Buddhism, A Religion Worth Understanding

Buddhism founded in 624 BC in India. Buddhism founded by Siddhartha Guatama. Siddhartha's mother, Maya, gave birth to Siddhartha in the garden of Lumbini, near Kapilavastu. Siddhartha lived in the Himalayas Mountain during his earlier years. He was born into a wealthy family. He was raised with all the luxury in the world. Siddhartha got married and his wife gave birth to a little boy named "Rahul". While his son was a newborn he shaved his head, renounced his wealth and changed into a robe.

Siddhartha headed southeast in seek of total liberation from suffering. Siddhartha did not believe of the values he has at home. So to prove this he wanted to find the bent old man, the sick person, the dead person. Through searching Siddhartha reportedly denied himself food, clothing, endure great heat exposure and cold weather. Siddhartha later was known as Shakyamuni, by his followers.

Buddhism founded in 6^th Century BC, in India. It is the Fourth Largest religion in the world. Buddhism is usually practice in China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. With immigrants of Asian culture to the USA, Buddhism is now practice in many temples in The United States. Buddhism believes in rebirth and karma. Buddhism teaches qualities such as non violence, tolerance of differences as a way of life. Buddhism does not worship any gods. Instead followers are taught meditation and other techniques to reach eternal happiness. The techniques includes the Four Noble Truth, The Five Percepts, Noble Eightfold Path, Reincarnation (life after death/ known as rebirth), delusion mind and virtuous mind, cyclic existence and bad / good karma and prayers. [Further explanation of each is explained below in each paragraph]Karma

Buddhism believes strongly that the mind and body are two separate entities. When a person dies, their mind does not cease. Every action we humans perform will leave an imprint on our mind. During my interview I had the luxury of being able to ask a very detailed question about how rebirth takes place and who chooses the rebirth figure. When the body disintegrates the mind do not cease. Instead the mind will leave the body and enter into another state known as "bardo". This is like a dream state. In this state the mind will experience and see many different visions. The visions could be pleasant or terrifying, it depends on the imprint leave behind by the actions performed of this individual. The karmic potentials will be released shortly after the karmic seeds ripen. The rebirth will take place without a choice for this individual. They may return to earth as another human being or as an animal. It is heard through elder Asian families, that each person in your life is in your life for a purpose, to serve you or to destroy you. If you did them well in your previous life, they are here to serve and honor you. If you performed bad actions against this individual, they returned back to earth in a different form but with the same mind. They have returned to ask you for payback time, this could mean your fortune is taken away from you. Your loved ones will be taken away from you or both taken away from you. Mater Yin Hai, of Dharma Seal Temple explains that our future lives are not controlled or chosen by Buddha. Instead trust your karma to take you to your next destination. If good karma seeds are ripen the dead individual will rebirth to a fortunate state of human or as god. If negative karma ripens, the individual will rebirth into lower state such as animals, hungry ghost or hell. Hell is the worst because this would mean you remain there forever and there is no possible chance of rebirth anymore. The cycle of death and rebirth is called "cyclic existence"

Understanding the law of karma is the basis of Buddhism. Imagine your mind as field. Depending on how you sow the seeds. Did you sow in your best heavier and best state of mind or with anger and jealousy? The actions and their effects play a role in what causes future happiness and what causes suffering. Positive sowing (actions) of the seeds will mean future happiness. Negative sowing (actions) will cause future sufferings. This reminds me somewhat of the Three Little Pigs. The first Pig built his house out of straws. Very little effort but he were done a lot quicker and were able to rest shortly after. The second little pig wanted to do better than the first so we built his house out of the sticks. He spent quite some time on the stick house and finally it was completed. The first and second little pig laughed as they watch the third little pig working hard to build his house out of brick. Not soon after the third little pig finished his home. There was unwanted visitor at the First little pig straw house. The big bad wolf quickly blew the house of straw away. Same thing happen to the stick house. Both little pigs ran and hid inside the Third little pig house. The negative state of mind of the first little pig and the second little pig almost cost them their lives. I am positive that many of us follow this rule but do not realize it. They are not Buddhist but they still perform the positive sowing of the seeds in search of future good fortunes and happiness. In today's society this is known as "What comes around goes around". If you treat others well you will be paid back. If you kill someone, someone will kill you later. The actions of each person will follow them around. An evil person will later find their sufferings were brought upon by themselves. Cyclic Existence

