Hastening the death of an animal.

Question: (Unedited)

I had an experience yesterday that saddens me, and I needed to find a Buddhist to discuss this with. I live in Lincoln, Nebraska and there are no Buddhists here that I know of that I can discuss this with.

Yesterday, while working (I drive van to take individuals to a sheltered workshop and to their appointments all day) in the back of an alley I discovered a opposum that was dying, it was hunched and was missing its tail, and was clearly suffering and was obviously not going to live. I pitied the animal, but there was noone I could call for help.

I left the animal, and thought of it throughout the next two hours while I was picking up my individuals. When I dropped them off, I realized I had to do something to rid the animal of its suffering.

As I have no gun, nor any other weapon, I ran over the animal and killed it. I then placed the animal in a trash bag and put its body in a dumpster,as I thought it was a more humane and sanitary way of ridding of the body.

I felt sad all day yesterday over this event, and have talked to others who have assured me that I relieved the animal of great suffering.

I am not sure if I did the right thing, there was noone I could take it to relieve it suffering (I am, as usual, very broke and would not have had the money for euthanasia, if there was anyone I could bring the animal to).

Please let me know your thoughts on this, as I need to know if I did the right thing, or if there was another path I could have taken.

Thank you.

My comment:
Hi D,

Thank you for asking me.

First, I am assuming that you are a Buddhist, or one who is interested in Buddhism. Otherwise what I am going to comment will be a lost cause. Before discussing the unfortunate episode that you had encountered, let us review what the Buddha had expounded in the 4 Noble Truths. These truths form the basis of our understanding of the true nature of this existence. Having understood these truths one will bear with life's injustices, miseries, and sorrows. If we were to fly above the world and look down, we will witness a never-ending cycle of horrific scenario of millions of lives suffering in miseries. This has been going on since time immemorial, and will continue forever, so long as there is life in existence. This is the very nature of existence. This is the 1st Noble Truth of Suffering. Please remember that the very nature of existence is suffering. Let me give you 2 examples. The very nature of a hospital is to heal sick people. So if you go to a hospital, don't expect to see healthy patients. If they are healthy, they won't be there in the first place. We send criminals to jail. The very nature of a jail is to contain criminals. If they are not criminals, they won't be there. This world is for life to act out its kamma. It is the very nature of this world that those born are destined to suffer. If we have no kammic effect to settle, we would not have been born into this world to suffer.

Now coming back to your episode, it is just a minute enactment of what suffering is all about. Right at this very moment, millions of lives suffer in miseries for no apparent reasons, due to no fault of theirs. What we are witnessing is just a small scene of a never-ending play on the world stage. What had happened before, we do not realize. This is the work of the universal law of kamma. It may sound cruel and insensitive to hold this view, but this is the TRUTH, the first Noble Truth which the Buddha revealed. That's why I assume that you are a Buddhist or at least one who is interested in Buddhism in order to understand this explanation.

Having understood this 1st Noble Truth, instead of wallowing in the quagmire of miseries, we project our pity in the form of compassion for the other less fortunate. Having understood the cause of sorrows and miseries, we get down to help in whatever way we can. There is actually no remedy for all the sufferings in this world because (please remember) it is its very nature. Just like the hospital and the jail. The doctors can do just that much, that's all. The counsellors working in the jail can do just that much, that's all. You can do just that much to help, that's all. This is what Buddhism is all about....seeing the very real nature of things and be wise enough to behave ourselves and live a harmless life.

As for putting down the poor suffering animal, it is just being peculiar in Western society. Do you shoot a suffering human who has no chance of survival, just to put him out of his miseries? If one understands the law of kamma, one will avoid killing, for whatever reason. It is very difficult for a non-Buddhist to understand this concept of not terminating life.

May you have peace. This world is like this. There is actually nothing much that we can do, except to live a harmless life and to share the Buddha's teachings with those who care to listen.

How to control anger?

