Can we be sure what our next life will be?

Question : (Unedited)

Hi, I just had a question that was recently posed to me and I couldn't really answer due to the fact that I am new to Buddhism and I live in an area with no teachers to pose such questions too. Anywho - here goes:
So when I die I'll be reborn  - but are there any 'guarantees' in my next life I will even be a Buddhist? Could I be reborn and be a Christian, etc.? Is that determined by your Karma? Or is it just a 'roll of the dice?'

My comment:

 

Hi R,

Thank you for asking me.

As you know, the law of kamma can be described very simply as cause and effect.  However, it is impossible to quantify all our kamma.  How then can we know what effects will come our way in this life and beyond?  Based on this premise, it is not possible to predict accurately what our next life will be.  On a wider spectrum, it is safe to assume that if one were to associate very strongly with a certain lifestyle, then the next life should be closely associated with that lifestyle.  

This will be my personal interpretation.  You may get different answers from others. It is up to you to analyze them and pick your choice.  One thing for sure, it will not be "a roll of the dice".

Buddhist name

Question :(Unedited)

I am taking refuge in the three jewels at home after 9 years or studying and practicing Buddhism.  I am ready!  My question is this:  when I take refuge, should I choose a new Buddhist name?  If so, what types of names do I choose from...a Buddhist goddess or a name from another language?  Thank you!

My comment:

 Hi A,

Becoming a Buddhist is about changing mindset and living a harmless life.  It also depends on which tradition you are following.  I understand that some "sects" would require the adoption of a new name.  As for Theravada tradition, what one needs is to practise the Buddha's teachings to become a better and wiser person.  However if you wish to have a "Buddhist" name you can adopt one.  If you have contact with your teachers or monks, you can request them to choose a name for you.

Usually "Buddhist" names are in the language of the "sect".  You would have Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and what have you.  In Theravada tradition, it will be in Pali.  

Hope this helps.

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.

Bodhisatta

Question : (Unedited)

Hello Justin Choo -

I enjoy reading your answers, and was wondering if you could answer something I have been pondering recently.

- If a modern day teacher was known to be well advanced spiritually, is it a possibility that at his death, he did not experience rebirth as a human, but rather as a spiritual guide?
　- Would this be considered breaking the cycle of rebirth and entering nirvana?
　- Is this a bodhisattva or an arhat?
　- If one is a bodhisattva living in a state of nirvana, how does one continue to help others achieve enlightenment?
- Must the bodhisattva experience rebirth as a human form to help others?
- Is so, should all great teachers be considered bodhisattvas that at their death, will be reborn in human form again as a teacher? 　

Thank you!

Thank you,

My comment,

Hi S,

I am glad you enjoy reading my answers.

“If a modern day teacher was known to be well advanced spiritually, is it a possibility that at his death, he did not experience rebirth as a human, but rather as a spiritual guide?”

I take it that "spiritual guide" is not a human. 　How then could he guide others if he is not a human? 　Maybe you mean, a higher being in a higher plane of existence.

Perhaps my recent comment will suffice:
"As you know, the law of kamma can be described very simply as cause and effect. 　However, it is impossible to quantify all our kamma. 　How then can we know what effects will come our way in this life and beyond? 　Based on this premise, it is not possible to predict accurately what our next life will be. 　On a wider spectrum, it is safe to assume that if one were to associate very strongly with a certain lifestyle, then the next life should be closely associated with that lifestyle."

“　Would this be considered breaking the cycle of rebirth and entering nirvana? “
Whatever rebirth a person takes, it is still a rebirth within the cycle of births and deaths. 　Nirvana is beyond births and deaths.

“Is this a bodhisattva or an arhat?
- If one is a bodhisattva living in a state of nirvana, how does one continue to help others achieve enlightenment?
- Must the bodhisattva experience rebirth as a human form to help others?
- Is so, should all great teachers be considered bodhisattvas that at their death, will be reborn in human form again as a teacher?”

There are two versions of Bodhisatta. 　In Theravada, a Bodhisatta is a Buddha-to-be. 　In Mahayana interpretation, anyone can be a Bodhisatta, and his vow is to save all sentient beings before he becomes a Buddha. 　Wikipedia has a good write-up; please click here: 　　　　http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva

Hope this helps. 　Please come back if you need further clarifications.