Expert: Justin Choo - 9/14/2004

Question
What should a good Buddhist do in order to share his knowledge and wisdom with other. This is a pandemonium world we are living now. There is no certainty in everyone's heart. Their spirit is empty inside. How are we going to reach out to the entire world to divert the suiation with the teaching of Buddhism not as a religion but as an education ? It is our fault that we have not put sufficient sincerity and dedication to carry out the holy teaching. The world of chaos is the manifestation of our own collective karma( unwholesome thought ). How are we going to let humanity realises that they are the creator of heaven and hell.How are we going to let them know that nobody is responsible for our action and the path we choose. We make the entire universe tears. We make the world suffer.......

Answer
Hi Terryjee Lim,
Thank you for sharing with me your concern for the world.

This world was, is, and will be what it is.  So take heart.  Do not be too concerned about the present state of affairs of this world.  Once you understand the true nature of this world, you can live in peace with the world.
If we understand the revelations of the Buddha, we will have no quarrel with this world.

This world is like a prison.  We all know that a prison has strict rules and restrictions.  To "qualify" as a "resident" one must have certain "qualifications" to be "selected".  One must commit a crime and proven guilty.  The length of one's stay is dependent upon the severity of the crime.  Once inside there, one cannot change the rules to suit oneself.  It is a punishment whereby one has to bear with it until the term ends.  It is no point complaining and resisting the system.  So if the prisoner is wise enough, he will understand his position and accept the rules which he has no power to change. Upon this realization, he submit himself to the system and obey all the rules and regulations and wait patiently to serve his dues.
 
The Buddha pointed out that the true nature of this world is imperfection.  It is because of our own imperfection that we are "sentenced" to this world to serve out our "prison" term.  If we are wise enough to realize this truth then we can behave like a model prisoner, stop complaining and bear with the imperfections.  Once we accept this world as it is, then we have no problem.  Only the world has problems.  Only those who are ignorant of this true nature of this world have problems, because they want the impossible, they want perfect happiness, eternal life, and complete peace on earth!  It is like the unreasonable prisoner who complains about lack of freedom and sunshine in the prison.

You are right that the world is in a horrible state.  You are right that people are hateful, and evil.  When the Buddha first attained enlightenment, he was reluctant to preach the truth to the world, because he knew that most people would never understand.  Even the Buddha knew that he would never save the whole world; what about us?

The only thing we can do, Lim, is to start with ourselves.  Practise the Buddha's teachings diligently.  Change ourselves first.  Then show the rest of the world, our spiritual achievements so that they will want to become better persons like us. This is so much we can do.  And I can tell you from my own experience, it is not easy even to change my "self", let alone others!

I cannot change the world.  But I can make effort to share my knowledge of the Buddha's teachings with you and others. This much I can do.  Perhaps, you can do better.

I hope you are at peace with my answer.  If you have any further clarification, please don't hesitate to write again.  I always gain much happiness in answering questions like yours.  It is because I know I am doing my little part to help people feel more at peace with themselves.

Smile from justinchoo :-))