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Expert: - 10/26/2006


Question
Hello

I would like to ask the following:

Does Mahayana believe in rebirth? I understand they have something like Pure Land, whereby if the person dies, they will go there. Isn't this something like Christianity?

Secondly, I understand their emphasis is on the  remembrance of Sutras and less probably none on meditation. Isn't meditation the core of Buddha's teachings?

Thank you. Your reply is very much appreciated.

Regards

Chan

Answer
Hi Chan,

Thank you for asking me.

Mahayanists believe in rebirth.  They also believe that by chanting the mantra, they will be reborn in Pureland and from there gain liberation.  You may say it is similar to Christianity, in that one goes to a happy place after death.

They also practise meditation.  However, they emphasize on chanting and performing meritorious deeds.  Fortunately, the three main traditions follow the same fundamental teachings of the Buddha. Meditation is important in Buddhism.  The core of the Buddha's teachings is to live a peaceful life without harming others.  You can get more info from www.buddhanet.net.

Smile from justinchoo :-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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