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Buddhists/questions for my eastern and western thought class regarding buddhism

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Expert: - 2/27/2007


Question
Does one remember their past life, and about how many years until one relieved from the cycle? and...
What can happen to someone who calls themself a buddhist, but fails to follow the 8-fold path? are there consequences?
thank you so much!


Answer
Hi Aubrey Wagner,

Thanks for asking me.

Very few people can remember past lives.  To be relieved from the cycle of birth and death is a very difficult mission.  Only when one is completely rid of greed, hatred and delusion (of existence) can one escape from this cycle.  As such it will take countless life-time.

To be a "Buddhist" is just a lable.  If one fails to follow the Noble Eightfold Path, then one simply will not benefit from the teachings of the Buddha.

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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