Expert: Bodhicitta - 2/27/2006

Question
Hi! I was asked to do some research on Buddhism by my Eastern Western Thought class. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me.

When did you become Buddhist? Did you learn about the philosophy later in life, or were you raised with Buddhist ideals?

How do you feel being Buddhist affects your life and your outlook on society?

Do you feel Buddhism brings you closer to or further from relations with the rest of humanity?

What are some ways you feel that your beliefs differ from many of the people around you? How are they similar?

Have you ever been ridiculed for your beliefs? How did you handle the situation?

What would you say is the most important aspect of the Buddhist philosophy?


Answer
<< Hi! I was asked to do some research on Buddhism by my Eastern Western Thought class. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me. >>

I can try.

<<

When did you become Buddhist?
>>
I learnt about Buddhism in my early teens and it made sense so I commited to it as my spiritual path.
>>
See above

Good luck
Bodhicitta

<<
Did you learn about the philosophy later in life, or were you raised with Buddhist ideals? >>
My parents and family weren't Buddhist.

<<
How do you feel being Buddhist affects your life and your outlook on society?
>>
Buddhism makes sense of life and it informs how people should be in society.

<<Do you feel Buddhism brings you closer to or further from relations with the rest of humanity? >>
closer.

<<

What are some ways you feel that your beliefs differ from many of the people around you? How are they similar? >>
Buddhism puts the search for truth as central. It says that the answer can be discovered through meditation. It says that compassion flows naturally from us.

<<
Have you ever been ridiculed for your beliefs? How did you handle the situation? >>
I have not been ridiculed.

<<
What would you say is the most important aspect of the Buddhist philosophy?