Question : (Unedited)
First I would like to say thank you for taking the time to answer questions I recently started reading the teachings of buddhism. I was raised in a Christian home but was made to go to church as a child. Now that I'm older I have questioned some things that were taught to me. I'm struggling with anger and low self-esteem and I would really like to know what I can do to help with this. If there is any advice that you could provide, I would really appreciate it And thank you for taking the time.-K-


My comment:

Hi K,

Thank you for asking me. And welcome to the journey of inner peace and happiness. Please take your time to know more about Buddhism. The "mother" of all Buddhist web sites is www.buddhanet.net which will link you to the vast network of Buddhist sites.

Coming back to your "problems", please be aware that all of us have anger and low self-esteem one time or another. This is "normal" human nature and shortcomings. What we can do is to acknowledge our shortcomings. We may also like to find out the cause(s) of our problems; most of these causes have roots from our childhood years influenced by the family environment, and society as a whole. As Buddhists we also attribute part of our character and personality to our past kamma.

I used to read lots of self-improvement books for inspiration and improving self-esteem. I found that the advices given are very similar to Buddhism. Universal truths have no boundary.

The main emphasis is one training of our mind to be positive. In order to improve our character, or rather, reduce our negative emotions, we have first to acknowledge the problems as real and at the same time to make effort to reduce them. Just by realization of our problems is already 50% of our problems solved. Each time your problem arises, note it; and you will find that the problem will become less frequent. Once you note it, you stop the negative process from continuing. It is a life-time process because our bad habits and negative tendencies are very deeply ingrained in our mind. It takes great effort to achieve positive results. The Buddhist concept of this method is what we call being mindful of each moment. We do not allow the mind to wander and wallow in negative and unhealthy thoughts.

Hope this helps.

Smile from justinchoo :-)

Let go of things that are passed.

Question : (Unedited)
hello justinchoo,
I have recently gone through a very painful breakup. I feel as
though I keep clinging to my ex, and the memories --and it is
causing me great suffering and dukka. Is there anything you can
reccomend to help stop clinging and grasping, as I know they
are the root of suffering.



My comment:
Hi Anonymous,

Thank you for asking me.

It's easy to say that I'm sorry to know of your problems. But that doesn't solve problems. First, we have to face reality squarely. Everybody has problems, one time or the other. So you are not alone. Secondly, time is the "mother" of all healers.

The method is to "let go" of the recurring thoughts of the hurts and justifications of what had already happened. Everytime when the same thoughts surface (and this surely will go on, no ends) you are just to say this to your mind "LET GO". This effectively means; you cut off the current of negative and disturbing thoughts, each time they surface, not allowing them time to overwhelm your thought pattern. In this way, you do not dwell on these thoughts any more than they appeared. In time, without your conscious knowledge, you will be free again.

In a more conventional approach, of course, the "shrinkers" will recommend, you go for a holiday, play more games, take a walk, indulge in social activities, talk to someone, and do anything that can take your mind away from your problems; and in time to come, you will be back to normal. Well, do all these!

In a more "Buddhistic" way, the approach is to acknowledge that this world is wrought with problems and unfortunately we are part of this vicious cycle of human events. Having acknowledged that, we accept what had already happened, and get on with life. As a consolation, we can spend more time chanting the Buddha's discourses, and also calm our mind through Buddhist meditation.

Well, problems are nothing new; so solutions are also nothing new. You have the freedom to choose. To let go, or to be haunted by recurring thoughts of sorrow which in your case are passed and gone.

Have peace, from justinchoo.

Sharing the Dhamma

Question: (Unedited)
Q1 ) Can one who is reborn in ghost realm / deva realm recall his previous lives ?

Q2)In this life i practise Buddhism seriously but have not reached to the point to become arahant or enlightened .In my next time , if i reborn in the human or deva realm , will i have 100% opportunity to continue to practise Buddhism because i don't want to practise other religion except Buddhism .

Thank

My comment:

Hi ,
Q1) If we were to use our present knowledge and experience in this existence, I would say there is a possibility. We know some people have this uncanny ability to remember past lives. Apart from that, I really don't know.

