We need to change to remain relevent

https://www.facebook.com/alisan.taiwan/videos/1410686825614504/

The above link shows the video of a singing monk.  
 
Very innovative and effective. From the evergreen "Yeh Lai Xiang" Mandarin retro song of the 30s to a Buddhist song. The monk replaced the original lyrics with his own composion of Buddhist lyrics.
But I am sure to the orthodox Buddhists, this is "not very appropriate". Well, you can't please everyone, can you?

Below is a series of qns from a reader and my comments on them:

Reader's comment:
[01/08 7:45 AM] Isn't this against the Vinaya rules and the 227 precepts? This is also against the basic 8 precepts. Any comments?
[01/08 7:53 AM] The 7th Precept :
Nacca-gita-vadita-visuka-dassana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami.
I undertake the training precept to abstain from dancing, singing, music and any kind of entertainment show.

My comment:
[01/08 11:04 AM] Justin Choo: Precepts are to guide n protect. imho we need to use our human intelligence n common sense to practise buddhism. Is there anything wrong using a popular song with new buddhist lyrics? In the first place the buddha did not introduce any style of chanting. How come the traditional style of chanting of the different cultures n schools are deemed acceptable. To me any practice that is beneficial n does not harm others should be accepted. Aftet all the the buddha did advise that minor rules may be changed to suit present conditions. It is the people who refuse or unable to accommodate what is good altho to them may be against the presepts.
[01/08 11:15 AM] Justin Choo: That precept was about common dancing singing playing music and partying for purpose of worldly entertainment.
[01/08 11:22 AM] Justin Choo: Arent the temple drums and all sorts of bells, be "musical" instruments? Isnt the chanting be regarded as "singing"? Its all about human perceptions n interpretations. What we should concentrate is to practise the buddha's pristine teachings. We shall go no end if we indulge in semantic n scholastic debate.

Reader's comment:
[01/08 11:22 AM] It is neither right or wrong depending the schools if thought but for the disciples not right and the 7th precept got its purpose basically not to indulge in our senses which will prevent our practice especially the monks n nuns.
For lay people we r still have many rounds of rebirth in Samsara until then we can only have the wisdom or insight to determine wrong or right ?

My comment:
[01/08 11:24 AM] Justin Choo: Precisely neither right nor wrong. So live n let live. Who are we to form opinions on these issues?
[01/08 11:25 AM] Only in Mahayana have musical instruments they have their purpose n reasons behind
[01/08 11:33 AM] Justin Choo: Precisely you are right again brother. When the purpose is pure n beneficial we should adopt.😃🙏

Reader's comment:
[01/08 11:37 AM] Actually it protects the monks n nuns not the lay

My comment:
[01/08 11:37 AM] Justin Choo: Then we become progressive n thinking Buddhists. Don't be bogged down by rites n rituals and also be less opinionated. Like Shang Ren, our Tzu Chi master so wisely advises :"be humble and willing to yeild". We definitely do not know that much Buddhism or anything else, for that matter.

Drinking Alcohol

 

Question (Unedited)

Hi i was wondering if you could help me further. I am a firm believer in buddhism and the buddhist teachings and follw the eight fold path and the five precepts as best as i can. However i am having difficulty in relation to the abstaining from intoxicants i.e alcohol. I know buddha taught to abstain because of alcohols dulling effects on the mind and social problems it can cause but i was wondering if i could still enjoy alcohol on occasions or would doing this result in bad karma because of breaking the five precepts and would make me a non buddhist.

Sorry if thats not very clear.

My comment:
Hi C,
The fifth precept is to refrain from taking intoxicating substances. The reason for this is to avoid being intoxicated, leading to potential problems like drunk driving, wife bashing, and a thousand other mindless offences especially related to sexual abuses, even leading to murder. When our mind is intoxicated, we lose our ability to control ourselves. If you think a glass or two won't harm you, then I don't see any reason that you should deprive yourself of a little indulgence. But beware, if you don't want to get burnt, it's better you don't get near the fire! That is why it is better to avoid totally.

The beauty of the Buddha's teachings is that you have the freedom to chose. The Buddha never issued commandments forcing anyone to follow his teachings. He advised his followers to be wise to conduct their lives in a harmless and dignified manner. So remember, we have to be wise to realize that freedom comes with responsibility.

