Q & A about Buddhism

It is best to ask or clear our doubts on what we do not understand. The clearer we are, the nearer we are to the path of enlightenment. Let's share some of the common questions asked about Buddhism.

Does KARMA explain why there is so much inequality of life around us?
People have always wondered about the fairness of life, and everyone is not born equal. Questions are always asked about why is one person so healthy, and another born with many physical afflictions. Why is one person born into a wealthy family, and another born into abject poverty. Why is one person able to enjoy a long happy life, and another having their life cut short by violence or accident. Buddhist do not believe that all these inequalities are because of chance, or the explainable  will of an unseen and omnipotent heavenly being. We believe that Karma and the principle of Cause and Effect account for most of these differences in people's lives.   (Anyone can go to Heaven. Just be Good! by TY Lee)

If there is REBIRTH, why don't people remember their past lives?
Memories of the past lives lie deep in the subconscious mind. We are usually unable to access these memories because our minds are not clear, or disciplined enough. For example, very few of us can recall what we did on the same day of even just a month ago! However, research has shown that some young children whose minds remain reasonably clear, may be able to spontaneously recall their past lives. Western psychoanalysts are now using methods of hypnotic regression to help patients with psychological problems, and some of these patients seem to be able to recall their past lives under such therapy. Monks with highly disciplined minds and who are able to enter into deep meditative states are also said to be able to recall their past lives.  (Anyone can go to Heaven. Just be Good! by TY Lee)


Does  MEDITATION allow demons or evil spirits to enter and possess the mind?
Meditation has been practiced in many different forms, and by many different cultures for thousands of years. It is taught and practiced all over the world and is gaining much popularity, especially in Western countries. Large international corporations are sending their staff and executives for lessons and retreats in increasing numbers. They recognize the benefits of meditation to be improved concentration and clarity of mind, as well as better management of stress, pain, aggravation and anger. Neuroscientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, by studying the brain waves of people who meditate regularly, have shown that they are more peaceful and tranquil than non-meditators. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Centre, have shown that because of meditation, Buddhists really are happier and calmer that most other people! Some people might discourage us from practicing because of their own irritation fears. It would be wise to treat such talk as superstitious nonsense. (Anyone can go to Heaven. Just be Good! by TY Lee)


Buddhism teaches CONTENTMENT, but people have ambitions in work and also want better lives for their families. How can this be reconciled? 
While it is true that Buddhism considers contentment to be a virtue, it also realizes that everyone may take different paths to attain their own peace and happiness. In such cases, the Buddha would recommend taking the Middle Path. Be not too ambitious that you may cause harm or hurt to others in achieving your ambitions. And also don't be too contented that your own livelihood and family be adversely affected. (Anyone can go to Heaven. Just be Good! by TY Lee)


Is being Vegetarian a must for Buddhist?
In Buddhism, being vegetarian or not depends entirely on the individual. What is emphasized in Buddhism is not the purity of the diet, but the purity of the mind. Of course, many Buddhist eventually realized the cruelty involved in eating meat, which is nothing more than the flesh of a helpless animals. Many succeed in eliminating the craving and attachment of eating meat, and eventually become vegetarian on their own accord. However, if coming vegetarian is not convenient or too difficult, then take the path you are comfortable with. Nonetheless be a vegetarian at least once of twice a month is a good way of practicing compassion for all living beings, by consciously abstaining from meat for that day at least. A book that deal extremely well with the Buddhist perspective on vegetarianism is Philip Kapleau's " To Cherish All Life."  (Anyone can go to Heaven. Just be Good! by TY Lee)


Why do some monks eat meat?
The Buddha refused to prohibit the eating of meats among his followers. He had very practical reasons for this because sufficient vegetable food may not be available in some areas, or could be very scarce in times of drought. For example, vegetable food is extremely limited in places like Tibet. Monks survive on alms and if alms were restricted to only vegetarian, then could be a great burden on the lay people supporting the monks. Thus monks eat whatever they are given, even it is meat, as long as the animals were not specially killed for them. Nowadays though, many monks and temples do have a preference for vegetarian food. However, it should be noted that most monks in the Mahayana tradition are strict vegetarians.  (Anyone can go to Heaven. Just be Good! by TY Lee)