Miracles

Question : (Unedited)

Every sentence said by Buddha makes sense and fits perfectly even in today's modern life. As all Buddha said makes sense, how will he explain miracles, those does not make sense and are supernatural? How will a Buddhist explain miracles performed by Jesus?

My comment:

Hi Fr,

There are a few definitions of "miracle" from the dictionaries. 　The most relevent one for your question will be "an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause". 　

During the Buddha's time, he had also performed "miraculous feats" like emitting fire on one side of his body and water on the other side. 　He had what we called supernatural powers. 　In our daily lives we have either witnessed or experienced unusual events. 　In fact most of these unusual events in the end could be explained rationally. 　That leaves only a very few unexplainable events. 　Buddhists are aware of the existence of beings in other planes of existence. 　Some of these beings have special powers over worldly affairs and they may "intervene" in the conduct of our worldly affairs, for some reasons or the other. 　For lack of a better term, we may say they are like our "guardian angels". 　

As for miracles performed by Jesus, I think it will be more appropriate if you ask the Christians. 　

Exact date of Buddha's death

Question : (Unedited)

Dear Sir,
I happened to learn that the exact date of Buddha's death is not known even though we commemorate it on a certain fixed date of the year. Why is there a debate on this one? Is it because people in the past were not that intelligent to keep track of events and modern scientists are more advanced?

I want to know the date that is mostly accepted and any shortcomings of the scientific researches performed on this, if any.

Thanks in advance

My comment:

Hi Ch,

Thank you for asking me.

The day is called "Wesak Day" or "Buddha Day". 　It is the thrice sacred day of the birth, enlightenment and passing away (parinibbana) of the Buddha. 　At the sixth World Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) held in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia, in 1961, the conference resolved:
"That the first full moon day of May be recognized as the 'Buddha Day' and celebrated accordingly." 　The month of May corresponds with the month of Visaka of the Indian calendar. 　It was in the full moon day of Visaka that the thrice blessed events took place.

Ghosts and aliens

Question : (Unedited)

do buddhists beliee in ghosts or even aliens, if so what r they then?

My comment:

Hi T,

The Buddha spoke of beings in existence in different planes of existence in our world system. 　There are countless other world systems where beings may exist. 　The universe is endless, beyond our imagination and reckoning. 　The Buddha called the universe "loka dhatu" and the world system "cakkavala" spiral cosmos. 　

In our world system there exists 31 planes of existence (depending on classification, the number of planes differ; but all the planes are included). 　We as humans occupy one plane, sharing with animals which is considered a separate plane. 　There are ghosts plane which in itself is a form of existence. 　The higher planes will be the planes of gods whose life spans are unimaginably long. 　In our terminology "aliens" would be those beings from other world systems. 　All these planes of existence, although with very different conditions and life span are all subject to impermanence. 　All life forms come into life, exist for a period, and ultimately disintegrate. 　Apart from human and animal planes, the other planes exist in different dimensions. 　That is why only very few people could see ghosts.

Why worry?

Question : (Unedited)

I'm in a really tight spot financially 　- working poor, as I've heard it called. 　I worry almost all day every day about it, about how to make it work, even though the math shows it won't. I can't find an out, no matter how I figure it - at least for now. 　There's alway hope for the future. 　My mind seems to be grasping on this and can't let go, but is this irrational? I try to work hard to appreciate the beauty of each moment, the breeze on my skin, or my sleeping kitty's contentment, but then my mind runs into the rut of my worry again. 　What do Buddhist teachings say about dealing with this? 　Imminent homelessness or hunger seem like real things to worry about. 　

I hope you can give me some insights that may help me be peaceful.

Thanks.

