Common Misconceptions of Buddhism
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The following is a list of common misunderstandings of what Buddhism is really about in Singapore. If you wish to contribute to this list to dispell and disallow any misconception to continue, please message me.
Misconception #1: Buddhists burn joss papers, burn paper houses and ask for answers from the Buddha by shaking those sticks in a canister.
Those are traditional Chinese practices and more often than not associated to Taoism, not Buddhism. Buddhists do not engage in such practices.
Misconception #2: Buddha is like so powerful, man! People are going to him for lottery numbers, good health and fortune!
The Chinese culture of seeking divine favor from celetial beings has been mistakenly related to Buddhism through the generations. People refer freely the Buddha and Boddhisattva like Guanyin to gods and deities popular in Taoism. They are in fact very different.
Misconception #3: All bald people in Buddhist robes are Buddhist monks.
From numerous cases in the news, there are actually people disguising themselves as Buddhist monks to prey on people with a sympathetic heart. These imposters often seek money and other valuables, sometimes even asking for payment for certain services they offer such as blessings or chantings. To have an understanding of Buddhist practices should prevent yourself from being cheated by these fakes.
Misconception #4: Buddhists are so boring! Chanting and chanting everyday!
Chanting is only one of the many practices of Buddhism. Meditation is actually the mainstay practice but there are various methods that have been devised through the ages. Though varied the practices are, they should always point towards realising the 4 Noble Truths, and to help others to see them. On a much simpler term: Realising who we really are and why we exist. Buddhist aren't boring. Just you wait for the next Vesak @ Ngee Ann City!!
Misconception #5: Buddhists cannot eat beef.
That's not true. Sakkyamuni Buddha himself was not a vegetarian then, nor did he specify that we are not allowed to take any kind of food. The concept of abstaining from taking beef finds root in the traditional Chinese culture. The bulls were heavily relied on to cultivate their lands and as a gesture of gratitude, they are spared from the kitchen. As you may know, the agricultural industries use machines to cultivate the fields now.
Will add more soon.
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Originally posted by Tenzin:
Thank you! I think all these things are what true Buddhists shld try to convey to their friends/relatives in order to correct the fundamental misconceptions of Buddhism in our society.
The following is a list of common misunderstandings of what Buddhism is really about in Singapore. If you wish to contribute to this list to dispell and disallow any misconception to continue, please message me.
[b]Misconception #1: Buddhists burn joss papers, burn paper houses and ask for answers from the Buddha by shaking those sticks in a canister.
Those are traditional Chinese practices and more often than not associated to Taoism, not Buddhism. Buddhists do not engage in such practices.
Misconception #2: Buddha is like so powerful, man! People are going to him for lottery numbers, good health and fortune!
The Chinese culture of seeking divine favor from celetial beings has been mistakenly related to Buddhism through the generations. People refer freely the Buddha and Boddhisattva like Guanyin to gods and deities popular in Taoism. They are in fact very different.
Misconception #3: All bald people in Buddhist robes are Buddhist monks.
From numerous cases in the news, there are actually people disguising themselves as Buddhist monks to prey on people with a sympathetic heart. These imposters often seek money and other valuables, sometimes even asking for payment for certain services they offer such as blessings or chantings. To have an understanding of Buddhist practices should prevent yourself from being cheated by these fakes.
Misconception #4: Buddhists are so boring! Chanting and chanting everyday!
Chanting is only one of the many practices of Buddhism. Meditation is actually the mainstay practice but there are various methods that have been devised through the ages. Though varied the practices are, they should always point towards realising the 4 Noble Truths, and to help others to see them. On a much simpler term: Realising who we really are and why we exist. Buddhist aren't boring. Just you wait for the next Vesak @ Ngee Ann City!!
Will add more soon.
