How would I get 12 questions about Buddhism answered?

1. What are the important holidays and traditions of Buddhism? The most important by far is Vesak (Buddha Day) which is celebrated on the full moon in May every year to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. There is also Magha Puja (Sangha Day)on the day of the full moon in March and it celebrates the day of the fourfold assembly which required that all gathered were Arahats, they were ordained by the Buddha himself, they assembled of free will, and it was the full moon of March. Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day) is on the full moon day of July and celebrates Buddha’s first teaching.

Other holidays vary depending on the traditions of the different types of Buddhism (Mahayana, Theravada, etc.). It may be important to note that there are no unhappy holidays or traditions - all are about contentment and joy.

2. Are there any rituals or traditions that you do with your family? I have daily affirmation where I repeat my vows of refuge and meditate, but most rituals are shaped by the laws of the eightfold path.

3. How does the Dahli Lama get chosen? The Dalai Lama is found, not chosen. He is always the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama before him and is said to be determined as such by being able to recall his previous lives.

4. How has religion shaped your life? I was actually raised a Christian and turned to Buddhism when I was old enough to understand that Christianity didn’t fit me. The precepts of Buddhism have helped to bring me a sense of peace and contentment in my life and that is easily spread to other people. I so fully believe in the teachings of the Buddha that I have been able to counter most of my fears and nearly all things that make me angry - it’s a long process of discipline and patience, but once you figure it out, it comes very naturally and you never want to go back.

5. What is the official title of a leader in Buddhism? There is no leader in Buddhism. Of course, there are Buddhist monks and nuns who act more as teachers and guides, and the Dalai Lama, (who can be called a spiritual leader, but again is a guide of a much greater level) whose main function is to promote human life and compassion.

6. Is there a special diet or sacred foods that you must or mustn’t eat? Diets vary from one region to another. Many people assume that to be Buddhist, you must be vegetarian, but that is not the case. Our first precept states that we must refrain from killing, but there is no rule against eating meat. As a matter of fact, even the Buddhist monks, who depend on the generosity of the people for food, will not turn away a meal offered to them if it happens to be meat (however, they can not eat any meat where it is known that the animal was killed for the sole purpose of feeding the monks).

7. What are the challenges, if any to practicing Buddhism? The biggest challenge is sticking to the precepts, particularly when it comes to the mind. We are not to think wrongly of people or judge others, and as humans we are naturally inclined to pass judgment, so that’s one rule that is really tough to abide by.

8. How does a person reach full enlightenment? To attain full enlightenment is impossible to do while you are still a body of the earth - that is something you gain when you reach Nirvana. Simple enlightenment, however, can be reached by following the eightfold path and eventually, being able to cast away all despair and clear the mind completely of negative thoughts and emotion.

9. What are the main view points of Buddhism?

• Reincarnation
• Equality (all life is precious, no matter how small)
• Reciprocity (also known as the golden rule)
• Wisdom and insight
• Mental development
• The four noble truths
• The five precepts
• The eightfold path

10. What must you do to become acknowledged as a Buddhist? Becoming Buddhist doesn’t require any public ceremony - it is a vow you take yourself to follow the path called Taking Refuge. It can be done at home in front of the image of the Buddha (if a monk is not available) and requires the reciting of a scripture.

11. Can anyone be a Buddhist? Anyone can be a Buddhist, but that does not mean that Buddhism is the right path for all people. Buddhism requires a lot of discipline and patience and may not be the best choice for one who is too eager or hyper.

12. What is the significance of the rob? The robe is designed more for versatility than for significance. It can be used as a hood, blanket, seat cover, etc., and it’s many layers can be removed or added to protect against cold, heat, insects, wind and other environmental problems. Any significance to the robe would be mainly that it serves as a reminder to self and to others that the person has made a commitment.