Expert: Justin Choo - 10/29/2007

Question
Have you heard of some Buddhist cult group that require followers to give their name and birth date and undergo some hardcore ritual whereby their name is written on a piece of paper, chanted and burned? This come with the promise that Heaven has reserved a place for them, because they went throught the ritual and burned their name.

What are the harmful things that will happen to a follower that finally realize such cult and defy it?

Answer
Hi Chow,

Thank you for asking me.

This type of blasphemy is very rampant especially in the name of Buddhism to hookwink the ignorant public through fear and sweet promises.  You left out the most important part of your description, and that is MONEY.  The person has to pay an amount for this "service".  When associating with Buddhism, please be wary when money is solicited.  The teachings of the Buddha is priceless.  You can always learn Buddhism free of charge, and that is the tradition eversince.  One thing for sure, no honest Buddhist teaching will promise you heaven, for heaven is no big deal to a Buddhist.

<< What are the harmful things that will happen to a follower that finally realize such cult and defy it? >>
Two things for sure.  The first is the loss of money.  The second is causing strain relationship with family members and relatives.  An added "bonus" is that the person will become a laughing stock to others.  That is why we must learn at least the basic foundation of Buddhism.  Please remember, Buddhism means the pristine teachings of the Budhha, and not some ancient Chinese traditional beliefs.

Smile from justinchoo :-)