Frequently Asked Questions about Buddhism


Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. Who was the Buddha?
  2. What is enlightenment?
  3. What does “Buddha” mean?
  4. Was the Buddha a human being?
  5. What proof is there that Buddha existed? 
  6. Did the Buddha possess psichic powers?
  7. What is merit?
  8. It is sometimes said that the Buddism is a science. What does that mean?
  9. Is Buddhism a pessimistic religion?
  10. But isn’t Buddhism all about suffering?
  11. Is it correct that Buddhism teaches us to give up all desires?
  12. What does it mean to “let go”?
  13. How does one become a Buddhist?
  14. What are defilements?
  15. Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy?
  16. Are there any Buddhist scriptures?
  17. What is the essence of Buddhism?
  18. What is the ultimate goal of Dhamma practice?
  19. Do Buddhists belieave in God?
  20. How much confidence can be placed in the authenticity of the Buddhist texts?
  21. Is Buddhism too focused on the individual and lacking in its social dimension?
  22. How long does it take to get enlightened?
  23. What, in a nutshell, is the law of kamma?
  24. Is everything that happens in our life meant to be, or is there such a thing as free will?
  25. Please illustrate the workings of the law of kamma
  26. What does Buddhism say about rebirth?
  27. How important is it for Buddhists to believe in rebirth?
  28. What does Buddhism teach about heaven and hell?
  29. Do Buddhists believe in spirits?
  30. Why impermanence given so much importance in Buddhism?
  31. What is the meaning of not-self?
  32. Is there is no-self, then what is reborn?
  33. Is there is no self, how can anybody be considered responsible for their actions?
  34. What does “Sangha” mean?
  35. Why do Buddhist monastics shave their heads?
  36. Why do monks wear robes of different colors?
  37. What is the Vinaya?
  38. Is it not unnatural for monastic to be celibate?
  39. What is the purpose of the monastic celibacy?
  40. What is the purpose of almsround?
  41. Why did the Buddha allow monks to eat meat?
  42. Is it necessary to join the monastic order to realize enlightenment?
  43. What does “tudong” mean?, What is a “tudong monk”?
  44. Do Buddhist monastics take lifetime vows?
  45. What monks do every day?
  46. As monks lead such secluded lives, how qualified are they to give advice to lay people on their family and work problems?
  47. Can women become monastics?
  48. Isn’t it better to work to make society a better place than to leave it in order to become a monk or nun?
  49. Why do monks in Thailand receive offerings from women on a piece of cloth rather than directly from their hands?
  50. Why has so much blood been shed in the name of religion? Has Buddhism contributed to the carnage?
  51. What is the Buddhist attitude to women?
  52. What does Buddhism have to say about human sexuality?