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In short, gods and deities are still in samsara, they are still bound to be reborned in samsara and undergo sufferings even if those gods are currently living in heaven. Heavenly joy is a worldly, impermanent joy, while Buddha's Nirvana is a permanent bliss with absolute mental clarity, freed from illusions as he has attained Enlightenment. Buddha has many names, some people called him World Honoured One, Tathagatha, Thus Come One, and so on. One of them is 'The Teacher of Gods and Men', meaning Buddha also teaches the gods and deities, because some of them also seek Buddha's wisdom and enlightenment. There is an interesting website about this:Originally posted by fuck fuck fuck:what is the main difference between taoist gods and deities and buddha and Guan Yin?http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/wheels/wheel414.html
Furthermore, many deities that Chinese worship nowadays are not deities from the Heavens, they are spiritual deities, in other words deities that come from the spirit realms. They may possess a spirit medium, give divinations and so on. Buddhists are advised to stay away from such practices. We seek rebirth in higher realms, not lower realms, and ultimately, end the cycle of samsaric rebirth.
Contents
* I. Introduction
* II. The Buddha Teaches Deities
* III. Devas and Brahmas Honor the Buddha
* IV. The Role of Devas in the Buddha's Career
* V. Liberation for Humans, Devas, and Brahmas
* Notes
* Abbreviations
* Bibliography
Guan Yin is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The famous Maha Bodhisattvas (Da4 Pu2 Sa1) are role model for all Mahayana Buddhists who wish to achieve Buddhahood. Guan Yin represents Great Compassion, there are other great bodhisattvas like Manjusri, who represents Great Wisdom, and so on. Guan Shi Yin is also known to save everyone whose lives are in danger, and hears the cries and sounds of all sentient beings. That is why he is called 'Jiu4 Ku3 Jiu4 Nan4', saving sufferings saving hardship, 'Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa', Bodhisattva Who Listens To The Sounds Of All The World.
In Short, a Bodhisattva is a person who is seeking/on their path to Buddhahood. -
I have something to add to misconception (1) and (4).
The offering of incense is done back in India, nowadays Buddhists do burn incense/joss sticks. But those incense back in India were much more fragrant, their aroma is those of floral, sandalwood, etc.
In Chinese Buddhism, what does Incense represents? It represents the "fragrance of Dao De". And what exactly is Dao De? In short, Dao is benefitting self, De is benefitting others, Dao De together means benefitting self and others. Actually if you have Dao De, there is no need for you to put incense at every place a monastery. We do however burn incense during chanting, meditation.
as to (4), meditation is just one aspect of Buddhist practise. Although meditation is a part of the Buddha's time table, the Buddha is most of the time doing other things/spreading the dharma, helping others, etc. If you know eight-fold path, Right Meditation is one aspect, but there are many factors that is required for enlightenment also.
Dharma can also be said a way of life, a way of liberation even in the midst of living. -
Ok brother! Come, I explain! To put it very simply:Originally posted by fuck fuck fuck:what is the main difference between taoist gods and deities and buddha and Guan Yin?
Deities and gods are still in the cycle of birth and death as explained by the Buddha. We are also in this cycle, just that we are of a different 'dimension' or realm, that's why we can't see them with our mortal eyes and have afternoon tea with them.
Buddha has gone beyond the cycle of birth and death, so he ain't coming back to get knocked down by reckless drunks or get his heart broken by nasty guys.
As for Boddhisattva, they are beings with high level of wisdom and realisation but opted for the last ' express plane' to Nirvana the Buddha has attained, so people stranded on the planet with terrorists and natural disasters could go ahead of them first to safety. (Boddhisattva originated from the Mahayana tradition, I think... To find out more about the different traditions, please stay tune!!)
Hope I have explained very simply for you. If you need very detailed explanation, could refer to An Eternal Now's post above or even better, approach him. He seems to have all the stuffs you need to learn about them thoroughly. -
got once, in a local temple...a nunery... tat time mixed up the ang pow to give to the nun...when she checked and discovered the error, she fumed in anger and showed the black face... walau, how can liddat... must show compassion for error mah... now mi go see her, mi no tok to her... angry
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Hehe, sometimes ah, they show these to teach us some things, we could learn a lot from this experiences.Originally posted by sgboy2004:got once, in a local temple...a nunery... tat time mixed up the ang pow to give to the nun...when she checked and discovered the error, she fumed in anger and showed the black face... walau, how can liddat... must show compassion for error mah... now mi go see her, mi no tok to her... angry
But yeah lah, some are like that. I went to Fujian once the Nan Pu Tua Shi, the monk also very rude, very impatient and 'loud'. Doesn't mean they are fake though. Just that they are not guided properly, perhaps...
