Expert: Justin Choo - 4/21/2007

Question
1.   What are the main beliefs of Buddhism?
2.   What are some daily rituals?
3.   Do you worship Jesus
4.   How does Buddhism achieve meaning of life?
5.   In your opinion what is the most important aspect of Buddhism?
6.   When do you consider someone to be saved?
7.   What holidays do you celebrate?
8.   When do you do your Baptism?
9.   What kind of traditions do you have?
10.   Do you have a week where you can’t eat certain foods?

11.what are the important holidays and
traditions of this religion,12. How has religion  religon shaped your life
and 13.what are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular
religion. When answering these questions can you please go into more detail
about. I am doing a compare and contrast report on christianity and buddhism, thanks Angeline  

Answer
Hi Angeline,

Actually it would be more rewarding for you if you would read through some Buddhist sites and use your own analysis to derive at the answers.  One good site is www.buddhanet.net.  But just the same , here are the brief answers:

1: Buddhists don't believe. They analyze the Buddha's teachings and practise them.  Those succumb to beliefs and superstitions are actually not following the Buddha's teachings.

2: There are different Traditions of Buddhism; meaning different nationalities practise differently by incorporating their respective traditions, cultures, rites and rituals, all of which are not Buddhism.

3: Do Christians worship the Buddha?

4: What do you mean by meaning of life?  Buddha's explanation of life and existence are contrary to Christian interpretations.  In "life", the Buddhist sees  impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and insubstantiality.

5: Refraining from hurting others.

6: Saved from what?  When that someone can think for himself and not being a victim of blind faith and belief, he is saved.

7: We observe the "thrice blessed day" when the Buddha was born, gained enlightenment and passing away, on the first full moon day of May. It is called Wesak Day.

8: It is a Christian term.  Nothing to do with Buddhism.

9: Buddhism is about self realization and achieving inner peace.  It is about universal truths, about the causes of our problems, about the way to elivate our life.  Traditions are sets of mundane practices accepted as the right codes of moral conduct within a society. Traditions have nothing to do with Buddhism per se.

10: I eat anything I like at any time.  I am a Buddhist.

11: See 7 and 9

12: Religion never shape my life.  The teachings of the Buddha do.  Do not hurt others.

13: It's not about challenges.  It's about self-realization and putting personal effort to reduce one's greed, hatred and delusion.

Smile from justinchoo :-)