Expert: Justin Choo - 3/19/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi 16 year old swedish person here, I'm not buddhist but I've got really interested in buddhism and really like the teaching.

My question too you is. It's said that I should be happy with the way I am, happy with my current situation, meaning that I should be happy losing.

I play at a high level that is very competative and I find that I lack motivation if I don't feel regret and think out what I did wrong and what I should do better. It's said that the wanting causes suffering, but if I don't want to win, the one that wants will win over me.  
Also the wanting surely brings happiness, if I don't want to have good grades and are happy with the ones I have now I won't develop and if everyone would be thinking like that we would not develop new medicines or new cheep ways to grow food.

So this part of buddhism seems pretty stange too me, not wanting would in my opinon result in people stop developing. so why is this a part of buddhism? Or have I missuderstood this?

I really like alot of other parts of buddhism even though I spooke pretty evil about not wanting.

Answer -
Hi Linus,

Welcome back.

The Buddha never advocated anyone to be a loser.  His message was that one should not be greedy or hateful.  If one values happiness now, then one must be able to be contented with what one has at the moment.  However, this does not prevent one from improving on one's position in life.  One must have the wisdom to balance one's life as a lay Buddhist.  When playing games, by all means play to win.  When studying, by all means get the best grades.  One must also improve one's life by doing research in science and technology.  Why should we think otherwise?  

The Buddha's teachings go beyond worldly affairs.  In the final analysis if one really wants to be happy NOW one must be contented with what one has NOW.  Otherwise, one will never be happy because one will always expect something better in the future.  Then happiness will be an illusive dream because the person will keep on wanting something better the next time, and the next time, and so on.  The next time will never come; just like waiting for tomorrow.  Of course, if one is losing, then one cannot be happy, for happiness is dependent on other conditions.  In this case, it depends on the winning.  Also same as having good grades.  So in this instance, if you want happiness in games and studies, then you have to work hard to win and score good marks.  It is perfectly logical that you must conduct your life according to this worldly requirements.  There is nothing contradictory to Buddhism.

This is where, the use of common sense prevails.  This is wisdom in living a worldly life.

Smile from justinchoo :-)

Ahha. Now I understand thanks, I've now researched about buddhism for about 3 and a half mounth, listening to dharmatalks over the net and reading buddhist texts over the net this all sounds resonable and now that you've explained this part to me I think this is a good way and can start a little to follow it. just wanted to say thanks :D


Answer
Hi Linus,

Thanks for coming back.

Always remember to use your commonsense and human intelligence to analyze the Buddha's teachings; and you will be on the right track.  Remember the symbol of justice and fairplay in the form of the "Balance".. the weighing scale emblem displayed in the courts of law.  Always strick a balance between worldly affairs and spiritual life.  Remember like being a high-wire walker; balancing himself on the tight-rope, with the horizontal pole.  

You may find this website useful www.buddhanet.net

There is this site in Western Australia where Ajahn Brahmawamso resides.  He is an English monk and is a very popular speaker.  You can listen to his talk through this site:  
      Buddhist Society of Western Australia
18-20 Nanson Way, Nollamara, Perth, WA 6061
Tel: (08) 9345 1711, Fax: (08) 9344 4220
Email: info@bswa.org
Web site: www.bswa.org
Tradition: Theravada
Spiritual Director: Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso
Teachers: Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso and Ajahn Sister Vayama

Smile from justinchoo :-)