But I think novice monks in general need time to reach some 'standard' bah. Still, we need to respect their courage to give up a worldly life. Dio bo?
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I can still see alot of monks and nuns driving expensive cars... shopping in shopping centres... grazing on the grass in ECP... wat else hav u seen?
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(Boddhisattva originated from the Mahayana tradition, I think. To find out more about the different traditions, please stay tune!!)
Bodhisattva practise is also mentioned in Theravada, but the known Mahabodhisattvas in the Theravada tradition are only the post-buddhahood Shakyamuni, and Maitreya Bodhisattva (or mettaya bodhisatta, the next coming Buddha). Other Bodhisattvas like Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, etc etc, are exclusive to the Mahayana/Vajrayana traditions. -
Yep, we light incense during meditation sometimes, but if you don't like, can don't use one.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:I have something to add to misconception (1) and (4).
The offering of incense is done back in India, nowadays Buddhists do burn incense/joss sticks. But those incense back in India were much more fragrant, their aroma is those of floral, sandalwood, etc.
In Chinese Buddhism, what does Incense represents? It represents the "fragrance of Dao De". And what exactly is Dao De? In short, Dao is benefitting self, De is benefitting others, Dao De together means benefitting self and others. Actually if you have Dao De, there is no need for you to put incense at every place a monastery. We do however burn incense during chanting, meditation.
as to (4), meditation is just one aspect of Buddhist practise. Although meditation is a part of the Buddha's time table, the Buddha is most of the time doing other things/spreading the dharma, helping others, etc. If you know eight-fold path, Right Meditation is one aspect, but there are many factors that is required for enlightenment also.
Dharma can also be said a way of life, a way of liberation even in the midst of living.
We offer incense for its significance and as a reminder to uphold morality. So we don't need a super duper big one that can almost blind and choke. Just a nice little one will do.
Others do it just because it's trendy.
Classy mah, their zen-like room and lighting the incense in the centre of the neat and tidy tatami laiden flooring.
And there is aromatherapy also, so not necessarily Buddhist practice.
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For the Noble Eight-Fold Path, shall touch on it in a separate topic very soon. -
Hmmm, yeah ah, must look into this in depth. You know which part of the Tipitaka? Can paste the link here? Maybe it is in the Sutta where the Buddha spoke about the creation of the world.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Bodhisattva practise is also mentioned in Theravada, but the known Mahabodhisattvas in the Theravada tradition are only the post-buddhahood Shakyamuni, and Maitreya Bodhisattva (or mettaya bodhisatta, the next coming Buddha). Other Bodhisattvas like Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, etc etc, are exclusive to the Mahayana/Vajrayana traditions. -
Ohh~ Those are people give them de. If because too expensive sell away, some people very particular and may be offended, so they just accept. Compassionate mah.Originally posted by sgboy2004:I can still see alot of monks and nuns driving expensive cars... shopping in shopping centres... grazing on the grass in ECP... wat else hav u seen?
Haha, what they shopping for? -
I think lets not be judgemental to those monks or nuns. I have heard of such things, but I have yet to see monks driving expensive cars. Maybe one of his disciples lend him or someone donated to him? And then big organisations like Ren Ci Hospital also got expensive cars I think, I may be wrong. But Ven. Shi Ming Yi does not receive any salary at all, or rather, he returns all the "salary" to the hospital itself therefore he receives no money.Originally posted by sgboy2004:I can still see alot of monks and nuns driving expensive cars... shopping in shopping centres... grazing on the grass in ECP... wat else hav u seen?
Anyway I doubt monks shopping in shopping centres have much things to buy. I mean what kind of things can they wear anyway?
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Ya, the Sangha head will most likely donate them away unless it is necessary.Originally posted by Tenzin:Ohh~ Those are people give them de. If because too expensive sell away, some people very particular and may be offended, so they just accept. Compassionate mah.
