Expert: Justin Choo - 2/26/2005

Question
Dear justinchoo,
  First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to inform others about your religion. I am currently taking a virtual high school class that explores the differences between Eastern and Western thought, and we have been assigned to interview an expert on either Buddhism, Taoism, or Confucianism. It would be greatly appreciated if you could answer a few of the questions I have regarding Buddhism. I realize that the instructions indicate that one question should be placed in this box, however I have several and I hope you don't mind me simply combining them into one submission. Please feel free to answer as many as you wish, and if possible I would like to have your answer(s) by Monday. Thanks again,
                       ~ Sarah

- What do you believe is the most defining aspect of your religion that makes it different from all others?

- Buddhism centers around the belief that life is suffering. How does this affect a Buddhist's outlook on life? Does it mean that he/she tends not to find life as enjoyable as someone who isn't a Buddhist?

- How prevalent is Buddhism in your daily life? How prevalent is Buddhism in the lives of most Buddhists?

- In what way does the practice of Buddhism most strongly influence your life?

- What makes the Theravada tradition different from the rest of Buddhism?

- Do most Buddhists truly believe that the Buddha will be reborn? Do you?

- In the last sentence of your expertise paragraph, you make reference to a “lay Buddhist.” What exactly does this term mean?  

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Thank you for asking me.

What do you believe is the most defining aspect of your religion that makes it different from all others?

 The most defining aspect of Buddhism is the complete freedom of inquiry.  The Buddha encouraged his followers to use their common sense and human intelligence to analyse his teachings.  They were reminded to reject any of his teachings if the teachings were not conducive or beneficial to them.  There is no dogma or commandment which a Buddhist is forced to accept or follow.  We are given the greatest freedom to practise the teachings of the Buddha without fear or favour.


 Buddhism centers around the belief that life is suffering. How does this affect a Buddhist's outlook on life? Does it mean that he/she tends not to find life as enjoyable as someone who isn't a Buddhist?

 We do not talk about belief.  We face the realities of life.  No matter who you are or what you believe, you are subject to old age, sickness, and death.  The nature of this world is that nothing is permanent.  As such you cannot have permanent happiness. In this respect, this life is ultimately, suffering.  It is up to you to think otherwise. It's not going to change this universal truth.
 Realizing this ultimate and universal truth,  we come to terms with life. Life comes as a package, happiness as well as sorrow.  When there is happiness, we don't go over board.  When there is sorrow we don't over react.  We are at peace with ourselves and the world.


 How prevalent is Buddhism in your daily life? How prevalent is Buddhism in the lives of most Buddhists?

 Buddhists are also normal human beings.  And you KNOW what NORMAL human beings are!  We are all polluted with the defilements of greed, hatred and delusion.  Delusion in the sense that we have been deceived by this world.  When we see beauty, we forget about the ugly.  When we are happy, we are blind to sorrow.  As I have said above, Buddhism gives complete freedom for its followers to practise the teachings of the Buddha.  If they failed to practise correctly, they will not harvest the benefits.  If they are diligent and sincere by putting the teachings to practice, then they gain peace of mind and real happiness.  There is not a need to have a watchdog, or a powerful agent to force people to obey commandments.  This only increases the population of hypocrites.


In what way does the practice of Buddhism most strongly influence your life?
Buddhism is my life.  It is the essence of skilful living.  Knowing our weaknesses, we are constantly on guard against making fools of ourselves, not that it never happens; but when we make mistakes we are courageous enough to admit and learn from them.  In this way we try to improve our lives as decent and noble human beings.


What makes the Theravada tradition different from the rest of Buddhism?
From historical perspective, the Theravada tradition is the direct link to the original source of the Buddha's teachings.  From the beginning, learned monks recited the teachings of the Buddha which were later put in writing.  Of course, the other traditions may dispute this.  It is up to you to do more research and decide for yourself.


Do most Buddhists truly believe that the Buddha will be reborn? Do you?
The term "Buddha" means "the fully enlightened one".  This means that the Buddha had completely eradicated all the defilements that were the ingredients and pre-requisites for rebirth.  Once the Buddha passed away, he is not subject to rebirth.  He was free from the clutches of death, because there was no more re-birth.  

In the last sentence of your expertise paragraph, you make reference to a “lay Buddhist.” What exactly does this term mean?
"Lay Buddhist" means ordinary Buddhist.   Any worldly person who is a Buddhist, is a lay Buddhist.

Smile from justinchoo:-)