Q2) If we interprete the workings of the law of kamma, we would realize that certain kamma will produce certain results. If we want to associate with the Dhamma in our future lives, we have to practise the Dhamma seriously; and also spread the Dhamma. Remember, the highest merits are those actions relating to the dispensation of the Dhamma. You would also know that to be born in the deva realm means to "enjoy" a peaceful and happy existence as the fruits of good kamma. It is in the human realm that one has a greater chance to practise the Dhamma.

The signs of brain-washing.

Question: (Unedited)

Wow thank u for ur answers.
the reason i am asking is because i have always been interested in bhuddism
(ever since i was 16, ten years now) and still am. I have always struggled to
accept and grasp the concept of God! I still have trouble accepting it!

As for what u say about the buddhist teaching of investigating all things and
not just blindly following, i agree with this. it is also fair to say that i have
been guilty of such a thing more than once in my life.

having found myself in difficult circumstances in my life on more than one
occasion i found myself running to all kinds of religion including hare
krishna, buddha and finally settling on christianity. i decided to give it a shot
for two years and now that two years are up i have decided that i am still
interested in buddhist philosophy.

however i must admit that my church have presented me with some awsome
teachings which have helped me clean my act up greatly in life and have also
presented reasonable and strong argument for the existence of god and
christ and the power and relevance of the bible.

however i have also seen far to much in the behaviour, doctrines and
teachings of christians themselves which has left me with the impression that
christianity works on a basis of fear and is very right wing.

i would perhaps even go so far as to call it an ignorant and arrogant religion
with little or no respect for any other religion. (this is at least the impresson
given to me by my church which is perhaps more fiery than other churches
and more provocative.

it was because this church seemed so different from other churches that i
thought i would give it a shot, only two years down the line to have felt
exploited, abused, used and a little brain washed.

however it taght me sexual abstinence as well as other life changing and
affirming wisdom.

at the back of my mind there was always the thought that, being a christian,
this church was kind of p[reparing me for my transition into buddhism.

at the moment i have started incorporating some buddhist belief systems into
my christian ones. i have started trying to meditate in any way i might know
how. perhaps u could give me some pointers and practical tips on how a
young noovice might practice buddhism.

i have learned many lessons in life so far. the latest just seem to be a repeat
of past lessons with some new ones thrown in.

its funny how u seem to believe that u've got life pegged and feel that ur
street wise and wise to life and can cope and see through things and not let
any one walk all over u and con u only to find that ur completely wrong. i
hope that i have finally learned my lessons and can move on and learn more.
or do we just keep learning?

thank u for your time justin. plz stay in touch with me as i continue on my
spiritual quest in life. its nice having a real buddhist to talk to.


My comments:

Hi Js,

Welcome back. It is very rewarding spiritually knowing that my effort to share is appreciated and beneficial.

Let me make some comments on your experiences. By the way thanks for sharing.

(On "running to all kinds of religions")

They are always preying on people under vulnerable situations, like certain crisis in life. They will shower you with warmth and companionship and pray to no end for you; and wallah our your problems solved. It's a miracle they said. I said its a con game. They have been using these tactics throughout the world, especially in Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Africa. The more converts means more money in their coffers. I call them ETs ....Evangilical Terrorists. Once they get hold of the head of the family, the rest will follow like blind sheep. It is a very sorry state of affairs.

(On "on the basis of fear")
When you sell something that has no use, the only tactic is to condemn the competitors' products. They put fear on you because that is the only way to prevent you from using your thinking mind. If you are allowed to think and analyze, they will lose you.

(On "with no respect for other religions")
How can they allow you to respect the other religions. If you do, they will lose you. It is a great conspiracy throughout the history of Christianity. Ironically, the very people that they had hookwinked into their religion, are defending them. Why? Because they had been brainwashed. It is a pitiful scenario; and in the name of freedom to practise religion, this conspiracy is upheld through time.

(On "meditation")
The skill in meditation is to relax and observe; not to fight for anything or to be perfect in any thing. The object of meditation is to tame the wandering mind so that we can train it to "listen" to us, instead of we taking orders from it. We want to be masters of our minds, and not their slaves. With a tamed and trained mind, a person can conduct his life with wisdom and will experience inner peace and happiness, without any foolish desires and hindrances. A simple method is to concentrate on our breathing. Breathing out and breathing in, while at the same time concentrating on the sensation felt at the tip of the nostril. Try to bring back your awareness to this point when your mind wanders, which sure will. In this way you will experience calm and inner peace. Please remember to surf www.buddhanet.net if you are really interested in Buddhism.