Freedom to choose and decide

 

Question : (Unedited)

I smoke, drink, eat meat and play military computer games. I feel drawn to the bhuddist way of life. Will all of these have to go?

My comment:

Hi B,

Thank you for asking me.

Since you are drawn to the Buddhist way of life, continue to study and practise the Buddha's sublime teachings. You will eventually realize that the teachings of the Buddha are very practical and liberal.  You will be encouraged to use your common sense and human intelligence to analyze all the Buddha's teachings.  Given time you will find the answers by yourself.  Once this happens, your mind will be liberated and you will gain the freedom to think for yourself and not depending on any external agent to make decision for you.  The Buddha's teachings will pave the way for you to walk the path of freedom to know what is right and what is wrong.  Only you yourself can make this decision.   A Buddhist is free to decide for himself what is skilful and what is unskilful living.  He has this freedom and he must use this freedom to decide for himself.

If I were to tell you to stop what you are doing now, don't you think that I am actually insulting your intelligence?  For you are intelligent enough to know what is good and what is bad for you.  I must respect your absolute freedom to decide for yourself.  The Buddha never command anyone to stop doing anything.  He would point out to them that certain behaviour is not beneficial, while others are.  If the person did not want to harm himself,  he should not continue with the unskilful behaviour.

As a guideline, we need to ask ourselves these three questions:
1. Is this action harmful to oneself?
2. Is this action harmful to others?
3. Is this action bebeficial?

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.

What is sexual misconduct?

Question (Unedited):
Hello again Justinchoo,
Namo Buddhaya,

i would like to ask about the Buddhists' views on intimate relationship, well i meant by sex before marriage?

thank you so much.

My comment:

Hi Y,

The third precept states that one should undertake to refrain from committing sexual misconduct. This has no direct bearing on whether couple should be legally married. Marriage is actually a social/legal obligation when a couple becomes man and wife. Sexual misconduct means having sexual excesses with one and sundry without a thought for genuine relationship. This behaviour is just like animal sexual instinct. Sexual misconduct will bring potential problems like unwanted children, abortion, adultery, and death from AIDS! If a couple is genuine in love and cares for each other, I would say that whatever they do in privacy is not sexual misconduct. However, I would of the opinion that the couple should adhere to social norm and human dignity to get married if they want to live together.

The beauty of the Buddha's teachings is that you have the freedom to chose. The Buddha never issued commandments forcing anyone to follow his teachings. He advised his followers to be wise to conduct their lives in a harmless and dignified manner. So remember, we have to be wise to realize that freedom comes with responsibility.

Getting sexcited.

Question: (Unedited)

Dear Sir:

Peace and health to you!

I am an 18-year-old Buddhist of the Theravada tradition who is seeking to incorporate the Dharma into more areas of his life. However, there is one that is currently more pressing than others.

I have a wonderful girlfriend of seven months whom I have deep respect and appreciation for. We have a balanced and healthy relationship. However, she has a significant zest for physicality: extended kissing, touching, making out, things of this sort -- never so far as any form of sexual contact, which we both agree we are too young for, but nevertheless quite intense at times. I have maintained a clear head throughout our time together and harbor no illusions: we will almost certainly break up at some point in the future, given the fact that our college choices are such that we will be in a long-distance relationship, quite apart from the fact that all phenomena are transitory and shouldn't be clung to. However, I often wonder if the physical aspects of our relationship are fostering undue craving and attachment in me. Could you please explain to me the Buddha's stance on such matters, with particular emphasis on what the Third Precept means in the lay Buddhist's life? I would be most grateful for any of your thoughts on this.

With metta,

My comment:

Hi,
Thank you for asking me.

First we must understand we are very sensual beings; especially at your age. It is very natural. The Buddha taught universal truth. The truth is that we are very sensual. The truth is that if we are unrestrained in our senses, we may fall victims to our senses; we become slaves to our senses; the greatest trap is the sexual trap. Most are unrestrained slaves of this sexual trap, behaving no less than animals, having sexual relationships with one and sundries. Beware AIDS!

The third precept states that one should undertake to refrain from committing sexual misconduct. This has no direct bearing on whether couple should be legally married. Marriage is actually a social/legal obligation when a couple becomes man and wife. Sexual misconduct means having sexual excesses with one and sundry without a thought for genuine relationship. This behaviour is just like animal sexual instinct. Sexual misconduct will bring potential problems like unwanted children, abortion, adultery, and death from AIDS! If a couple is genuine in love and cares for each other, I would say that whatever they do in privacy is not sexual misconduct. However, I would be of the opinion that the couple should adhere to social norm, human dignity, and legal obligations, to get married if they want to live together.