My comment:

Hi J,

Everyone has worries. 　Even the super rich have worries. 　It is the price that we pay for feeling insecure, real and/or imaginary. 　As for your situation, your worries may be real. 　However we should take into considerations of your "status" in life at present; namely your location, age, ability to work, and family status. 　If you are in an affluent country, I would say it is not as bad as if you are in a poor and "unstable" country. If you are young, then time is at your advantage. 　If you are qualified or at least able bodied, then you still can continue working. What about family? 　You see all these factors have to be taken into account. 　Most probably your worries are real and justified. 　On a more mundane approach, if you already know your problems, then half of it is solved because you have identified the root cause of your worries. 　The practical approach is to strive to earn more and at the same time try to save more.

On a more philosophical note, you have to accept that worrying is part of life. 　But if you have put in effort to minimize your "problem" then you have also to try to lessen your worries. 　"Worrying" is a mental "sickness". 　It is due to the fear of the situation. 　This fear can be real or imaginary. 　It does not matter. 　So long as you allow this fear to dwell in your mind, the mind will be eventually become a slave of this fear. 　The more you dwell on it, the more it enslaves you. 　It is just like a bad habit. 　You will need a strong and understanding mind to overcome this bad habit. 　The Christians have a very effective way to overcome fear and problems. 　They have complete faith and trust in Jesus. 　Whether Jesus really helps or not is irrelevant. 　The fact that the person's mind becomes strong with this faith, the fear and worry disappear! 　In the Buddhist context, we have to face facts and note the problem. 　Having identified the problem we have to make effort to remedy it. 　Having done that there is nothing more that we can do. 　If we know that we have done our best, then when the worry thoughts return we just note the thoughts, acknowledge them and then let them go because you know you have already taken positive actions. There is no need to worry anymore. Keep on repeating this response whenever such thoughts appear. 　After some time the mind will get tired of these worry thoughts because you refuse to dwell on them. 　In no time you will be free from this worry. 　The thoughts will return to haunt you, but each time you just note and let them pass...Period...Fullstop.

Of course if you believe in chanting, then some chanting will give you confidence and peace of mind.

And some more questions!

Question : (Unedited)

Hi again my dear friend,
I hope you are fine. Now I have understood the difference between a begger and a monk, to some extent. Now there come some new questions for you:

You have said

“The Dhamma cannot be destroyed. 　It is Universal Truth, which transcends race, nationality, belief, time and space.
Could anybody besides the Buddha find spiritual liberation and ultimate release? If your answer is positive, what`s TTB`s idea about them? 
It is "very easy". When that person is COMPLETELY rid of greed, hatred and delusion.”

When a Buddhist becomes a Buddha, will he himself experience the Dhamma straightly?
Do Buddhists think that it is only their way that leads to the Truth? Or they think that other ways like Jainists` way (Just as an example) may lead to the Truth too?
And my unanswered question “Don`t you think that the Dhamma was taught once by the Buddha, and it doesn`t need to be taught again? (Unless you believe that Buddha was not a fine teacher.) Everyone who is interested in Dhamma can study the Tipitika and learn the way to reach Nirvana. (With no need to a teacher.)”

Anyway, I really THANK YOU for your answers.

My comments:

Hi A,

"When a Buddhist becomes a Buddha, will he himself experience the Dhamma straightly?"

The appearance of a Buddha is very very rare. 　When the Dhamma or universal truth is lost, then a Buddha will appear and re-discover it. 　This will take an unimaginable long period of time...an aeon or several aeons. 　To be liberated, one need not have to become a Buddha. 　As I said if one is completely rid of greed, hatred and delusion, then the person has cut away the craving of attachment, there is no more rebirth. 　During this period where the Dhamma has been revealed, there will not be any Buddha. 　We need only to practise his teachings to gain 　liberation; such a person is called an arahat (arahant), in English for lack of a better term, "a saint". 　The Buddha had revealed the way to liberation. 　It is up to the person whether to practise it or not. 　Whether it is the only way, if the person understands the Dhamma, he will know the answer. 　It is not necessary for anyone to insist that it is the only way , and others are wrong. 　You see, we have to melow our mindset a bit to be more flexible and accommodating in our thinking, even when practising the Buddha's teachings. 　

