Question asked by Albert
Dear Rinpoche and Pastor, Tasitelek.
I am a Buddhist believer since many years also however, my girlfriend is a non-buddhist believer. She is believing in other religion. May I know :
1. Would it be a sin for me or am I violating any vows that I have (i. e. 5percepts, tantric vows etc) if I accompany my girlfriend to her religion activities such as Church (is to show respect not pray to god) ?
2. I understood that Buddha can manifested in different form in order to deliver teaching for different being. For example, Buddha emanate as human being in order to deliver teaching for human. My question is, is that possibility that gods is also part of Buddha emanation?
3. I understood that, according to Buddha teaching, we have rebirth for many life times.. whatever phenomenon or things that happened is mainly based on 'karma concept '. However, according to Christian, god created human and there is where human exist in this world.
My question is in Buddhism perspectives, where is the first karma / karmic origin from? Or where is the point of 'our first life' begin with ?
4. In Buddhism perspective, our main goal is to achieve enlighten status-nirvana (the only way to totally cut off the suffering of rebirth) . However, other religions is having their own goal such as to return to heaven etc. Under such differences of religion beliefs (i. e. between my girlfriend and me), can Rinpoche or Pastor suggest to me any 'balancing point' so that we two can live harmony.
5. Is reading other religion books will offence to our Buddha vows? In this case, Bible.
6. According to some religions, there is only 1 real god in this world. However, Buddhism didnt agreed with this '1 real god concept or god is creator'. May I know is there any 'first buddha concept' in Buddhism? If no…. Who is the actual creator for this world (is it form naturally based on karmic concept? Emptiness?)
7. What is the Buddhism opinion in religion conversion? Is it good for us to persuade others from non Buddhist to join Buddhism? Will there be a sin for those who are converted from one religion to another religion (such as breaks their previous hold vows in their ex-religion) ?
Sorry… I am not to challenge but is seek for clarification.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor
Dear Albert,
1. If you are holding your vows as a Buddhist and attend the activities of another religion (as long as they are ok with you doing so), to show respect, etc. there is no sin or negative karma. Buddha taught to show respect to everyone and this includes the religion of others. But please be respectful, some religions do not allow practitioners of other religions to attend some of their events and activities. Please check with them before attending. If you have a guru or master you learn Buddhism from then it is good to get their permission before attending any events, this adheres to the principles of guru devotion, and is more for your own practice than anything else.
2. Yes you are right. The Buddha can emanate in any possible form, and this includes in the God Realm. However, since we are not at the level of practice have clairvoyance to see who is enlightened and who is not, we should respect all beings. In our practice we should follow what the masters of the past tell us, and that is to rely to beings we know for a fact to be enlightened such as the Buddhas and to respect all sentient beings.
3. Within Buddhism there is no first point of karmic origin. This is because many other religions only believe in one universe (the one we currently live in). Within Buddhism we believe that before this universe, there were countless others, and after this universe ends there will be countless more. This all comes about due to the karma of sentient beings. Buddhism also says not to put emphasis on the beginning of things because then you get into philosophical arguments. Instead, focus on transforming yourself here and now, so that you can benefit in the future.
4. Though the end goal of religions can be different, the path in which they are achieved is the same. And that is the path of love, compassion, kindness and self-transformation to become a better person. This should be the balancing point. There are many examples of couples of different faiths living in harmony together because they concentrate and focus on the moment every day or becoming better people.
5. For a Buddhist, reading religious books of another religion is not negative karma and does not harm your vows. As long as you hold you vows firmly, you can read whatever you like. The act of reading itself will not break your vows. Remember, the Buddha taught to respect and love everyone.
6. The world we live in has come about due to the collective karma of all sentient beings who live on it. This karma was created over time in previous universes. Similarly, the collective karma we generate now will impact what our world will be like in the future, as well as what worlds will be live in future universes.
7. The Buddha taught not to actively convert anyone, this the Buddha said is wrong because you force them to do something against their will. Even if you actively encourage someone to become a Buddhist when you know they practice another faith and are not interested, this according to the Buddha is wrong. Buddhists can share their faith with others, how they think, how they act, etc. But not to actively convert. If the other person then wants to convert to Buddhism themselves, then it is ok. But to force, coerce someone is wrong.