The greatest gift in Buddhism is the freedom to choose and decide. When one understands the teachings of the Buddha, one has clear understanding of life and will be able to conduct one's life with wisdom.

A Little Bit Of Wine

Question: (Unedited)

HI,
I have been interested in Buddhism for about 5 years now, reading and researching and trying to gain deeper understanding. I have one thing that keeps me from becoming a complete lay buddhist, and struggle with the interpretation. I know that alchol is not allowed, but, I like a glass of wine with my dinner or sometimes with a friend etc, I do not think that this leads my mind to wrongful behaviour or words??? Is it quite literal that no alchol is allowed?? or just getting falling over drunk? I lead I belive a good life, and both my husband and I are in caring professions, a doctor and a nurse, and wonder if this will always prevent me from becoming a lay buddhist??

I have no one here in NZ to study with here in my home twon of Rotorua and so have no guide or anyone else to gain insight and wisom from and guidance on this journey. Can you help?? How do I become a practising lay buddhist?? How do I teach my children in the buddhist ways?? Thank you.

My comment:

Hi ,

Thank you for asking me.

The Buddha encouraged us to use our common sense and human intelligence to analyze and practise his teachings. Refraining from taking intoxicating substances is the fifth of the five precepts which a lay Buddhist practises. The reason for keeping this precept is to prevent us from falling prey to intoxication which will lead to many problems such as drunken driving, wife bashing, unwholesome behaviour, and what have you. The danger of intoxication as you know, is that the mind takes over the person, and this person will not be in full control of himself, leading to unwholesome and dangerous conduct. The Buddha advised us to refrain from intoxication so that we can avoid such problems.

However, if the person is responsible enough to know what he is doing and can control his consumption of alcohol within limits, then this person is not exposing himself to impending dangers. I don't see any harm in allowing some harmless sensual indulgence, as a lay Buddhist. The stricter advice is that if one does not want to be contaminated with pollution, it is better for one to live away from the polluted area. Just like the advice "Keep Away From Drugs".

The Buddha never imposed commandments upon his followers. There is no such thing in Buddhism that one CANNOT do. The Buddha merely advised his followers to live a dignified and harmless live. The more conducive way to live as such is to keep the 5 precepts, thereby avoiding a lot of problems. Should we choose to live otherwise with all the unwholesome activities, then be prepared to face imminent problems and dangers.

The rendition of the 5 precepts is "to refrain from" and not "cannot". The Buddha gave us the complete freedom to choose the manner we want to lead our lives. The choice is ours. In the final anaylsis, a good Buddhist is one who conducts one's live in a harmless, dignified, and peaceful manner, free from hatred, greed and delusion; and most important of all, free from fear and restriction.

As for teaching your children Buddhism, you can always start from the idea of freedom in practice. It is this freedom in practice that Buddhism stands aloft. Then you can encourage them to ask questions and provide them Buddhist answers. If you have difficulty in the answers, please visit this site and I will be too happy to help out.

In the meantime please surf through www.buddhanet.net
to identify a suitable temple near you. This site will also provide suitable links to Buddhism worldwide.

When I was in Auckland (1988-1992) I used to go to
Auckland Theravada Buddhist Association
29 Harris Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland NZ
Tel: (09) 579 5443
Contact: Dr. Benita Ameratunga (President)
Tradition: Theravada

This temple is affiliated with
Buddhist Society of Western Australia
18-20 Nanson Way, Nollamara, Perth, WA 6061
Tel: (08) 9345 1711, Fax: (08) 9344 4220
Email: info@bswa.org
Web site: www.bswa.org
Tradition: Theravada
Spiritual Director: Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso
Teachers: Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso and Ajahn Sister Vayama

Ajahn Brahmavamso is an English monk and is a very popular Dhamma speaker from the Ajahn Chah lineage of Thailand.

Homosexuality : Sexual Misconduct?

From Freestockphotos.com
(Picture above may not relate to this post)
(Just for viewing pleasure)

Question:(unedited)

I have seen many references to abstaining from sexual misconduct, and know that in traditional western faiths homosexuality is placed in this category. What is the Buddhist view on this?