(On "exploited, abused, used, and a little brain-wash")

You are the very few exceptions who can "fight" against their incessant brainwashing over 2 long years.

CONGRATULATIONS! Truth alone triumphs!

Have peace.

Please come back if you need to communicate.

Intelligent Design?

Question:(Unedited)

I'm doing a paper for school about Intelligent Design and part of my research is to ask different religions what they think about evolution. I wanted to ask

What do buddhists believe about evolution?
If you had a child that asked you how old the universe was, how would you respond?

Thanks

My comment:

Hi,

Thank you for asking me.

What is "Intelligent Design" in the first place? Buddhists do not "believe" in anything. The Buddha advised his followers not to believe in anything without investigation and analyzes. In other words, we do not believe blindly, just because some "gurus", "saints", "holy books" or anyone for that matter said so. The Buddha's explanation of the universe 2500 years ago can be verified by modern scientific knowledge today. Please remember when the Buddha explained during his time, modern science did not yet exist. His knowledge was based on his supreme cultivation of his mind power; being able to penetrate into the "unknown" through the power of his mind; not by using the limited 5 sense faculties.

His first explanation of the universe was that it was ever-changing and not permanent. The universe is in perpetual motion and perpetual change. Nothing in this world is static and permanent. The universe is also subject to this evolution. There are 4 stages in the evolution of the universe. The state of formation, the state of evolution, the state of degeneration, and the state of destruction. Following the state of destruction, the state of formation begins again. Thus goes the cycle of creation, evolution, degeneration and destruction. This goes on ad infinitum.

The beginning and end of this process cannot be known, as there is no beginning and no end. This is the natural phenomenon of existence. The vastness of the universe has no limit, and the number of universes cannot be known. Science today has proven the Buddha's explanation of the universe.

"If you had a child that asked you how old the universe was, how would you respond?"
If you mean "child" as a very young person, then my answer would be "very very old".
If he is an intelligent adult, then based on the Buddha's explanation and modern science, he will realize that the question is very naive.

Common sense : best religion

Question: (Unedited)
Have a few questions on Dhamma that I hope u can help
to provide some answer.

(1)I heard in a dhama talk that after Meteiya Buddha's sasanna, the world will likely end in fire that will burn and destroy many planes of existance, from hell up to a few Brahma realms. Where will those beings be reborn to? Another world system? Is it common for rebirths to occur in another worldsystem?

(2)I spoke with a buddhist friend who told me that Jesus
could be considered a bodhisatta? is it possible?

(3)While intending to perform dana, I sometimes have
doubts that arise in my mind on the authenticity/effectiveness of the donee. Is this doubt
part of the 5 hinderences or prudence? Where shall we
draw the line? Eg. when donating to a charitable
organisation, do I need to check the effectiveness of
the organisation before donating to ensure that the
money will be well spent and that the collecting agent
does not take a big cut?

Thanks

dhamma learner

My comment:

Hi Dhamma Learner,

Thank you for asking me. I know who you are. Welcome.

1)After the appearance of Maiteya Buddha, this world system will come to an end. The process is a very, very long one. Beings that cannot attain to the Jhannic realms will be wiped out. Where do they go? I would say their rebirths would be in other world systems. Rebirths are said to take place usually at "close proximity", i.e. around familiar grounds.

2)It is always a sensitive issue when we try to "judge" or form opinions on other religions' personalities. In the first place, do we believe in them? If negative, then we should not form any opinion about them.

3)We have to use our common sense and human intelligence to assess the situation. Of course if we know that not much is to be received by the end user, then we should refrain from being a party to this exercise. In the final analysis, we need to use our wisdom and fair judgement to decide; and not just blindly following the crowd. There are so many genuine and deserving organizations that we can donate to. Seek them out and do the needful.