Dear Robin,

I suggest you read the “31 Planes of Existence” by Egerton C. Baptist. There are many world systems with other forms of life but I do not have any information regarding these forms of existence. The Buddha has mentioned that there are 31 planes of existence which are: 4 lower realms (animals, ghosts, demons and hell beings), 1 human world, 6 heavenly realms, 16 form realms, and 4 formless realms. There are also pure lands or realms of the Buddhas where those who are reborn there can continue to cultivate their practice and achieve enlightenment. Some of these are: Sukhavati (the pure land of Amitabha Buddha), Copper-coloured Mountain (the pure land of Padmasambhava), Potalaka (where Avalokiteshvara and Tara dwell, Kechara (the paradise of Vajrayogini)and Akanishtha (the highest Buddhafield). To answer your question, just as there are worlds which are better than the human world, there are also realms which are very much worst. The human world is not “created” by a god or Buddhas. But one thing good about being born human is that we can make use of this precious human life to practice Dharma and realise Buddhahood. This means we can be born in a Buddhaland in a future life.

Dear zosha,

If you think Bazi can solve your problem, I’m afraid you will have to consult a Feng Shui master, not a pastor. In Buddhism, we believe that in order to overcome difficulties like unhappy relationships, we need to understand that all our suffering comes from self-cherishing, regarding ourselves as especially precious and important. When our wishes are not fulfilled, we become very disappointed and angry. Such anger or despair comes from strong attachment to one’s own happiness. Therefore, to be happy, we must abandon self-cherishing and cherish others, dedicating our actions to their welfare. You can start with your husband and loved ones and extend your love and care to other living beings. How do we develop cherishing love? By becoming more giving, loving and patient.

Dear Tan,

It is all right if you cannot pronounce the words in the mantras correctly. The important thing is to have good motivation and sincerity. It is said that mantras are words with power. They already embody the blessings of the Buddhas. For mantras that do not need oral transmission, it is perfectly all right to recite them to receive the blessings. You will certainly receive the benefits and the positive effects of the mantra if you have pure motivation.

Dear Yik,

Playing violent computer games does not violate the refuge vows which are to refrain from the 10 Non-Virtuous Actions. I think you are referring to the act of killing, in this case, the killing of cartoon characters. However, although this is not the same as killing real people, the feeling of satisfaction one gets from “killing” the virtual enemy is a negative one. The danger from indulging in such violent games is that it might reinforce negative emotions like anger, hatred, and indifference to the suffering of others. These negative feelings, if not controlled and eliminated, might end up controlling the individual and result in real life tragedies like what we witness very often these days. If your reason for playing these games is just to bond with your friends, you may want to think of other, more wholesome, ways. Also, don’t forget to read the refuge vows everyday. They are a wonderful guide for you and will help you make the correct decisions in life.

Dear Sonia,

I’m sorry to hear about your problems. It seems like some negative karma has opened and you are experiencing the effects. Since you live in Brazil, I suggest you try to find a Buddhist centre near your house and seek the advice of a spiritual guide. Also read Dharma/Buddhist books to understand karma and study the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) which will help you to overcome your difficulties, both financial and mental. To understand karma is to realise that we ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and our own suffering. You sound like a strong and resilient person. In Buddhism, we believe that no one is a prisoner of his own actions and a slave of his karma. We have the strength and the ability to change our karma. To offset the effects of the bad karma that you have accumulated in the past, you have to do many good meritorious deeds to help others,and transform your mind by abandoning your negative attitudes and replacing them with virtuous ones.

Dear konchokzopa,

Congratulations for receiving the Vajrayogini empowerment! I think you are talking about the Vajrayogini Latsok. It is a text in Tibetan which one can place on the altar. Perhaps you could ask your spiritual guide or Tibetan friends where you can get one.

Dear Jaya,

According to the Buddha, there are 4 classes of illness: (1) those from which one will recover whether or not one takes medicine, (2) those from which one will recover if one takes the appropriate medicine, (3) those from which one cannot recover simply through the taking of medicine or using other medical procedures, but which can be cured through spiritual practice, and (4) those which have a karmically determined irreversible terminal nature. In this case, death is inevitable and no medicine or medical procedure can prevent it.

Spiritual practices are extremely helpful for people whose illness falls into the 3rd category, i.e. illness for which no successful medical treatment has been found, but which are still curable through the practice of profound spiritual practice. To find a suitable practice for yourself, you will have to consult a spiritual guide.

All diseases are the result of negative karma (evil deeds of body, speech and mind). If the karmic causes of our disease are very strong, but not so strong as to determine the certainty of imminent death, and if we practice the Dharma diligently, then Dharma practice can cure us. This is what the Lord Buddha said.

Dear Xavier,

Distance shouldn’t be a problem if you have the correct motivation. Find out the nearest Dharma centres near your house and contact them through the internet. These days, Dharma centres are very organised and one can even receive teachings online. H.E. Tsem Rinpoche has many foreign students who follow Rinpoche’s teachings through the blog/website and they visit Kechara House now and then. Guru devotion is something that is not hindered by physical distance. I hope you find your spiritual guide soon.

Dear Tommie,

No, you do not need permission to do Setrap’s practice. In Kechara House, we conduct the Setrap puja in English on Mondays and in Chinese on Tuesdays. I hope you can join one of the pujas. By doing so, you will create the causes to receive oral transmissions.

Dear Jill,

Your description of your mala sounds interesting. I wouldn’t worry about the type of bodhiseeds, if I were you. In Buddhism, we must not be superstitious. A mala is used as a counter when we recite mantras. It is not the appearance of the mala that is important, but you must keep it clean as it is a holy object.

Dear Seth Chong,

I can feel that you love your mother very much. I also understand your wanting to share Buddhist Dharma with her as you are concerned about her future life. But at the same time, you know that she finds peace in Christianity and you are proud of her because of her care and sacrifices for others. I think you have a wonderful mother. She is a kind person who practises charity. According to Buddhist masters, charity is not sectarian. The love of one human being for another does not belong to any religion. Rejoice that your mother has found happiness in Christianity. As a son, show filial piety by being kind and loving and help her in any way you can to make her comfortable and happy. Dedicate your merits to her for her long life. If you’re worried about her state of mind at the time of death, read up on how one should act towards the dying. Make sure she has a peaceful state of mind, but in order to do that, you yourself must have a peaceful state of mind. I hope I have answered your question.

From the information given, it is not possible to gauge the level of practice of your friend’s father. Since you said that it’s not related to religion, I guess it must have been the type of meditation to relieve stress and for relaxation. In Buddhism, we believe in karma. Everything arises as a result of causes and conditions created in this life or in previous lives. There are practices that can help to prevent or reduce the suffering of illness, but one has to practise under a spiritual guide.

Dear lino,

First find out what type of qualifications and experience you would need to get the job. Then, if you don’t have those qualifications or experience, you must do something about them, like sign up for a course and learn about the profession as much as possible. Also, practise kindness and generosity. By giving to others your care and attention, you will create the causes to receive.

Dear L,

To overcome your problems, you have to learn Dharma and practice to acquire qualities or virtues that are the antidotes (opposites) of what you mentioned. First ask yourself why you are afraid of friends leaving you. Have you been unkind, jealous, and criticise others? From the Dharma point of view, you will find happiness if you are a kind, caring, generous and loving person. The opposite is true if you are selfish, self-centred, angersome, greedy, jealous and egoistic. Do away with your negative feelings and cultivate the positive ones. If you do so, I’m sure you will have plenty of friends.