My comment:

Thank you for asking me.

To abstain from sexual misconduct is the third of the 5 precepts which a good Buddhist would abide. The purpose of keeping the 5 precepts is to keep us away from troubles and problems. The emphasis here is "misconduct". If one is having extra sexual affairs with all and sundry, it is sexual misconduct. We all know the problems and troubles this type of sexual misconduct will create. Sexual misconduct does not necessarily mean illegal sex, which is against the country's laws. As the key word is "misconduct", it implies our misbehaviour in sexual activities. If a couple is sincerely in love, whether legally married or not, their sexual activities should not be construed as sexual misconduct. However, if the particular society or culture dictates that couples should be legally married, then it is their social and legal responsibilities to abide by the rules.

I am not an expert in this rather controversial topic of homosexuality. However, from my personal point of view, homosexuality is a dysfunction caused by psychological problems and/or genes. The precept just states "sexual misconduct". I would not construe sexual activities between 2 homosexuals as "sexual misconduct" if they do not extend their sexual activities with other parties. So long as they keep their sexual relationship within themselves, I don't see any harm or trouble that they may cause to others, or themselves.

Just to reiterate; the 5 precepts are for us to practise so that we do not court troubles and problems for ourselves and to others. So long as we live a dignified, noble, and harmless life, we should be able to live in peace with ourselves and with the society.

Is a little alcohol ok?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joecashin/73342186/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/notashamed/341253554/

Question:(unedited)
Hello! I was wondering about the use of alcohol in cooking. Some recipes that I'd like to try have wine or other alcohol as one of the ingredients. For example, the recipe for a mushroom sauce lists sherry as an ingredient. A recipe for a dessert has raspberry liqueur as an ingredient. And I was looking at the ingredients on a bottle of balsamic vinegar, and wine was listed. Someone told me that in the case of the mushroom sauce, the alcohol will be "burned off" during the cooking process. Is alcohol acceptable then in any of those examples? Or is it to be totally avoided? Thank you very much for your response.

My comment:
The fifth precept states that we are to refrain from taking intoxicating substances. We must first analyze the rationale behind this precept. The beauty of Buddhism is that we are given the freedom to use our intelligence and common sense to think and analyze the Buddha's teachings. Of course, the minus side is that freedom of analyses may result in freedom of expressing differing interpretations. In the final analysis, it is up to the individual to make the choice.

The rationale of the fifth precept is that we must guard our mind and be alert. If we are intoxicated, our mind will be intoxicated too, and we will not be able to lead a wholesome live. Exposing ourselves to intoxicants may pose a danger to our mind being intoxicated. To an alcoholic, he is a victim of this intoxicant. Under normal circumstances, if we are not alcoholics, or habitual drinkers; we do not really expose ourselves to this danger of intoxication, even if we "indulge" in a few drops of "flavouring" alcohol "essence" just to enhance the taste of our food.

It is difficult to draw a line as to what constitutes a few drops. It is up to us. If we feel very strongly that we should not even touch a drop, then the choice is ours. On the other hand, if we want to be more pragmatic and know that a few drops cause no harm, then we are free to indulge our senses just that little bit. I have also been told that alcohol vapourizes once heated, but I don't bother to find any scientific proof for this. Hope I have answered your question. Please call again if you have further clarification.

Skilful Living

Question: (unedited)
My 13 yr old daughter is doing a project on Buddhism and one of the questions is, what responsibility do Buddhists have to the environment, to each other and themselves? I have found out a lot of basic information about Buddhism, but cannot seem to find the answer to this. Would be grateful for your help.

My Comment:
The Buddha's teachings are very practical, moderate, and relevant for this day and age. His teachings are based on universal values which transcend race, nations, time and space. We first must be responsible to ourselves before we can project our values outwards. As good Buddhists we follow certain guiding principles which we call precepts, to guide our daily activities. The Buddha encouraged us to use our human intelligence and common sense to live our daily lives in a noble and dignified manner. We do not need any religion to teach us what is good and what is bad. It is up to us to come to terms with realities, that what we don't want others to do to us, we should not do to others. What we want for us should also be given to others. The Buddhist is more concerned with what we call "skilful living".

As practising Buddhists, we observe the 5 basic principles as advised by the Buddha:

1. To refrain from taking life

2. To refrain from stealing

3. To refrain from indulging in unwholesome sexual activities

4. To refrain from telling lies

5. To refrain from taking intoxicants

These 5 precepts we undertake to live by, to the best of our ability, everyday.

