Does Going Vegan Increase Craving?

May. 3 | Question: I support the promotion of vegetarianism/ veganism as a practice of compassion and wisdom for the welfare of animals, humans and the environment, but what if having gatherings with Buddhist friends at vegetarian restaurants lead to craving?...

Is This Teacher Okay?

Apr. 26 | Question: I understand that it is difficult to distinguish the right from wrong teachings of controversial teachers, that it is best to stop listening to their ‘Dharma’ talks to avoid undetected confusion. I came across the teachings of a...

Should We Just Give Without Thinking?

Apr. 19 | Question: While having a meal in a public place, if a handicapped person tries to sell us items like pens or tissue paper, should we just donate if we can afford, without thinking if it is another cheating case? Or should we just donate to associations...

Are Relationships Empty?

Apr. 6 | Question: Are relationships (parent-child, spouses, siblings, friends etc.) also emptiness? Answer: Emptiness means being subject to change and thus being empty of any fixed nature. If so, indeed, relationships are of the nature of emptiness, as people...

Does Investment In Animal Trade Break The First Precept?

Mar. 30 | Question: I try to observe ‘no killing’ whenever I can,  even though I did not take up the precept via a formal ceremony and am not a vegetarian. However, I have investment in the fishery business. Does this make me ‘break’ my...

Does Chanting Attract Spirits?

Mar. 21 | Question: I heard some saying that chanting certain mantras or sutras attracts spirits (ghosts) as they also want to listen to the Dharma. Is there any truth in this? If so, does it really matter, especially if I sometimes chant at night? Answer: Generally,...

How To Handle Damaged Dharma Materials

Mar. 15 | Question: I have been photocopying selected pages from a Buddhist book for study and note-taking. In this way, the actual Book is kept clean, placed on my bookshelf at home. Also, bringing the photocopies around during the course of the day (to work,...

How To Handle A Petty Colleague

Feb. 27 | Question: A good friend, Alvina (not her real name), who is my colleague had fallen out over a small matter. She refused to make up despite me having tried thrice. She had told me something about another friend, Rita (also not her real name), claiming...

How To Handle Wrong ‘Dharma’ Materials?

Feb. 5 | Question: How should I deal with printed (books, flyers and posters) and DVD materials which misrepresent the Buddha’s teachings that I come across? (E.g. materials from ‘Buddhist’ cult groups) Will there be negative karma created if...

How To Prevent An Affair

Jan. 29 | Question: I find it difficult to observe the third precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct. I tend to have sexual thoughts of others besides my spouse. Please advise as to what I should do. I understand there is no quick fix formula, so is there...

Is It Okay To Be Dressed Less In A Temple?

Jan. 22 | Question: I was brought up by elders with the traditional idea that I should dress more ‘respectably’ when visiting a Buddhist temple, e.g. keeping my legs covered. I notice some of my friends are comfortable with showing their legs though...

Make A Low Career Point A Major Turning Point

Jan. 9 | Question: Recently, I was working at an engineering firm. I resigned after three months as I disliked the job. Wanting to enter public service, I applied and waited for a month, to no avail. I became desperate and applied for other engineering firms,...

Is Eating Bird’s Nest Soup Okay?

Jan. 2 | Question: As Buddhists, is consuming birds’ nest drink or soup justifiable since it has lots of health benefits? The swiftlets are not harmed and they can always build new homes when their nests are taken. Answer: In case you do not know, bird’s...

Did The Buddha Ordain Without Parental Consent?

Dec. 24 | Question: If I remember correctly, once, the Buddha ordained a child without his parents’ consent, which made the father angry. Therefore, the Buddha made a rule that there should not be ordination before seeking parental consent. If this is true,...

The Buddha’s Warnings Against Demonic False Teachers

Dec. 19 | ‘Those ignorant, deluded or negligent of the Buddha’s true teachings might be ready for Mara’s false teachings.’ ‘阿难。彼善男子。受阴虚妙。不遭邪虑。圆定发明。三摩地中。心爱圆明。锐其精思。贪求善巧。尔时天魔。候得其便。飞精附人。口说经法。其人不觉。是其魔著。自言谓得。无上涅槃。来彼求巧。善男子处。敷座说法。其形斯须。或作比丘。令彼人见。或为帝释。或为妇女。或比丘尼。或寝暗室。身有光明。是人愚迷。惑为菩萨。信其教化。摇荡其心。破佛律仪。潜行贪欲。口中好言。灾祥变异。或言如来。某处出世。 或言劫火。或说刀兵。恐怖于人。令其家资。无故耗散。此名怪鬼。年老成魔。恼乱是人。厌足心生。去彼人体。弟子与师。俱陷王难。汝当先觉。不入轮回。迷惑不知。堕无间狱。’ ~...