Answering Dharma Questions

[Chikyou]

I was speaking with a friend yesterday, and he was asking me about Buddhism. His questions were sincere, the thing is, I didn’t really know how to answer. I’m not a Dharma teacher, I don’t exactly have keynotes prepared.

Other than telling him early on about TreeLeaf and that he should come here for a wealth of information (far more than I could manage to give!) I tried to answer the best I could; of course I was painfully aware that I was falling short in every way! I feel very ill equipped to speak about the dharma and Buddhism in general.

I suppose the longer I practice the more encounters like this I will have. I also assume like anything, answering questions will get easier with practice. Until then, any tips? Or lines I shouldn’t cross (as I made it quite clear I’m not a teacher in any way but I’m afraid of not doing justice to the concepts I’m trying to explain).

Gassho,
SatLah
Chikyō

[PaulH]

If I had to summarize the Buddhist teaching as I understand it, my keynotes would be:
1. Dependent origination/impermanence, suffering, non-self
2. 4 Noble Truths
3. 8-fold Noble Path

Gassho
Paul
satlah

[Matt Johnson]

The question I often ask myself: Is a Buddha different from an ordinary person? There were Buddha's who predate the Buddha. There are Buddhas who have never heard of Buddhism. There are happy Buddhas , sad Buddhas, Catholic Buddhas, Black Buddhas, Grandma Buddhas, Jewish and Muslim Buddhas, Gay Buddhas, Disabled Buddhas etc. Whether they are recognized or care about recognition is their business alone.

We ascribe value to the word "Buddha" the same way we ascribe value to the word "ordinary" person. It would seem we would like to be a Buddha and not be an ordinary person. We trust what some people say. We don't trust what other people say. We are the ones who decide who we trust and who we don't. Some of us only trust people because they have University degrees and letters behind their name. Some of us only trust people who have done spectacular things with great passion. Some of us only trust people who have written books. Some of us only trust people who have lived long, balanced, good lives. Some of us only trust people who made a lot of money. Some of us only trust Zen Masters who have received transmission that has been registered with Soto-shu. Some of us trust only Llamas with a geshe degree. Some of us would never trust someone who transmitted the Dharma from husband to wife.

What's the difference between deciding who we trust and trusting ourselves?

_/\_
sat/ah
matt

[mdonnoe]

Chikyō,

I've also had a lot of people ask me about Buddhism, and I've been comfortable saying "I'm still learning, but I can show you what I do (zazen), and what gets me excited and interested!" From what I've experienced, people asking this most often aren't looking for dogma, theology, or an "official" answer - they are most interested in seeing what moves your heart.

So, with that in mind - what moves your heart? What gets you excited and interested?

Gassho,
Michael
SatLah

[Jundo]

Hi Chikyō,

I think that all we can do these days is answer what we feel comfortable answering, and to be honest about when we don't know something. We can point folks to someone who does know something. So you did good. I had a friend ask me recently about auto mechanics ... which I know nothing about, but I do know a pretty good local mechanic who has kept my car running for years, so I introduced them.

These days on the internet, everyone is an expert ... on medicine, economics, Buddhism ... even if they know almost nothing really. They argue about vaccines and Global Warming with actual epidemiologists and climate researchers as if such truths are relative and anyone who actually knows something is somehow evil. So, I find your careful attitude very refreshing. On the other hand, if you have been practicing for awhile, and know something, then feel confident to speak within your "zone of comfort."

I will tell you a funny story. I have a law license, but never practiced criminal law. Sometimes someone asks me a question about criminal law. I sometimes answer, but I am sure to tell them that my response is based mostly on something I saw on the American TV program, "Law & Order." Really.

Gassho, J
stlah

[Kotei]

Hello,
I am trying to answer specific questions as good as I can... of course mentioning that this is only my biased and maybe wrong view.
Sometimes pointing to a certain book or internet source, but in general trying to answer only what I am asked about, not overwhelming the questioner with my ideas.

Most questions are not that specific, and those, I answer with talking about the form Buddhism takes in my personal life.
My own experiences with this practice ("meditation", ritual, view on everyday life), studying and experiencing the philosophical side of it and the moral/ethical framework as guidance.
Imho that opens a nice conversation without the roles of instructing "expert" and receiver.

Of course just my approach. And I make sure to offer sitting a little Shikantaza together. I have a few copies of Opening the Hand of Thought on the shelf, just in case.
Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Shinshi]

I very much like Kotei's answer. In case it is helpful I will offer up some resources I find helpful when I feel I want to get a better handle on fundamental notions.

First and foremost are the great videos that Jundo has put together - and which you already noted.

The second is "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh. Particularly parts 1 and 2 which cover the four noble truths, and the eight-fold path.

The third is "What Is Zen?: Plain Talk for a Beginner's Mind" by Norman Fischer and Susan Moon.

And of course, from a personal view, I have been studying Zen since the 80s and I still am constantly learning new aspects. A never ending journey. So just let them know that you are sharing what you know now since they are interested.

I am just a priest in training so these are just my ideas right now - subject to change.

Gassho,

Shinshi

[mdonnoe]

I have a few copies of Opening the Hand of Thought on the shelf, just in case.

Echoing this idea - I've given away more copies of Suzuki-Roshi's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" than I can count, as well as Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Miracle of Mindfulness." The first for people interested in Zen specifically, the second for people who want to meditate (it's great for people who say "I can't do that," or - "That sounds hard!" - it brings the idea of meditation down to earth for them).

Hope this also helps!

Gassho,
Michael

SatLah

[Antonio]

I am trying to answer specific questions as good as I can... of course mentioning that this is only my biased and maybe wrong view.

This is the same approach that I have here, once no matter how many years you train or how many books you already read, nothing grantee that what one say is accurate. When somebody asks me something, specially if the person is suffering, I try to be generous and never deny the Dharma, but also I try to make sure that I am not a teacher.

This is the same subject that I was talking with Bion these days. Without the bless of our teacher, I do not feel comfortable to comment about the Dharma, except if I am requested to do it (like in the discussions about the precepts). For this reason, I prefer to demonstrate the Dharma through actions in my daily routine.

Gassho
SatLah

Antonio