Haha, what they shopping for? -
shan't they be practising or reviewing the scriptures than laughing away heartily in the shopping centres?Originally posted by An Eternal Now:I think lets not be judgemental to those monks or nuns. I have heard of such things, but I have yet to see monks driving expensive cars. Maybe one of his disciples lend him or someone donated to him? And then big organisations like Ren Ci Hospital also got expensive cars I think, I may be wrong. But Ven. Shi Ming Yi does not receive any salary at all, or rather, he returns all the "salary" to the hospital itself therefore he receives no money.
Anyway I doubt monks shopping in shopping centres have much things to buy. I mean what kind of things can they wear anyway?
not judgemental lor, just saw with mi own eyes... big merc benz... well, go see for yourself lor... and since now investigation is done on charitable organisations, hope not we see a temple be involved in the scam... -
That's very true actually. Although we often say we shouldn't be critical about the Sangha since we should uphold the sanctity, but if the sanctity isn't sustained within the Sangha, everything will crumble, no matter how much faith we have all the time.Originally posted by sgboy2004:shan't they be practising or reviewing the scriptures than laughing away heartily in the shopping centres?
not judgemental lor, just saw with mi own eyes... big merc benz... well, go see for yourself lor... and since now investigation is done on charitable organisations, hope not we see a temple be involved in the scam...
Furthermore, since the Sangha is to guide laypeople to practise the Path, I believe giving us a reason to lose faith should not never be an agenda! My recent personal experience concurs with sgboy2004's affirmation, maybe I could share with you in private.
Still, we need to know everything first before saying what we think is suspected to be true lah, right not? -
Originally posted by sgboy2004:
Don't think that monks must stay in monastery all day! Buddha did not stay in his monastery all day, he and his monks go to all kinds of places to preach the dharma. In his 49 years, Buddha has walked throughout India, northern India to Pakistan area to Southern India/Sri Lanka, etc. My master also walked throughout Taiwan for several years preaching the dharma. Once when I was in Hua-Lian, an elderly Buddhist asked me, "Master! A monk should reside in the temple to meditate, pray and chant sutras, but when you travel about what are you cultivating? I replied, "ThatÂ’s right! I am cultivating. Sakyamuni Buddha teaches us to cultivate our conduct (xiu1 xing3). He does not encourage us to cultivate sitting down (xiu1 zuo4)! In the past few years I had been practising sitting meditation, now I wish to travel about. While walking and also amidst all my other activities, I do not commit evil deeds, I chant the names of the Buddhas, I praise and commend others, I tell people about the Dharma, I avoid the places of vice, this is the way I cultivate."
shan't they be practising or reviewing the scriptures than laughing away heartily in the shopping centres?
Sometimes a monk/nun needs to get something important to be done, may not be what we think they are doing. But I agree with you, being a renuncant doesn't mean he is a perfect person. But he has to hold 200+ precepts (training rules) by the Buddha that shld be strict enough to make them observe their conduct.not judgemental lor, just saw with mi own eyes... big merc benz... well, go see for yourself lor... and since now investigation is done on charitable organisations, hope not we see a temple be involved in the scam...
Rest be assured that Ren Ci Hospital is definitely not involved in any scams.
"The $15K monthly salary is accorded to the highest paid executive of Ren Ci Hospital & Medicare Centre. This executive is responsible for the medical, administrative and day to day operations of the hospital.
Our CEO/ Chairman, Venerable Shi Ming Yi donates his salary back to the organisation and our related centres for the elderly and children when he was receiving a salary. However at the moment, Venerable Shi is entirely a volunteer and thus is not receiving any salary.
But Venerable Shi does not expect everyone to share his spirit of philanthropy, as this is his personal belief. He also adds that he does not expect everybody to be doing the same as they have family commitments.
Having said all that, though a monk receives lodging and food from a temple, a monk still has to communicate with the 'outside' world. He still has to pay for expenses when he takes the bus and when he orders from a hawker. So yes, whilst you are correct in saying that as a religious figure, one should not be receiving any money, we have also to look at the practicalities of the 21st century.
