What if a Buddhist monk asks you a Buddhist question?

 

Question : (Undited)

Ven, I'm a Theravada monk and a student of Mahayana Buddhist studies in Thailand. Sometime I have a thought of "Distinction between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. Do you think that Theravada or Mahayana alone can carry the whole teaching of the Buddha?....

My comment:

Bhante,

I am just an ordinary puthujana and I dare not acknowledge your salutation.  It is most unusual that a Theravada monk is asking me a question, for I have been learning the Dhamma from monks.  I am now in the most uncomfortable situation.  I feel I am very disrespectful to you to answer your question. You are a bhante, my teacher.  I pay my respect to you.

Be that as it may, to a follower of the Theravada tradition, the Theravada's text is the Tipitaka, then I would say, the complete teachings of the Buddha are to be found in it.

My respect to Bhante, bow.

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Follow-up question (Unedited)

I asked you this question, because when we discuss two traditions of Buddhism sometime it brings lots of disagreement about certain teachings such as "lotus sutra". DO you think this teaching we have in Theravada? I have just started my buddhist study. So no matter who you are, you are representing Buddhism in your web. Hence, I do hope that you have some knowledge in Mahayana too.... thanks.

My comment:

 

Bhante,

Nowadays with the internet we are very fortunate to have comprehensive and reliable information on almost every subject.  I can easilly search for Mahayana materials especially through www.buddhanet.net and www.wikepedia.

There are obvious differences between the two traditions.  If you study the historical development of Buddhism after the mahaparinibbana of the Buddha, you will have a clearer picture.  However, it is always a "sensitive" issue when we start comparing the two traditions and their differences.  My humble opinion is that we concentrate on the similarities such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, Tilakkana, Paticcasamuppada, and the Law of Kamma.

Mahayana suttas are distinct from the Tipitaka.  They were from different sources.  Again, which one do you want to refer?  In the final analysis, it is up to the person to decide.  No point indulging in debate and argument when we can practise the Dhamma in peace, which is the original purpose of practising Dhamma.  Petty discussions on this issue have been going on for thousands of years.  Do we want to be part of this foolish pursuit?

May I humbly suggest Bhante discuss the "issue" with your Sangha brothers.

Bow, 

justinchoo.

Buddhism and politics

 

Question : (Unedited)

Hello,

I'm a college freshman doing a project for my world religion class, and it would be extremely helpful if you could answer some questions to the best of your ability.

In my class, we've talked briefly on the subject of worldviews and how the ideals of a certain religion influence its believers in aspects of normal life.  That said, in the context of Buddhism, what would be a buddhist's opinion of democracy, egalitarianism, or America's processes in general?  Do some of its practices clash with those of Buddhism?  What sort of criticisms would a buddhist likely have with America's operations?

Any answers to those questions is, again, greatly appreciated, and I apologize in advance if I said something in an offensive or ill-informed way.  Once again, thanks.
  

My comment:

Hi R,

Thank you for asking me.

Buddhist perspective on the conduct of worldly affairs reflects on the universal teachings of the Buddha.  "Universal" means applicable to all irrespective of belief or nationality.  Universal values such as honesty, compassion, non-violence and respect for life are universal ideals.  The freedom to form opinions and the freedom to be anaytical are also Buddhist ideals.  Any political dictate that goes against these ideals would mean going against Buddhist values.

“ What sort of criticisms would a buddhist likely to have on America's operations? “
I don't think there is a standard answer for all Buddhists.  But if you ask me, personally I would say the USA should stop behaving like a "Big Brother" because the world does not belong to it.

Form and emptiness (Part 2 of 2)

 

Question : (Unedited)

Thanks Justin,

it was pertaining to the heart sutra. i am reading a book titled the compass of zen. i read it in there.

for the butterfly (and us too) is it futile because no matter what you do, what mountains you climb, what goals you attain, how many cars/houses you own, in the end, death is the final answer? this is why it's futile?

Shunryu Suzuki had a thought about a water fall. we are the little drops of water that separate from the main body of water as it's going down the fall. life is the time that we, the little water droplets, are separated from the main body of water. when the droplet hits at the bottom of the river/lake it rejoins the main water body, and that is death.

or that was at least how i interpreted it. it made sense to me when i thought of it this way.

i enjoy reading up on zen. it's the only thing close to a religion that i can relate to.

if i may bother you w/1 more question? a lot of the books i have read imply dont think, just be. live in the moment. turn off your thinking mind, it gets you in trouble. because thinking preoccupies the mind and you foolishly worry about world peace, politicians, the weather, what color clothese to wear etc..etc. 

my question is, thinking is a good thing too isnt it? if it wasnt for thinking we would not have cars, medical cures, light bulbs, i would not be able to ask you this question via this mode had someone not thought up the computer. can you help me get my mind around this concept too?

thanks again Justin you're very kind for taking the time to help people like me trying to find answers.

My comment:

Hi P,

Welcome back and thanks for the pleasant ratings (big ego).  It's heart-warming knowing that one's effort is appreciated.

“for the butterfly (and us too) is it futile because no matter what you do, what mountains you climb, what goals you attain, how many cars/houses you own, in the end, death is the final answer? this is why it's futile?”
Yes.  This is emptiness in the form.

“a lot of the books i have read imply dont think, just be. live in the moment. turn off your thinking mind, it gets you in trouble. because thinking preoccupies the mind and you foolishly worry about world peace, politicians, the weather, what color clothese to wear etc..etc.”
We must look at two different angles.  One is for those who are serious in cultivating the mind to gain insight and liberation.  The other is for those who want to live a worldly life with all the sense enjoyments (and the heartaches).  The former is towards the spiritual path, while the latter is towards the mundane path.  But in actual fact, most of us are in between these two groups, which means we have to strike a balance between being spiritual and at times being worldly.  This calls for a certain degree of practical wisdom to stay balanced.

To stay in the present moment means to still the mind from straying.  The mind is always alert and is always fully aware of the present moment.  This condition of mind creates a very strong mind which holds the person in complete control of the situation.  He stays calm at all times and in any condition.  However it does not prevent the person to think.  This person will only think wise thoughts.  This is what Buddhist meditation is all about...to calm the mind, to tame the mind, to train the mind, and to direct the mind to the right path.

On the other spectrum, a person living a mundane life with all the uncertainties and challenges needs to think of his welfare and how to survive for the next day.  He cannot totally turn his back away from politics, economics, and other worldly affairs.  You have used the correct phrase "foolishly worry about".  A lot of our thinking are "foolish" thoughts.   That's why I said you have to strike a balance by using the wisdom factor to practise Buddhism as a lay person.  As a lay person we need to practise skillful living.  When it's time to think, we must think.  When it's time not to, then we must stop.  In this manner we are in full control of our thinking, of our lives.

Hope I am not too long-winded or too "preachy".