To be control of your rebirth Buddhist teaching suggests that humans work hard in making sure they are not on the Samsara. Samsara known as "cyclic existence". Samsara is like a Ferris wheel. Sometimes the Ferris wheels takes humans up the realm and other times down the realms. The directions of the Samsara are empowered by actions of negative state of minds and bad karma. To stay of would allow you back control of your rebirth. Buddhist followers believe that as long as one stays on this Ferris wheel they shall experience suffering and dissatisfaction. By practicing Buddhist total liberation and enlightenment one can self grasp and removed oneself from the wheel. Once off the Ferris wheel, one can experience pure, lasting happiness. Meditation

Buddhism's way of life consists of peace, loving kindness and wisdom. Buddhism teaching explains that most of human's daily heartache, problems and sufferings occur when we are confused and at a negative state of mind. Human beings happiness and good fortune stems from peaceful and positive state of mind. Buddhism teaching is about overcoming the negative minds such has anger, jealousy and ignorance.

Meditation is Buddhist way of life. Meditation really is a method to allow one to work and understand one's mind. Meditation will allow a person to understand the different negative mental state known as delusions. Once this negative state can be identified, Meditation works to develop peaceful and positive mental state known as virtuous minds. It is like controlling the anger within yourself so you do not perform actions that you will regret and hurt others. [Mental note to myself: learn about meditation and learn how to meditate and reach that stage of "virtuous minds". Meditation will allow one to overcome delusions and be in the virtuous minds even out of meditation stage. Once virtuous minds are developed, an individual shall try to use the wisdoms found only under the virtuous mind to solve problems of daily life. When a person's mind is positive their actions will also be increasingly constructive and beneficial to those around them. Delusions and Virtuous Mind

Buddhist teaching lead to lasting happiness by transforming ones confused state of mind away from self centered into a mind of a Buddha. Master Yin explains everybody's mind is like a cloudy sky, in depth it is pure but the clouds covers it and creates the delusions. Imagine a thick cloud clearing up and you finally see clear blue sky again. Our mind can also do the same. Delusions such as hatred and greed are not an original part of our brain. Therefore, with meditation and proper methods the delusions can be eliminated. Hence we shall experience happiness that is real and not delusion by the negative state of mind. Four Noble Truths & Eightfold Path

Buddhism believes that Buddha is the only Master. Buddhist teaching explains that the world is not created or ruled by a God (note NOT GOD, but A GOD). Buddhism aims remove suffering from all human beings. Believing in the Four Noble Truths can and will remove suffering from oneself. The Noble Truth of Sufferings (Dukkha) [in simple terms, All of life is marked by sufferings], The Noble Truth of Origin of Suffering (Samudaya) [in simple terms, suffering is caused by desire], The Noble Truth of Cessation of Sufferings (Nirodha) [in simple terms, suffering can be eliminated] and The Noble Truth that leads to Extinction of Sufferings (Magga) [in simple terms, suffering is eliminated by following the Noble Eightfold path]. One can also escape the cycle of birth and death by following the Noble Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold acts are: Right actions, right concentration, right exercise, effort, right livelihood, right mind/awareness, right speech, right thoughts and right understanding. [Mental note #2: Keep the Noble Eightfold path with me for quick references when my delusions mind appear again]

