Expert: Justin Choo - 10/3/2004

Question
Hi!
I have just one more question for you if you don't mind:
How difficult is it for you to follow your beliefs in your everyday life?
Also, maybe I must missed it in your profile, but are you in the United States, or somewhere else?

Thank you.
-Katie
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi, I am taking an Eastern and Western Thought class and I need to interview someone who studies or practices Buddhism.  So I just wanted to ask you a few questions.

1. How are you able to practice your Buddhist beliefs?  Meaning, do woship in a particular place, do you pray at certain times etc.

2.How do you manage to follow Buddhist practices in today's society?  How is your life affected by being a Buddhist?

3. What are some of the most important Buddhist principles that you adhere to?  

Also, were you raised as a Buddhist, or did you convert?  Where did you grow up (what country)?  


Thank you every much :)
*Katie

Answer -
Hi Katie,
Thank you for asking me.

Your question:
1. How are you able to practice your Buddhist beliefs?  Meaning, do
woship
in a particular place, do you pray at certain times etc.

My answer:
There are many schools (traditions) of Buddhism, and their practices of the rites and rituals differ, sometimes very drastically.
I practise the Theravada tradition, and this tradition emphasizes on the practice of the Buddha's teachings i.e., the actual conduct of our daily lives, rather than the rites and rituals.  We do go to our temple to perform certain rites and rituals, but these are mainly for our worldly satisfaction.  An added benefit is that the devotees can gain a sense of belonging and confidence.

As a matter of good habit, I “pray”, actually, recite, certain phrases to remind myself of my obligations to keep the 5 principles, or precepts recommended by the Buddha.  They are ; refrain from killing; stealing; sexual misconduct; telling lies; and from taking intoxicating things.  It would be a better habit to repeat this before I go to bed. It is usually done in front of an image of the Buddha, as a mark of respect.

As for the other schools, I would advise you to ask the relevant authorities.  It is up to you, to judge which one you think is more practical and meaningful.


Your questions:
2.How do you manage to follow Buddhist practices in today's society?  
How
is your life affected by being a Buddhist?

3. What are some of the most important Buddhist principles that you
adhere to?
My answer:
A good Buddhist makes effort to ensure that his thoughts, speech, and actions are wholesome so that others are not being hurt by him. He abhors violence and revenge because he knows that evil deeds will result in evil consequences for him, apart from hurting the other party. As a good Buddhist, it is very essential that he maintains this practice of skilful living. Then he will live in peace for himself; and others around him will also have a chance to live in peace. This is the essence of Buddhism. Be kind to people.  The Buddha's mission was to help people not to do silly, foolish and evil things. Not to hurt others including all living beings as best we could. By maintaining this lifestyle of non-hatred, non-greed, right understanding of good and bad, people would be able to live in peace. This is his universal message applicable across nations, races, ideologies, encompassing time and space.
Theravada Buddhists live by the 5 precepts, to the best of their ability.


Your question:
Also, were you raised as a Buddhist, or did you convert?  Where did you
grow up (what country)?

My answer:
Please look into my profile in the “Allexperts”.


Hope the answers are sufficient for your project.  Please ask again if you need more information.

Smile from justinchoo :-))


Answer
Hi Katie,
Your question:
How difficult is it for you to follow your beliefs in your everyday life?

My answer:
The Buddha's teachings are very practical and down to earth and is meant for everyone.  It is so because it is based on universal truth that transcends race, nationality, location, and time.  He preached kindness and compassion based on universal truth.  He was not interested to convert anyone.  He just emphasized that we must avoid committing evil deeds because we, ourselves, are very fearful that others may hurt us.  On this premise alone we can just use our common sense and fair judgement that it is not fair to hurt others.  We must have this human dignity to conduct our lives in this dignified manner.  
On the other hand, we always wish that all good and happy things come our way.  Knowing that, it is also fair that others should be given a fair chance to enjoy good and happy lives.
Do we need any more creed, commandment, or threat in order to live in a civilized manner? It is only when others demand that we must belive in their dogmas or else hell will befall them, that the world is in trouble.
As a practising Buddhist, I just have to live my life guided by the 5 precepts, which I repeat here:
         1)Refrain from killing
         2)Refrain from stealing
         3)Refarain from sexual misconduct      
         4)Refrain from telling lies
         5)Refrain from taking intoxicating things
The Buddha advised us to keep these 5 precepts to the best of our ability, and we will be able to live in peace with ourselves.  What others do, or do not do, is their business.  We cannot change the whole world.  But we can change our lives if we want to. So you see, Katie, it is very easy and practical for me to live a practical Buddhist life. NO PROBLEM!


Your question:
Also, maybe I must missed it in your profile, but are you in the United States, or somewhere else?

My answer:
I am from somwhere else, in a country called Malaysia.  And if you are still curious, I am a Chinese born and bred in Malaysia.  


Please ask further if you still have any queries.

Smile from justinchoo  :-)