Expert: Justin Choo - 9/30/2004

Question
I'm sorry there are so many questions. In my philosophy class we are studying Buddhism and were assigned to interview an expert. Thanks for your help.


1. What is the most important thing people should know about Buddhism?

2. Some people believe in the Big Bang theory, others in Creation as described in Genesis in the Bible. What is the Buddhist belief on the creation of the world?

3. Is it possible to convert to Buddhism? If so, how is it done?

4. What kind of everyday rituals do Buddhists perform?

Answer
Hi Jessica,
You don't have to feel sorry asking me questions because I am here specifically for you to ask.  The more you ask the happier I am!

Your question :
1. What is the most important thing people should know about Buddhism?

My answer:
My opinion that the most important thing that people should know about Buddhism is the message of Compassion.  From the dictionary, it means "a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others and a desire to help them".  This is the intrinsic feeling of a good person, irrespective of his religious leanings.  It is a universal characteristic when a person is "soft in the heart".  He makes effort to ensure that his thoughts, speech, and actions are wholesome so that others are not being hurt by him.  He abhores violence and revenge because he knows that evil deeds will result in evil consequences for him, apart from hurting the other party.  As a good Buddhist, it is very essential that he maintains this practice of skilful living.  Then he will live in peace for himself, and others around him will also have a chance to live in peace.  This is the essence of Buddhism.  Be kind to people.

Your question:
2. Some people believe in the Big Bang theory, others in Creation as described in Genesis in the Bible. What is the Buddhist belief on the creation of the world?
My answer:
You would be surprised to know that what the Buddha had revealed about the nature of the universe, the scientists have just discovered to be true!  Astronomists have discovered that the whole universe is ever expanding and always in motion.  There is also this incessant cycle of creation of stars, existence of stars, degeneration of stars, and the ultimate death of stars.  And the cycle continues ad infinitum.  You can get a clearer understanding of the nature of the universe by logging in to the "astronomy" sites.  This was exactly what the Buddha revealed  over 2500 years ago, without the aid of any telescope.  In essence, the Buddha revealed that there is no beginning and no end.  There is also no time frame in the true nature of things.  Ask any astronomist from the "allexperts" panel and they can confirm this for you.

The Buddha at times refused to answer this type of question because there were many (and still are) who could not understand this concept of "no beginning and no end".

The Buddha not only revealed the creation of this world, but also revealed the cosmic creation of the whole universe.  He also revealed the beginning of life forms as well as humans.  He divided the process of "creation" (for lack of better word) into four stages...formation, existence, degeneration, and destruction.  Upon destruction, all the material elements returned to their original base elements, and after a long long time, they began to group together and the process of formation started.  So you can understand, that the whole process is a cycle, and has no beginning.  These forces of "creation, formation, existence, and destruction" are universal throughout the entire cosmic space which has no ending.  Time is a non factor, it has no meaning in this cosmic display of life cycle.

Your question:
3. Is it possible to convert to Buddhism? If so, how is it done?
My answer:
In the true spiritual sense, if you are a good person, having compassion for others as well as for your own self, not hurting anyone in thoughts,speech, and actions; and being constantly on guard to fulfil all the above at all times, then you are a good Buddhist!  The Buddha's mission was not to convert anyone into his "religion".  His mission was to help people not to do silly, foolish and evil things.  Not to hurt others including all living beings as best we could.  By maintaining this lifestyle of non-hatred, non-greed, right understanding of good and bad, people would be able to live in peace.  This is his universal message applicable across nations, races, ideologies, encompassing time and space.

In the worldly sense, of course you can be labelled a "Buddhist" if you follow the teachings of the Buddha more closely and diligently, by indepth studies and practice, and training and developing the mind through Buddhist meditation.  As a "confirmed" Buddhist in the Theravada tradition, which is one of the different schools of Buddhism which I belong, I undertake to live my life by the 5 guiding principles or precepts to the best of my ability.  These 5 are:
         Refrain from taking life
         Refrain from stealing
         Refrain from sexual misconduct
         Refrain from telling lies
         Refrain from taking intoxicants.

There is no formal ritual like "baptism" in order to convert.  It is all in your mind.  You cannot cheat yourself.  If you are sincere then you can go to a Buddhist temple and start practising the Buddha's  teachings.


Your question:
4. What kind of everyday rituals do Buddhists perform?

My answer:
This is a little bit confusing for you.  Remember that there are 3 major schools of Buddhism.  Their rites and rituals are very different. The Mahayana rituals are very Chinese, the Vajrayana is very Tibetan, and the Theravada is very Indian in the sense that the Buddha was from India.
This is only my personal opinion, and others may disagree with me.  I will leave it as that.

As a Theravada Buddhist, I practice a very simple "ritual".  First, in the morning, I pay homage to the Buddha; and take refuge in the Buddha, his teachings, and the monks who teach us; by reciting in Pali.  Then I recite the 5 precepts also in Pali. It would be nice if one is to repeat this before going to sleep. That is all!  It is the manner in which one conducts ones life that is more important than any rites and rituals.


Hope you are satisfied with my answers. Please ask again if you need further clarifications.

Smile from justinchoo :-))