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Expert: - 11/20/2005


Question
I am a simple fellah: I've tried Vipassana and I love the Dammapada. I'd like to basically live a practice that is simple to do daily, that will eventually give me answers as I go, and that will provide a degree of peace/happiness providing achievement. Furthermore, I love helping others, so I'd like to know where to point them, for example all the lost young people out there, confused and aimless and dedicated to self and self only. I can meditate twenty minutes in the morning and evening, and memorize the Dammapada daily, and follow the five precepts. Is that enough for a good Buddhist life?
Let me know and thank you for your time.
Rico

Answer
Hi Rico,

I am assuming that you are the same Rico the "super evangelist".  Welcome back.  What you are doing now is good enough as a good Buddhist.  Actually what we need is peace of mind and inner happiness; such intrinsic  experience cannot be bought with money or power.  If we follow the advice of the Buddha to lead a dignified, noble and harmless life, then we will find inner peace and happiness.  This is so because we are now willing to reduce our greed, hatred and delusion.  Others will see your change and when they are curious to ask, it's time you could share your discovery with them.  

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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