"And my unanswered question

“Don`t you think that the Dhamma was taught once by the Buddha, and it doesn`t need to be taught again? (Unless you believe that Buddha was not a fine teacher.) Everyone who is interested in Dhamma can study the Tipitika and learn the way to reach Nirvana. (With no need to a teacher.)"
It is not that I have not answered your question. 　If you read all my comments, the answer is in them. 　So long as the Dhamma is still here, I don't see any need for anyone to "rediscover" and repeat what is already there. 　However, I would say, we still need teachers to teach us and guide us through. 　It's just like say, learning the English language. 　Anyone can learn it by himself. 　But you would agree with me that everyone will want to find an English language teacher to teach him.

Hope you are happy with the answers. 　Please come back if need be.

Lots of questions

Question : (Unedited)
Hi again my dear friend,
I hope you are fine. Thanks a lot for the sites you introduced.

You have left one of the questions I asked unanswered: “You had said “The monks are the GUARDIANCE of the Dhamma (Buddha's teachings).”
How can they be the guardiance of the Dhamma if they are not allowed to defend the Dhamma?”

You have said “The Buddha was never a begger!! 　We refer the giving of "alms food" to the monks as Dana. 　They never come begging from us. 　It is our willingness to provide them with the daily sustenance.”
How can you tell the difference between a begger and a monk if they dress like each other? (This question is being seriously asked. Please don`t take it as a joke.)

You have said “There were a lot of ascetics who wandered everywhere practising different forms of "spiritual ascetism". 　These people concentrated their whole lives in search of the "ultimate release". 　They lead a "carefree" life and the lay people would support them by offering them food. 　This was the way to follow when one wanted to find spiritual liberation. 　The Buddha merely followed that tradition and for good reason.”

A mistake, even if it becomes a tradition is still a mistake. For example marrying a child was an ACCEPTABLE TRADITION in Saudi Arabia 1400 years ago (Muhammad, the Prophet!! Himself had married a 9 year old girl named Aisha) But being a tradition doesn`t wash that mistake clean.
And I know that Buddha was against the ascetism and he preached the Middle Way.
A New Question
Could anybody besides the Buddha find spiritual liberation and ultimate release? If your answer is positive, what`s TTB`s idea about them?

You have said “Even today this tradition is followed. 　The lay people understand this traditional practice and always support the monks.”

That`s why most (meaning not all and not all because Buddhist culture is being combined by other countries cultures like Chinese and Japanese) of the Buddhist countries are economically poor.
And an interesting point about that Arabic-Islamic tradition. Even today, that tradition is still followed in some Islamic countries.

You have said “It is the Buddhist culture that we support the monks by providing them the material necessities while they concentrate on their spiritual cultivation and teaching us the Dhamma (Budhha's teachings).”

The Dhamma was taught once by Buddha, and it doesn`t need to be taught again. (Unless you believe that Buddha was not a fine teacher.) Everyone who is interested in Dhamma can study the Tipitika.

You have siad “Please be patient with your "learning" process.”
I`ve been patient for 2 years now and i`ll try to be in the future.

You have said “I take the liberty to assume that you are from a very different culture and are just being exposed to Buddhist tradition.”
That`s true, that`s very very true.

You have said “Once you are familiar with the Buddhist traditions, a lot of your doubts will gradually disappear.”
I hope so.

Anyway, I really THANK YOU for your answers.

My comments:

Hi A,
Welcome back, and thank you for not being disappointed with my "answers". 　One day will come when you will understand why some questions cannot be satisfactorilly answered for that particular person. 　I can try my best to provide you with the "answers" but you may not agree with me. 　So the best diplomatic compromise is "agree to disagree", at least for the time being. 　Please be patient. 　So long as we do not enter into argument, there will be "light at the end of the tunnel".

Coming back to your questions:

<>
To defend the Dhamma doesn't mean being intolerant of others' opposition. 　It means to preserve the purity of the Dhamma and to teach the Dhamma. 　We do not have to kill others who want to destroy the Dhamma. 　The Dhamma cannot be destroyed. 　It is Universal Truth, which transcends race, nationality, belief, time and space. 　To defend the Dhamma is also to practise the Dhamma.