To reach Eternal happiness and remove oneself from the Ferris wheel Buddhism are suggested to refer to the Five Percepts when applying the Eightfold Paths. First Percepts: Refrain from harming other living beings this includes humans, animals and insects. It is explained that Buddhist can eat meat as long as the animal was not killed specifically for them. Second Percepts: Do not steal and take from others that are not given to you. Third Percepts: Be faithful to your partner and do not involve yourself in promiscuous activity. Fourth Percepts: Abstain from false speech, do not lie or gossip. Fifth Percepts: Do not drink and take drugs, only those allowed for health purposes. Prayers

Prayers are ways for Buddhism to express their commitment and dedication to Buddha. For beginners, following this ritual shall move the individual closer to enlightenment and eternal happiness. The prayers consist of the three aggregates. They consist of the body, speech and mind. A follower of Buddhist master is called a Student. Once a student completes his praying session he is to acknowledge the three bodies, mind, speech and body. To acknowledge five parts of the student body must touch the ground. These five parts includes the two palms, two knees and the forehead. These five parts signify the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space.Dharma Seal Temple

I visited Dharma Seal Temple for the first time since moving to Rosemead City. Dharma Seale Temple built in April 1975. [From my first impression when I drove by the temple for the first time I thought it was just built a year ago. It was very new and well maintained]. It was originally located in the city of Monterey Park. Master Yin Hai was invited by Eastern Buddhist Association to teach Buddhist in the United States. Master Yin Hai chose city of Monterey Park for his teaching. City of Monterey Park was a city with lots of Chinese families. Throughout the years more disciples joined the temple. With the purpose of serving and taking in more disciples, Dharma Seal Temple was relocated to Rosemead City. In 1990, Master Yin believed he received blessings from Buddha, dragon kings and supporters of Dharma and devotees. With so many positive energies surrounding the decisions to purchase an old church building located in on Del Mar Ave. After the purchase of the old church building, Dharma Seal Temple was built. The temple resembles the style of an oriental place. It is similar to those resided by the royal families. Several years later in 1992-1995, the temple continued to purchase adjacent properties to expand the Temple. Over time Dharma Temple was able to have enough space to provide an education center and a floor dedicated for education and publication. The first floor is offered as the dining hall for the public.

Dharma Seal Temple is one of the largest monasteries and Buddhist Temple in the United States. The temple mainly attracts Taiwanese, Chinese, Cantonese and Vietnamese Buddhists. The temple consists of several halls, several shrines, a library, cafeteria, and dorm rooms for monks and nuns. Upon opening of the temple, master Yin Hong transfer abbotship to Venerable to Hong Zhen his closest disciple. Hong Zhen looks to be very young and in his 40's only. However, Master Hong Zhen asked that we should mention his teacher as the source of information. Master Hong Zhen has a lot of respect for his teacher and claims that all this knowledge was gain from the teaching of his teacher. Master Hong Zhen is speaking for his teacher through his body.

One of the biggest events for the temple is called "Vesak". This is day is recognized as Buddha's Birthday. Worshippers will celebrate by bathing their Buddha in water. Buddha is associated with water. According to legends, dragons from heaven delivered perfume water in form of rain; the water was hot and cold to bathe Buddha. For worshippers bathing of the statue is a symbol of bathing the prince of Enlightenment. Bathing of the prince also purifies one's mind. Because this is such an exquisite and detailed ritual most temples may hold it only once in their time. Due to the cost for inviting monk's fee, the setup and ritual itself the tabs can be pretty expensive. Due to budget concerns the temple may not hold another event like this again. However, Dharma Temple can proudly say they were honored to host this event in 2005. California only held this event three times so far. The first was in 1986 by City of Ten Thousand Buddha. The second event was in 2000 by His Lai Temple and 2005 by Dharma Seal temple. [I also visited Hsi Temple; this temple is located in Hacienda Heights. This temple is much bigger in size compared to Dharma Seal Temple]. Note: some people spell Hsai Temple instead of His. This is due to the Chinese pronunciation is not always easy to translate into English.

