otherwise, then it's up to you. This is the "religion" of Buddhism....Truth, Peace, Harmlessness, and Freedom.

Smile from justinchoo :-)