In the name of religion

Question : (Unedited)

Have you heard of some Buddhist cult group that require followers to give their name and birth date and undergo some hardcore ritual whereby their name is written on a piece of paper, chanted and burned? This come with the promise that Heaven has reserved a place for them, because they went throught the ritual and burned their name.

What are the harmful things that will happen to a follower that finally realize such cult and defy it?

My comment:

Hi C,

This type of blasphemy is very rampant especially in the name of Buddhism to hookwink the ignorant public through fear and sweet promises. You left out the most important part of your description, and that is MONEY. The person has to pay an amount for this "service". When associating with Buddhism, please be wary when money is solicited. The teachings of the Buddha is priceless. You can always learn Buddhism free of charge, and that is the tradition eversince. One thing for sure, no honest Buddhist teaching will promise you heaven, for heaven is no big deal to a Buddhist.

" What are the harmful things that will happen to a follower that finally realize such cult and defy it? "

Two things for sure. The first is the loss of money. The second is causing strained relationship with family members and relatives. An added "bonus" is that the person will become a laughing stock to others. That is why we must learn at least the basic foundation of Buddhism. Please remember, Buddhism means the pristine teachings of the Buddha, and not some ancient Chinese traditional beliefs.

How to keep precepts perfectly

Question : (Unedited)

With the latest scientific method of cloning,artificial insemination in fisheries etc,how do Buddhism explains Reincarnation?How to explain the sudden increase in the numbers of souls being reincarnated now compare to the olden days?Are new souls being created to cater for the increase? When ants, termites or other insects become a menace we have to exterminate them by direct killing,baiting or spraying insecticide.Is this act considers as breaking the Five Precepts?If yes,how to avoid the killing and at the same time we can control their presence?Thank you for your early answers.

My comment:

Hi D,

Thank you for asking me. Living beings exist not only in this world but in other world systems. Even within this world, living beings are countless. Just turn over a flower pot and you see living beings. To answer your questions in the second paragraph, may I repeat a recent answer I gave: "First you must understand that the five precepts are not commandments. We undertake to observe the five precepts TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES. They are moral principles for us to live by, to the best of our abilities. I don't think an average person can live through without ever breaking the precepts. The Buddha prescribed these precepts for us to live our lives peacefully. However, at times certain conditions may not allow us to rigidly adhere to them. It is at such times that we must use our common sense and human intelligence to make decisions. That is the time when we need to use our wisdom and freedom of choice. Sometimes we might even have to compromise for the greater good. Under normal circumstances if we really make mistakes then it is up to us to realize and to do better the next time. This is the Buddhist way. We are not perfect beings." Furthermore, this world is full of imperfections and it is not possible for anyone to live a perfect life. So we must be careful not to become good-hearted fools.

"If yes,how to avoid the killing and at the same time control their presence?"
Science and human discipline can help alleviate such problems. For examples, using metal materials for buildings; keeping our house clean, esp. the kitchen.

Breaking precepts

Question : (Unedited)

hello, What can i do... to get forgivness from the buddha,dhamma and sangha, if i break by mistake one of the five precepts? please i seek guidance.. im a begginer.. thanks in advance

My comment:

Hi A,

Thank you for asking me.

First you must understand that the five precepts are not commandments. 　We undertake to observe the five precepts TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES. 　They are moral principles for us to live by, to the best of our abilities. 　I don't think an average person can live through without ever breaking the precepts. 　

The Buddha prescribed these precepts for us to live our lives peacefully. 　However, at times certain conditions may not allow us to rigidly adhere to them. 　It is at such times that we must use our common sense and human intelligence to make decisions. 　That is the time when we need to use our wisdom and freedom of choice. 　Sometimes we might even have to compromise for the greater good.

Under normal circumstances if we really make mistakes then it is up to us to realize and to do better the next time. 　If you hurt someone then you may ask forgiveness from the person. 　However, if the mistake is self inflicted, there is no one to forgive you. 　You only need to forgive yourself being mortal, and to try harder the next time. 　This is the Buddhist way. 　We are not perfect beings. 　That's why we are striving to better ourselves. 　We keep on improving by making mistakes. 　Don't worry. 　Keep on practising and you will be on the right track.