On our relationship with others, we are taught to practice right speech, right action, and right livelihood. Right speech means not to tell lies and waste time in useless chatter,and also not to slander others. Right action means not to hurt all live forms unnecessarily; not to steal; and not to engage in harmful sexual activities. Right livelihood means we dissociate ourselves with activities that bring miseries to others, such as dealing with weapons, slavery, killing of life, intoxicants, drugs and poisons. A Buddhist life centres on kindness and harmlessness. Being kind to others and ourselves; and being harmless to others, a Buddhist is in harmony with himself, with others, and with his environment.

Robin Hood (Comment)

This is my comment:



Hi Robin Hood,
If I may call you such. You know, there is a moral to this legend. Robbing the rich to feed the poor. And we all love Robin Hood. He was also the hero. He was not the villain. As for your adventure, first let us define what constitute "stealing". A lot of people said that taking things that are not theirs is stealing. I beg to differ. To me taking things that we know belong to someone is stealing. You see the difference? If I see a coat hanging on the wall, say in the office where I work for the past one year, and knowing that no one in the office is the owner, what should I do? Of course I can rigidly keep my precept of not "stealing" and let the coat collect dust. Or I can use my common sense and human intelligence to decide whether I should take it and if I so desire, donate it to charity. The Buddha always encouraged us to use our common sense and human intelligence to conduct our lives skilfully guided by our precepts. In Buddhism, we must always remember that there are 2 paths to conduct our lives. One is that of renunciation, which means we have made up our mind to keep stringent precepts irrespective of consequences. Our precepts take precedence over anything else. If we want to follow this path then we have to become a monk. Otherwise, the conditions of this world are such that we will face contradictions between our supreme spiritual principles and the dictates of our worldly affairs. The 2nd path is to live as a lay person to face the challenges of this unwholesome world and to try our best to live in peace with ourselves while being bombarded with the evils of life. Here, we have to be very careful in interpreting and living a Budhhist way of life. The Buddha encouraged us to keep the 5 precepts. The precepts are supreme principles, they are like what we called in worldly terms "standards". Standards are yardsticks to measure our performance. Each of us has a certain level of "performance". It is our "standard". How much we score depends on our level of the "standard". Just like performing gymnastic in the Olympics. Are we required to score 10s every time? Or can we? As a lay Buddhist, we must be aware of this "standard". We can only perform up to our "standard" at this point in time. Hopefully, with progressive improvements through diligent practice. In your scenario, you can assess your actions in terms of wanting to perform a 10 in your principles; or you can still be Robin Hood and continue to be a hero in the eyes of the suffering poor. Or you as a 100% holy monk, blissfully, maintaining your perfection in upholding your lofty principles. It is a question of perfection of the path; or being an ordinary Joe trying his best to help other less fortunate people in this world. The first path is what we called the Aryan path, the path of perfection which is above the world. The 2nd path is the path of ordinary mortals like you and me. I keep my precepts to the best of my ability at my level (which is below the prescribed "standard"). I can have peace with myself that I have tried my best, given my mortal limitations. The choice is yours. The Buddha would want us to analyse condition in this manner and not to succumb to rigid interpretations of life. But one word of caution. Whatever or whichever we choose, we must be guided by the Buddha's teachings. What is it? Avoid doing evil, do good, and think wisely. Once we have decided, we must have the courage to face the consequences, whatever they may be. Take care.

Robin Hood (Question)

Robin Hood

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherwoodthelivinglegend/1775805422/

Welcome to the first chapter of this journey of discovery. Discovery of the multitudes of life's problems and puzzles. Will there be always a satisfying answer to a question? Let us begin with this "catch 22" scenario. Below is the question (unedited).



[I am a bread/cake route driver. For years now I have given some of my returns to the employees at my accounts, most are making minimum wage and are poor with familys. My company sends the returns to the bakery, tries to sell some at thrift stores but they throw a bunch away to the landfill. They consider giving away the returns stealing. Since I have begun taking on-line mahayana classes I realize that this is stealing and have told my customers I must take back all returns. Still I feel guilty for not helping these people. How can I clean up my bad karma for stealing and stop thinking I'm taking food from peoples mouths?]



Well, what do you think? I shall post my comment tomorrow.