I may consider enrolling my kids in the youth program offered by Dharma Seal Temple. However, my kids don't speak Chinese they may have a hard time. Most of the Sunday classes are taught in Chinese.

I am not able take any pictures because the Temple does not allow pictures. Cameras are not allowed inside the temple. During ceremony held they ask the visitors to avoid taking pictures because the flashes will disturb the monks. Most minks are dressed in Yellow robe. The Master are also in yellow but also have a distinguished red robe slightly over the yellow. Therefore Masters were red and yellow robe. Disciples wear grey until they graduate and receive the monk title.

Disciples and monks live a very simple and boring life. They don't have emotions because they have no desire. They don't have chit chat time like we do because the one of the five percepts, "refrain from gossips".

The temple allows anyone who pleases to enter the shrine and pray to Buddha. Of course praying time is set for 9am-4pm only. The shrines architectural design and detail is amazing.

I would like to compare Buddhism to Islamic religion.

Buddhism does not ask their followers pray five times a day. Only once a day praying is sufficient. I notice there are similar and yet strong differences between the two religion. I am amused by both and would like to find out more about both. However, I find that it is easy to learn about Buddhism than it is about Islamic. Buddhism does not have strict requirements to be an active Buddhist. Islamic religion requires lots of time and devotion. Buddhist does not have a set time for praying. Buddhist does not require church / temple attendance on a weekly basis. Islamic followers are required to donate some of their earnings to the poor. Buddhism does not require that of their followers. Instead the followers are taken into the temple and given a place to sleep and fed and educated. In regards to the followers outside the temple, they are welcome to come and pray anytime during the opening hours of the temple. Buddhism does not ask their followers to worship them. Instead Master Hong Zhen was taught by his teacher that a good student do not believe what he is told, but find proof to believe it is true". In Islamic religion, followers are asked to call to God through prayers and state "God is Great". This phrase is repeated more than once. Islamic religion does not have teachings that share on how to reach your inner self and remove the delusions. However Buddhist offer meditation technique so you can become a pure and clear in your mind. Islamic fast and Buddhist don't fast. Islamic teachings offer the Quran as their guidelines for living. Buddha offers the Five Percepts. However, the different between these two guidelines are easy to identify. Quran is like bible of words from God. Buddha does not have a book instead they are reminders of things on how to act and behave. In the event negative emotions and thoughts take over, the Five Percepts will bring you back to a clear state of mind. Conclusion

I believe I would be interested in studying more about Buddhist. However I would not want to be a nun. I would just attend their prayers sessions which happen once every few weeks. During this session the masters would all sit in a row along with the disciples and speak of the Noble Eight paths and show us meditation techniques. I was able to speak to another visitor who claims meditation techniques have taught her to calm her when she is angry. Instead of counting to ten, meditation relieves your tense mind, and brings your mind back to a positive state. [Mental note to self: Look into meditation techniques to release myself. Work is overwhelming. School and homework is draining my energy]. Both religions are very different. I prefer to indulge in the one that requires the least amount of commitment and more flexibility to still have life outside of the religion. However, I believe this may not be possible because you are either a believer or a non -believer not in between. I learned that Buddhism teaches followers about wealth. Wealth does not guarantee happiness. A phrase known by Buddhist follower "We believe in illusion and the appearance of things. There is reality. We are that reality. When you understand this, you see that you are nothing, and being nothing, you are everything. That is all". (Zhen) 2007. [This phrase was said to have come from Buddha himself when teaching his students]. I was told my master Hong Zhen another good phrase "Evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind". (Zhen) 2007.

References

(H. Zhen, Venerable Master of Dharma Seal Temple, October 12, 2007).

(2004). Islam 101. Retrieved October 12, 2007, from http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/index.htm

(2004). The basic points of buddhism. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/index.htm

Serendip (2007). Buddhist meditation and personal construct psychology. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/Pilou.html

White, B. (1993). Basic buddhism guide: five minute introduction Retrieved October 30, 2007, from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm