The way it is.

(Picture from CK Hon)

Question:(Unedited)

Hi again!

You know sometimes i try to meditate, sometimes for a half an hour, sometimes one hour. However, i don't know why, probably i do something wrong, it doesn't calm me down, doesn't bring me any relief. How should i do it? I usually sit on the floor or on the bed with my legs bent, upright posture. Could you give me any directions how to improve my practise? Thanks!


My comment:

Hi L,

Welcome back.

We must always remember that when we meditate, we are actually undergoing a life-time training process. In any training programme, it is expected to have mistakes. It is in this manner that we can learn to improve ourselves. If we are experts, we don't need to train anymore. Whatever we do will be perfect and our so-called training will be just another perfect performance.

As you know, our mind is very difficult to tame. We can just do our best. Of course, the more time we put into our training the more we can improve, and at a faster rate. However there will always be those off-form periods
where things don't seem to follow through. It is natural that we face this "problem".

The Buddha listed 5 mental hindrances that disturb us when we meditate. They are sensual desires, ill will, sloth and torpor, restlessness, and doubts. These mental impurities always disturb us, especially when we meditate. In any circumstance, once our mind is not stilled and concentrated, we will become the servant of the mind, and this mind will lead us from one "adventure" to the next, without our mindfulness. The trick is to note these moments of wondering, once we come to realize their presence; and to "bring back" our wondering mind to the reference point of concentration, be it rising and falling of the abdomen, or the in-breath and out-breath at the tip of the nose, or whatever point of concentration that we choose. Actually most of the time when we meditate, our main concern is to note these wondering moments, and there are many. When we become skilful in this noting, we will find that we can maintain a certain level of concentration and calm for longer periods and with more consistency.

So don't worry too much about your "problem". It is not a problem, after all. It is just "the way it is", and if you can realize this fact, you have understood the Dhamma..."The way it is".

Smile from justinchoo:-)

To forgive or to scold?

(Picture from CK Hon)

Question:(Unedited)
I heard that if I forgive a person who has wronged me, that person will receive more bad karma then if I had scolded that person. Is this true? How does Karma work?


My comment:

Hi,

Thank you for asking me.

Whether you have forgiven or scolded that person, he is the sole heir of his actions. If you had forgiven him, that doesn't change things for him too. If you had scolded that person, you would be the recipient of the bad result.

Kamma in Buddhist teaching means volition action; action that is done on purpose. It can be verbal, physical and even mental. This universal law does not favour anyone, it is neither moral nor immoral; but amoral. It goes according to volition action. This means that if your volition action is unwholesome, then unwholesome reaction will be the result, sooner or later.

Although kamma plays a big part in our lives, this does not mean that we should surrender ourselves to it. We are the result of what we were; and will be the result of what we are. What we are experiencing now would have a lot to do with our past kamma. But at this present moment, we can chart our path, the way we want because we have control of our lives. This is in accordance with the law of kamma. We mistakenly think that we are only the victims of our past kamma. We must realize that we are also masters of our present kamma because we have the power to choose and act. So act wisely and live a harmless life.

A Buddhist Soldier?

(Brilliant Picture By C K Hon)


Question:(Unedited)
I am interested in becoming a buddist, however as a soldier in the US ARMY some of the things that I do directly or indirectly result in the breaking of one or more of the five precepts.... my question is that does this disqualify me from buddism altogether or are there excetions to these rules...?


My comment:

Hi,

No one is disqualified from becoming a Buddhist just because of his profession. The Buddha taught universal truths about this existence. The truth is that if one associates with unskilful and unwholesome profession, one must be prepared to face the unwholesome consequences. If one is prepared to be a soldier, then one must be prepared to kill and/or be killed in battle. The final decision rest on the individual. Buddhism does not force anyone to change one's profession.

There are certain principles which a Buddhist will strive to uphold along the line of the 5 precepts. Of course ideally one should choose a profession that is not against the 5 precepts. But then who is going to do the "dirty jobs" so to say. Who is going to defend the country? Who is going to keep law and order in the streets? Who is going to get rid of the pests that may affect our health? These are all very urgent and realistic questions. Those who are in this category may take consolation that they are doing it for the greater good of the society and nation. However, at the same time they could strive to lead a dignified, noble and harmless life as best they could. They still can follow and practise the teachings of the Buddha to the best of their ability.

The realities of this world and this existence are such that there are always this unsatisfactoriness and flaws where many a time we are confronted with.

Difficult concepts.

(Picture by Tony Wills)



Question:(Unedited)

Hello,

I have a questiong about Buddhism. From my understanding (I could be mistaken), Buddhism teaches that all reality is illusion and to let go of self, desires and even the thought of heaven, because those are also illusions. It doesn't make sense to me, but my main question is...in Buddhism once you reach enlightenment, then what? we become voids in the sky, with no thought, no soul desires, no heaven, no nothing? And all of the life we've lived and lessons we learned are all forgotten? I'm open to knew beliefs and very spiritual, but this point in buddhism seems to really bother me, I was hoping maybe you could better explain it. Thank you so much.

Many Blessings,


My comment:

Hi,

Thank you for asking me.

Since you are just beginning to study the teachings of the Buddha, you will find most concepts very intriguing and at times very contradictory to conventional beliefs which you have been taught to accept as truths. The best approach to study Buddhism is to have an open mind and gather knowledge of what the Buddha taught, without overtly trying to analyze each concept in depth. Gradually you will come to a deeper understanding and be able to interpret the Buddha's teachings with less contradiction and confusion.

The Buddha's teachings are about universal truths or ultimate truths. These truths are truths irrespective of who you are or where you are. In other words, these truths transcend race, nationality, belief, and even time and space. These truths are universal and cannot change. The 3 characteristics of the nature of this world are universal truths. They are impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and without substance. In each of us, there are also 3 universal truths. They are greed, hatred, and delusion. They vary in intensity at different times and in different people.

The other truths are what we call conventional truths. These truths are based on convention and acceptance by the people who are concerned with them. Examples of conventional truths are money, laws of the country, customs, etiquette, culture, rites and rituals, and many other such conventional conduct and behaviour. These may not be considered as good or bad, although generally, they are for the benefit and protection of the population.

As lay persons, we are subject to abide by these conventional truths so that we can live in harmony within our society. However, at times conventional truths may not be in congruent with universal truths. Likewise our conventional thinking may not be able to understand and accept the Buddha's teachings of ultimate truths. We simply have not the mental or "wisdom" foundation to understand the Buddha's revelation of the ultimate truths.

So be patient and continue to have an open mind as aptly advised by the Buddha himself, that we should use our human intelligence and common sense to analyze his teachings, and to accept only when we are convinced.

Coming back to your questions. What we experience with our senses are very real in this world. However, in the ultimate analysis, they are just passing images or experiences. After some time all our experiences will also pass away, and in the end we also follow suit; just to start all over again in this cycle of births and deaths. In this sense, they are all illusions. If we understand this concept, the rationale of Buddhist liberation is to break away from this vicious cycle. In order to achieve this, we have to get to the core of the cause of our continuing existence, which is CRAVING to want to exist. If we have no more craving to exist, we will break away from this cycle. One can only achieve this if one is completely rid of the 3 roots of "evils" which are greed, hatred and ignorance. At this juncture just treat this liberation as getting out of this cycle. The next difficult concept will be "what then after this escape from the cycle"? It is very difficult to explain, especially I too am not liberated. The next best way is to give an illustration. Assuming a candle burning, and the flame is the life. When the flame is extinguished, we don't see the flame anymore; but can we say that there is no more flame? Try light a match, and the flame reappears. The question then is; "where did the flame go when it was extinguished"?

Another important concept is what constitute a life. A life consists of the physical form and the mind or consciousness. It is this mind that transcends repeated births. It is energy; and energy cannot be destroyed. It merely transforms into different form. This mind which is pure energy can exist anywhere even without a form.

As a lay person, one can still find happiness and contentment by practising the teachings of the Buddha to live a harmless and noble life. By understanding and accepting the true nature of this world and this life, one can live a happy and contented life by balancing the dictates of conventional requirements with the wisdom of universal truths.

I think that is more than enough to confuse you further. Please be patient and as the Buddha advised us; strive on with diligence. Please come back if you need further clarification.

Fun to talk to youngsters.

