Expert: Justin Choo - 8/15/2006

Question
Dear Justin

I would like to ask the following:
What is meant by

Wisdom
Mindful
Kalamasutta (not sure of spelling)
Sila samadi pana (not sure of spelling)
Anitra duka anata (not sure of spelling)

I am interested not so in the religion but more on its teachings, principles, morals etc ie how to be a better person and use in everyday lives. Where do I start?

I am residing in Malaysia, and my knowledge is shallow. As stated earlier, I am not a strong believer but I like to use its principles in everyday lives.

Thank you. Your reply is very much appreciated.

Regards

K K Chan  

Answer
Hi Chan,

Thank you for asking me.

"Wisdom" in the Buddhist context is the ability to see the world and our lives in the real perspective.  What we assume about this life and the world are actually deceptions by external objects through our deluded sense organs.  Since we see things in the wrong perspective, we react to them incorrectly, and the result is, we suffer mental and physical anguish.

"Mindful" in the Buddhist context is the ability to know the "present moment".  Animals are not mindful and they react to instinct.  Most of the time we are like animals reacting to instinct, thereby creating problems for ourselves and to others.  To improve mindfulness, it takes effort through the practice of Buddhist meditation.  The mind is tamed and then trained to listen to our command.  It is not an easy task.

Kalama Sutta is one of the Buddha's discourses which encourages followers to analyze his teachings before accepting them as truth.  The Buddha encouraged intelligent enquiry and open discussion.


"Sila, Samadhi, Panna (pronounced as pan nya)"  means morality, concentration, and wisdom.  It embodies the complete teachings of the Buddha.  To practise moral principles, purify the mind through meditation, and thereby gaining wisdom.

"Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta"  the trichotomy of existence, referred to as "impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, insubstantiality".   The world is not permanent (ever changing), always not perfect, and it is its nature to be so, without any substance.  

Buddhism is for everyday living and not some superstitious and esoteric rites and rituals to be followed blindly.

May I recommend that you read "What Buddhist Believe" by Ven. K Sri Dhammananda, my revered teacher from this site:

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/whatbelieve.pdf


You can purchase the book from the Brickfields Temple (Mahavihara) in KL.

This book will give you answers to many of your questions.

Please come back if you need further clarifications.

Smile from justinchoo :-)