Expert: Justin Choo - 10/9/2005

Question
Hi, I have an assignment to interview an expert on Buddhism and I was hoping you could help me out. I have three questions that I would really appreciate your answers to. Thanks!
1. What are some of the daily rituals you have as a practicing Buddhist?
2. Is Buddhism more of a lifestyle than a religion?
3. Do you believe that Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism are all closely related? Why or why not?
Thanks again!  

Answer
Hi Brian,

Thank you for asking me.

1) There are different "schools" or "traditions" of Buddhism.  Examples are Tibetan, Mahayana, and Theravada.  They share the same fundamental teachings of the Buddha, but differ in ritualistic emphasis.  The Theravada tradition that I follow is less ritualistic.  We are not required to stick strictly to rituals.  However it is our general practice to recite the 5 precepts which we follow as lay Buddhists.  The 5 precepts are:
to refrain from killing,
to refrain from stealing,
to refrain from committing sexual misconduct,
to refrain from telling lies,
to refrain from taking intoxicating substances.

2)Buddhism is about truth and inner peace.  The Buddha revealed the truth about this universe and this life.  Once we understood the realities of this world and our lives, we would be able to live a peaceful life.

3)In terms of universal moral values, I would say they are similar.  But when we go deeper into the understanding of the true nature of the universe and our lives, they are different.  The Buddha revealed the power of the mind, and the reason of our existence.  

Smile from justinchoo :-)