<>
Yes, this is a "problem" for those who are not familiar with Buddhist tradition. 　A lot of so-called Buddhists fall victims to this scam. 　But it is very easy to identify the real monks. 　Theravada monks go for alms round early in the morning, definitely before noon. 　They don't walk around begging for food. 　If they go "house-to-house" they will not skip any house. 　They will stand silently in front of the door with the alms bowl in hand. 　After a minute or so, if no response, they will move on to the next house. 　This traditional practice is only common in Northern Thailand, where the society understands the practice. 　The more common is for the monks to stand on one spot in a market place with alms bowl in hand, and to accept whatever alms food offered ...definitely not money...only food. 　When enough food is received, the monks will return to where they came from. 　

< It is "very easy". 　When that person is COMPLETELY rid of greed, hatred and delusion.

<>
These poor Asian countries happen to be so-called "Buddhist" countries. 　They are poor not because they are "Buddhists". There is no Buddhist country in this world. 　There may be countries which have a large proportion of Buddhists. 　The Government of Thailand refused to enact into law that Buddhism is the "official" religion.

<
“Please be patient with your "learning" process.”
I`ve been patient for 2 years now and i`ll try to be in the future.>>
I am still learning the teachings of the Buddha after 50 years!! 　

The journey will be a long but rewarding one. 　As we travel along the path, we learn to experience happiness and inner peace through the three processes of learning, practising, and experiencing the positive results. 　With this experiencing, it further encourages us to put more effort to continue learning and practising. The final destination may be unreachable but the journey itself is a lesson in life. 　Have a pleasant journey.

<< You have said
“Once you are familiar with the Buddhist traditions, a lot of your doubts will gradually disappear.”
I hope so.>>
Have patience and resilience. 　The truth will prevail, so they say!!

Middle way in simple language

Question : (Unedited)

please explain the middle way in clear simple sentences

My comment:

Hi T,

The Buddha's teachings are very practical and down to earth and are meant for everyone. It is so because it is based on universal truth that transcends race, nationality, location, space and time. He preached kindness and compassion based on universal truth. He was not interested to convert anyone. He just emphasized that we must avoid committing evil deeds because we, ourselves, are very fearful that others may hurt us. On this premise alone we can just use our common sense and fair judgement that it is not fair to hurt others. We must have this human dignity to conduct our lives in this dignified manner.

On the other hand, we always wish that all good and happy things come our way. Knowing that, it is also fair that others should be given a fair chance to enjoy good and happy lives.

Do we need any more creed, commandment, or threat in order to live in a civilized manner? It is only when others demand that we must believe in their dogmas or else hell will befall them, that the world is in trouble.

As a practising Buddhist, I just have to live my life guided by the 5 precepts, which I repeat here:
1)Refrain from killing
2)Refrain from stealing
3)Refrain from sexual misconduct
4)Refrain from telling lies
5)Refrain from taking intoxicating things
The Buddha advised us to keep these 5 precepts to the best of our ability, and we will be able to live in peace with ourselves. What others do, or do not do, is their business. We cannot change the whole world. But we can change our lives if we want to.

Our life's trilogy is this:
I want
I don't want
I don't know

If I get what I want I will be very happy. The more I get the more I want; I become greedy.

I don't want things that give me sorrow. If I get things that I don't want, I become very angry. The more bad things I get, the angrier I become, the more hateful I become.

I am subject to such uncontrolled reactions because of "I don't know". I don't know the true nature of this world and this life. Because of this ignorance, the vicious cycle goes round and round. I get greedy, I get angry, because of my ignorance in life. Our lives revolve around this trilogy of human tragedy.

Unless we change our mind-set, we will suffer through our own ignorance and stupidity. The whole world is such.

The Buddha's message is very simple: Reduce our greed, reduce our hatred, reduce our ignorance by realizing the message of the Buddha. Then we will have inner peace and happiness.

This is the "Middle Way".