Why Buddhism?

by Venerable Thubten Chodron©
Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre, Singapore

[ RealAudio files ]

Part 1: We are encouraged to think for ourselves. Buddhism is not dogmatic, depends on reason, does not expect blind faith, does not contradict science.
[19 min] : Download | Listen

Part 2: We are encouraged to integrate the teachings into our life. Buddhism provides a step-by-step method for working with our mind to achieve internal peace.
[21 min] : Download | Listen

Part 3: We have the power and ability to change our lives – we create the causes for what we experience. Everybody is equal; nobody is inherently evil. Emphasizes respect for all religions and their followers. Shows how to go beyond the happiness and suffering of this life.
Concluding remarks.
[24 min] : Download | Listen

Question & Answer
Concluding Meditation
[25 min] : Download | Listen

Questions asked:
- Buddhism is more demanding and requires more effort from its followers compared to some other religions where if one accepts the dogma, one will be guaranteed a place in heaven. Please comment.
- Is there a God?
- Do Buddhists believe in miracles?
- How does Buddhism help a person who suffers from anxiety disorder?
- Is there discrimination against women in Buddhism?
- You mentioned in last night’s talk that karma is not cast in stone. What do you mean? How does one change or purify one’s karma?
- What is the Buddhist view on financial planning, retirement planning, and financial freedom?
- When we go to the temple and pay respect to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, instead of asking for something like wealth, what state of mind should we have?
- What’s the difference between reasoning and realizations? Do the two come together?
- Buddhism seems quite dogmatic, because as Buddhists, we believe in the Three Jewels, law of cause and effect, emptiness and dependent origination. Could you explain why you said it’s not dogmatic?
- What should be the right motivation for taking refuge?
- If we do not have a teacher, are books on Buddhism enough to guide us?

@thubtenchodron.org

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