Please email me again if I can answer any further queries.
Best regards,
Alison Hack
Corporate Affairs & Resource Development
Ren Ci Hospital & Medicare Centre
http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?t=1071692&page=1&pp=15
Ven. Shi Ming Yi is also an abbot of Foo Hai Ch'an Monastery and Secretary General of the Singapore Buddhist Federation. On top of that, he is the CEO of the charitable Ren Ci Hospital. I believe his intergrity can be trusted.
If memory serves, he was a multi millionaire CEO of a company prior to his renounciation. Surely, there must be good intent in his renounciation, otherwise why would he renounce his comfortable life? -
looking for expensive handphones at Raffles PlaceOriginally posted by sgboy2004:I can still see alot of monks and nuns driving expensive cars... shopping in shopping centres... grazing on the grass in ECP... wat else hav u seen?
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well , i am not sure abt that , but maybe u would like to go up and askOriginally posted by NT2:looking for expensive handphones at Raffles Place
becos i do saw pastor go to watch shop to buy watch
i wont start forming stereotype of wat views of what wild thoughts b4 i know the truth
or else, go to settle your own work or issues thing before u go and investigate other ppl affairs 
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Originally posted by NT2:looking for expensive handphones at Raffles Place
monk's "salary" (not from earning money through profit and business) is average around $100 a month
just barely enough for necessities....
not as rich as what you all think la! -
Hello guys,
lets just say that a whole community cannot be represented by a few individuals even though its natural for people to look at flaws and comment on it.
My perception is, as long as they do not indulge in such worldly pleasure, it is fine. The cars technically should be donated by devotees and the monks use it for their Dharma work.
From what i know, Theravadin monks are more strict with the rules and precepts. so the monks that you see out there driving are usually mahayana monks. -
erm , no thats wrong , please put yourself in the shoes of a monk/nunOriginally posted by zenhora:Hello guys,
lets just say that a whole community cannot be represented by a few individuals even though its natural for people to look at flaws and comment on it.
My perception is, as long as they do not indulge in such worldly pleasure, it is fine. The cars technically should be donated by devotees and the monks use it for their Dharma work.
From what i know, Theravadin monks are more strict with the rules and precepts. so the monks that you see out there driving are usually mahayana monks.
when u go to government office to for some interreligious issue ,like for example , the state funeral of the Late Wee Kim Wee,do u walk or take a car there ?
and i dun see the need to mention any reference to which vehicle(Mahayana ,Theravada and Vajrayana)
I am a Mahayana ,but i do hold conversation with my Theravada Bhante from Buddhist library ,becos i am one of the senior member of the Buddhist library
Bhante on the other hand ,went to china alot of time for Dharma discussion in china
the first point of mutual understanding is not to point any accusing finger or make allegations to other Vehicles in Buddhism
and based on what do u mention Mahayana ?
We live harmoniously with each other and a cross exchange of idea of Theravada from Mahayana counterparts in the
understanding of Abidhammakosa by Vasubandhu
and Visuddhi Magga
Theravada ,Mahayana and Vajrayana are 3 brothers on a path to Buddhahood
there is no notion of superiority of whose above who .
I hope u consider about the serious rift u creating and the karmic effect that will follows if u post without looking lightly at the impact it will caused -
Hi morning,
Sorry for not putting the message across clearly and causing some misunderstanding.
I am not saying which vehicle is superior or inferior. If my words had implied so, i apologise for this misunderstanding caused. I sincerely believe that if it is for Dharma work, any means will be fine.
The reason for saying so is that most of the Mahayana monks which i know of are born and bred in Singapore. So they have the opportunity to learn how to drive a car. Whereas most Theravadin monks are from Sri Lanka. Hoever when travelling around, they too travel in a cab or a car driven by a devotee.
Now i based my conclusions and examples from my perceptions. It maybe wrong. but im still exploring. I may have been biased or the words that i used has lead to that "finger pointing". But i do thank you for pointing out that point.
lol Ironically i am generalising when my above paragraph preach otherwise.
