Expert: Justin Choo - 2/28/2006

Question
Hi, my name is Jacob. I am a senior at Ware County High in Ware co, Ga. I am taking a philosophy class and am trying to further my understanding of Buddhism by talking with some one who knows more about it than a book could offer.

1. How did you become involved with Buddhism and how did you know that it was the right religion?

2. How does Buddhism address modern ethical issues like abortion, capital punishment, and forms of fedaral financial aid (welfare, disability, etc.)

3. Buddhism beliefs state that the best peson is one who seeks wisdom, not material gain. In the American economy, is it possible for such a person to prosper?

4. Buddhism, like most other religions, focuses on the golden rule. However, in my research, I have failed to find how one should respond to poor treatment from others. What do you recommend?

Thanks for your help
Jacob B, Age 18

Answer
Hi Jacob,

Looks like I have been kept busy discussing assignments with a group of students, like your goodself. But it's ok.

Your qn:1. How did you become involved with Buddhism and how did you know that it was the right religion?
Answer: I grew up as a Buddhist, but learned Buddhism through books and listening to Buddhist talks by learned monks and teachers.  I know it is the right religion because I use my common sense and human intelligence.

Your qn:2. How does Buddhism address modern ethical issues like abortion, capital punishment, and forms of fedaral financial aid (welfare, disability, etc.)
Answer: Buddhism is about life's problems and how to solve these problems by realizing the true nature of life and existence.  All your above issues are worldly issues.  If one understands the teachings of the Buddha, one will be able to live with all of life's problems; some can be resolved while others cannot.  Buddhist principles are based on universal values which transcend race, culture, nationality, belief, and time and space.  It values the sanctity of life and harmony.  Based on this value alone, we know that the unnecessary taking of lives is unwholesome.  Another principle is compassion for others, which means we should help others in time of need.  For a deeper discussion on this topic, you would need to come back.

Your qn:3. Buddhism beliefs state that the best peson is one who seeks wisdom, not material gain. In the American economy, is it possible for such a person to prosper?
Answer: Buddhist wisdom is to gain inner peace and happiness.  Material gains are important to enhance one's living standard, but not a guarantee for achieving inner peace and happiness. If a person has the Buddhist wisdom, he can prosper in any place.  

Your qn:4. Buddhism, like most other religions, focuses on the golden rule. However, in my research, I have failed to find how one should respond to poor treatment from others. What do you recommend?
Answer: One needs to understand the teachings of the Buddha.  Basically, one needs to understand the universal law of cause and effect.  In simple language, good begets good and bad begets bad.  There is no escape.  If one understands this, one will not be too crazy to always seek revenge.  The twin evils of hatred and revenge are the causes of violence; without any solution.  Look at the Middle East.  Another aspect is the WMD in us.  We all have these weapons of mass destruction in our mind and our body, which gradually consume us.  WMD is Weapons Of My destruction!  When one has greed, hatred and dillusion, all these negative thoughts and actions act as poisons killing us slowly but surely.  As Buddhists, we are more concerned to start with ourselves, to be harmless and forgiving, so that we can experience inner peace and happiness.  If everyone can practise this principle, the world will be a better place;....just wishful thinking!  


Smile from justinchoo :-)