Expert: Justin Choo - 4/12/2006

Question
I am very curious about Buddhism and if you please, would like to pose several questions.  These questions are posed in the most respectful manner and are intended in that fashion.  

Where were you born?  
Have you always been a Buddhist?  If not, what religion did you practice before Buddhism?  If you have always been a Buddhist, have you always been a believer of the Theravada traditions?  Do you believe in arhat or bodhisattva?  How involved are you in your religion?  What kinds of activities do you participate in to support your religion?  How would you define your personal religious beliefs and interests?  How do your beliefs affect your daily life?  What advice would you give to someone seeking involvement in the Buddhist religion?  

Thank you in advance for your time and kindness.

Valerie

Answer
Hi Valerie,

Thank you for asking me.  I take your assurance in good faith.

Where were you born?
I was born in a small island called Penang, in Malaysia.  This island is a very unique spiritual island, where a lot of staunch Buddhists were born, apart from a large number of highly intelligent people (not that I am) spread across the world.  

Have you always been a Buddhist?
I was born a Buddhist in name, but took great effort to study Buddhism in depth.

If you have always been a Buddhist, have you always been a believer of the Theravada tradition?
I started off with the study of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha.  Then was associated with the Theravada tradition, unknowingly.  Actually I was a bit upset when I came to know of the different traditions that existed.  I just wanted to practise the pure teachings of the Buddha.  I wasn't interested in "traditions".  After studying the historical development of Buddhism, I came to accept the present situation.

Do you believe in arhat or bodhisattva?
In the Theravada tradition, anyone can become an arahat here and now.  Also in the Theravada tradition, "Bodhisatta" is a person who is to become a Buddha in the future.


How involved are you in your religion? What kinds of activities do you participate in to support your religion?
The practice of Buddhism involves a change in mindset and a continuous effort to improve oneself by reducing one's greed, hatred and delusion.  It is a life-time practice.  I contribute in my little way by spending time every Sunday sharing my Buddhist knowledge with those who care to listen in a Theravada temple.  And as you know I spend a lot of time answering questions in this site, which I am very happy doing it.  


How would you define your personal religious beliefs and interests? How do your beliefs affect your daily life?
I live in Buddhism, meaning I practise the teachings of the Buddha.  I realize my faults and defilements, and take great effort to reduce them and try to be a better person.  In this way I am very contented and happy, here and now.  I understand the true nature of this existence and this universe.  My extreme gratitude to the Buddha and all my spiritual teachers.

What advice would you give to someone seeking involvement in the Buddhist religion?
Study the teachings of the Buddha; put them into practice; and benefit from the results.  Refer to the "mother of all Buddhist websites" www.buddhanet.net for all the info you need.

Smile from justinchoo :-)