(Nice picture from CK Hon)

Question:(Unedited)

You answered a few of my questions a few days ago, and they really helped me, thanks! Yet, my curiosity has seemed to have only grown. I guess it's a good thing. Anyway, here's a few more questions:

1) What's the difference between Therevada and Mahayana Buddhism? All I know is that one is like Orthedox Buddhism, and the other was made after the councils. They were councils, right? Well, nevermind that, I can look that up. The council thing, not the other thing.

2) What form of Buddhism would you recomend? I know that I should really branch out into my own ideal, and decide for my own, but I have so many extra curricular activities and homework and general teen stuff. Dating. . . well, extra curricular activities and homework. Mainly, it's that there are so many forms of Buddhism that I can't find all the info., and I don't even know all of them! GRR! Oh, the woes of curiosity unfed! Anyway, I guess the real question I have is that, hmm, can you provide links or info. about the schools of Buddhism and other teachings, all that jazz?

3) Since I'm young, I am going through the, ahem, 'change' of the teenage years. That, and I also live a moderately materialistic social life. Everyone at school has the latest IPod and cell phone (luckily, I want niether. My brother with the wrecked car and 7000 songs, needs the cellphone and IPod. That's right, 7000.), and my house has a big screen, three computers, and we recently got a new car. I even just went to China a month ago! Now, being surrounded with all that leads me to want more. For example, I just got my brothers old computer. It can run any of the new day stuff. Now, I want more. More games, more upgrades, just more PC stuff. You see my plight? I already have a lot, and want more. I already know how to at least control myself from splurging on wants. Yet, the real question I guess I have is that how do you recomend I lessen my moderately lavish surroundings?

4) I am really in no position to think of this yet, but how do I deal with lust? Well, I guess I am in a position to think of it, being 15. anyway, how do I deal with it? It's every where! When I delete one E-mail, two come out! That, and that I have access to it on the internet. A high power access line to the internet. I'm sure I don't need to go to far into detail, but I have on more than one occassion, um, well. . . Anyway, my question is how do I teach myself to control my desire?

Thanks, You guys are the best thing to happen to Buddhism since Avolkitshvara. I think that's it. Well, you guys are good, in any case. If I got that wrong, please do tell.

Much Thanks, D W

My comment:

Hi D W,
Welcome back.
Apologies for the delayed reply due to website problem.

1)A brief historical background of Buddhism will explain this. During the Buddha's time, his teachings were all memorized by the learned monks and passed down as such. After a few hundred years, differences in interpretations began to appear. A lot of Brahmins from the Brahmin religion (modern day Hinduism) became Buddhists. During that time the emperor was a Buddhist. His name was King Asoka. Naturally, all would like to become Buddhists! Because of these differences, King Asoka called for a council of monks to confirm the authenticity of the Buddha's teachings. The council of learned monks recited and confirmed the full text of the teachings which had been handed down by verbal recitation. They referred to this confirmation as the text of the elders (senior monks). In the Pali language it is called Theravada, which is the tradition that I follow. The Brahmin group decided to have their own version and called themselves the Great Vehicle (Great Wheel), in Pali, Mahayana. They then belittled the Theravada by calling them Lesser Vehicle which in Pali is Hinayana.

The Mahayana spread towards the north-west to Afghanistan, the Silk Route to China, Korea, and Japan. While the Theravada spread to the south to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and then up north-east to Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Being very practical teachings based on universal truths, Buddhism was able to be accepted by the different communities. They could practise Buddhism without having to change their cultures and customs. That is why we have Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, and who knows Western Buddhism! The beauty of Buddhism is that although there are such varieties, the basic teachings of the Buddha are the same. The difference is actually in the rites and rituals, and some other minor subjects.

2) You have plenty of time to learn more about Buddhism. Please surf through the websites that I have recommended you in my first reply to you, and you will find all that you need to know. In the meantime enjoy your youth, but remember to harness your energies for positive and noble activities. Live a noble and harmless life by following the 5 precepts to the best of your ability. These 5 precepts are like a protective fence against evils and sorrows. If you choose to compromise on these 5 precepts, which are actually universal values, be prepared for all the problems and sorrows when they come haunting you. You know AIDS!