Then again, there shouldn't be many monks who drive around in singapore ya? most of the them are probably abbots of the temple or something?
please enlighten me.
Thanks -
there are also many mahayana monk who dun driveOriginally posted by zenhora:Hi morning,
Sorry for not putting the message across clearly and causing some misunderstanding.
I am not saying which vehicle is superior or inferior. If my words had implied so, i apologise for this misunderstanding caused. I sincerely believe that if it is for Dharma work, any means will be fine.
The reason for saying so is that most of the Mahayana monks which i know of are born and bred in Singapore. So they have the opportunity to learn how to drive a car. Whereas most Theravadin monks are from Sri Lanka. Hoever when travelling around, they too travel in a cab or a car driven by a devotee.
Now i based my conclusions and examples from my perceptions. It maybe wrong. but im still exploring. I may have been biased or the words that i used has lead to that "finger pointing". But i do thank you for pointing out that point.
lol Ironically i am generalising when my above paragraph preach otherwise.
Then again, there shouldn't be many monks who drive around in singapore ya? most of the them are probably abbots of the temple or something?
please enlighten me.
Thanks
the Shuanglin monastery ,Sagaramudra Buddhist society
so you shouldnt said that,becaus it is a generalisation which doesnt make good points
i feel that the ability to drive is not a great issue here, it depends on individual and what they use the vehicle for
sometimes it is the wrong mindset we have to understand we forming ourselves
i know some monks comes from rich family , but so far i havent seen monk or nun who dare to flaunt their wealth and being showy to other abt their wealthy background
If one follows and abide by the Buddha teaching , one will know what is right or wrong in the conduct to the Buddhist community
and the ability to drive does not falls under right or wrong , it depends on the uses of that vehicle
We like to point outside and say this is not rite, that is not rite , but have we ,
take a serious effort at our disciminatory nature of mind ?
to fully understand and attain the liberation of views ,is the first steps to liberation.
My thoughts sincerely
verse for sharing from shantideva
The Bodhicaryavatara
Chapter IV: Attending to the Spirit of Awakening
1. Thus, upon firmly adopting the spirit of awakening, a child of the Jinas should always vigilantly strive not to neglect his training.
2. Although one has made a commitment, it is appropriate to reconsider whether or not to do that which has been rashly undertaken and has not been well considered.
3. But shall I discard that which has been examined by the sagacious Buddhas and their children, as well as by myself according to the best of my abilities?
4. If, upon making such a promise, I do not put it into action, then having deceived those sentient beings, what destiny shall I have?
5. It has been said that a person who intended to give away even a tiny thing but does not do so, becomes a preta.
6. Then all the more so, having deceived the entire world after loudly and sincerely inviting it to unsurpassable happiness, what state of existence shall I have?
7. Only the Omniscient One knows the inconceivable course of action of those people whom he liberates even when they forsake the spirit of awakening.
8. Therefore, for a Bodhisattva it is the heaviest downfall of all; for if he commits such a downfall, he impairs the welfare of all sentient beings.
9. If someone else hinders his virtue, even for a moment, there will be no end to his miserable states of existence, because he diminishes the welfare of sentient beings.
10. One would be destroyed, obliterating the well being of even one sentient being, how much more so of beings dwelling throughout all space?
11. Thus, due to the power of the downfalls and due to the power of the Spirit of Awakening, one revolving in the cycle of existence is slow in the attaining of bodhisattva grounds.
12. Therefore, I should respectfully act in accordance with my commitment. If I do not make an effort now, I shall go from lower to lower states.
13. Innumerable Buddhas have gone by, seeking out every sentient being, but through my own fault, I have not come into the domain of their cure.
14. If I remain like this, as I am now, I will repeatedly come to the miserable states of existence, illness, death, amputation, destruction and the like.
15. When shall I encounter the extremely rare appearance of the Tathágata, faith, human existence, and the ability to practice virtue, -
The Buddha says the common pitfall for the sangha is "Gain", "Honour" and "Fame".
Sometime a monk who it not mindful and aware will fall into this trap. Therefore during the Buddha time, the sangha are not encourage to have worldly poccession.