3) I would assume that you come from the land of plenty..USA..Plenty to eat, plenty to enjoy, plenty to everything...Yes, plenty to everything...plenty of troubles and problems too! This is because of the lack of true wisdom. Your life's experience is no difference from that of your parents, for that matter, your ancestors. The difference is in change of material things. Your great great grandparents would want the best horses. They would want to have more dresses and more new shoes. Your parents would have wanted the latest "convertables" and the latest colour tvs. We are all the same. It is natural but not all natural behaviour are beneficial. If we crave for more and more, we actually become crazy! If you are wise, which I say you are, then follow the Buddha's advice....reduce greed, reduce hatred, reduce our ignorance to the true nature of life.

4) I am as "bad" as you, but I have an "advantage" over you. I am 55 years old! Running out of steam. D W, it is natural that we are lustful. It is the very nature of our lives. That's why the Buddha referred humans as "Sensual" beings, subject to great temptations of the senses. We cannot control all these sensual desires. It will make us all zombies! What you need to be careful of is to restrain and not go to extreme. And remember the 3rd precepts..to refrain from committing sexual misconduct. This is very important...Aids.

Easy way out (Part 2 of 2)

Question:(Unedited)
Hi there again;

first of all, thank you for your feedback. I do appreciate it.

Why do i still study? Because I am in the middle of it and couldnt leave immediately and I am thinking about not re-registering for the next semester.

My folks did support me but am I going to live my life according to their feelings or according to mine? Even though i would always love them and be thankful to them, isnt it fair for me to follow the lifestyle that i choose?

I have read many books about buddhism and I have done extensive research and meditation on it. However, I am sure there are so many things that I will learn about it. The learning process never ends.

How can I be talking the easy way out if I have been a survivor since i was 18 ( both working hard and studying intensively) and I am 27 now. So... i have been in difficult situations in the past. If I wanted to take the easy way out, i could have already done that before i started school and work not to mention i played sports all my life along with school and work ( very busy schedule)

My whole point is that materialistic world doesn't offer any meaning to me not because i am taking the easy way out but because i want to be peaceful without getting carried away with desires just to survive.

Do you see where i am coming from now? I just feel that I am wasting my time by trying to survive and doing the things that society accepts by doing so.

I can only hope that you can give me some information regarding my first question.

Peace...


My comment:

Hi,

Thanks for coming back. You have now given me a much clearer picture of your life. I suppose at your age you have the wisdom to decide what is good and beneficial for you. Yes, you have your life to live and you are free to choose. What I meant earlier was that perhaps your people might need your support, and they might be very disappointed should you terminate your education. Well, I don't really know.

Now to answer your earlier question: "Do you think there are temples in USA or in any country that would accept me and deal with my situation?"

You can find your leads through http://www.buddhanet.net
The best bet is to find temples near you, and then you can go from there. Hope this helps. May you find the right path. Please come back if need be.

Easy way out (Part 1 of 2)

Beautiful picture from blogger CK Hon)

Question:(Unedited)

Hi there.

this is rather an odd question but I need to get out of my puzzle and need to start from somewhere. i will try to make this as clear as possible by listing my concerns so that you don't get lost while you are trying to completely understand what is it that I am asking or talking about.

I reside in the USA as an International Student and I just started my Masters Program after completing my BA.

In my home country, I have to serve in the army unless i have legitimate reasons such as being a student or being employed. By this way, they would simply postpone my service but not exempt me permanently.

I neither want to be employed nor want to continue my studies. However, I do want to devote myself to live like a true monk and stop the cycle of re-birth and suffering if I can.

If I go back home, I will have to serve in the army and I don't want that.

Do you think there are temples in USA or in any country that would accept me and deal with my situation?

Forgive me if you think my question is odd and not possible for you to answer.

All I can tell you is I have been studying buddhism for a while now and I am ready to leave the materialistic life for good, stop my desires and free my mind.

If you think you can help me or re-direct me, I would very grateful.

Peace...


My comment:

Hi,

Thank you for asking me, but I think you're not going to be too happy with my answer.

You seems to be taking the easy way out, by not wanting to work or to study. Then why are you still studying? What about your people back home who supported you through your studies? Do you think about their feelings? What's so difficult to serve in the army, just for a short period? How much do you know about Buddhism for you to decide to be a monk?

Now my friend, if you can answer all the above questions you will be a free man.

Smile from justinchoo :-)