..续本文上一页uddhist Institute, excluding a few very specific Tantrayana practices, are all available to the public . The web is highly developed nowadays. Studying using the web is possibly more convenient.

　　(11) Question: I am a second grade junior high school (Year 8) student. I have been a Buddhist for two, three years. But recently, I entered a Christian school and whenever I tell the other students that I am a Buddhist, I am discriminated against. How should I face this

　　Reply: Your question is very good, and is very practical! To be situated in a Christian school, perhaps some do not understand you. But it is also possible that it is an effect of your own mind.

　　Irrespective of one”s belief, even when you come across great external obstacles, it is best not to easily change one”s belief. I have heard that here in Hong Kong, there are Buddhist teachers who teach at Christina schools, and Christian teachers who teach at Buddhist schools. They respect each other, learn from each other, and never ostracize each other.

　　In this vast society, the proportion of people who study a religion is already not a big one. Many religions have a compassionate side, so I believe that you should not be facing great difficulties where you are. Perhaps some of it is in the mind. Of course, if some people are being excessive, then it is necessary to find some means of mediation.

　　Generally, we do not wish to see conflict between religions, or ostracism between religious practitioners. A person with reason should not behave like this.

　　Question: There are many in my family who have become a monk or nun. But many people, including some relatives, cannot accept this. They feel that it is a very tragic event. What is your view on this

　　Reply: They feel that to become a monk or nun is very tragic. Actually when I first ordained, some around me also felt this. Even though in Tibet taking the monastic path is highly praised. But at the time, my teachers, fellow students, and friends felt very sad, and they felt that that was the end of me. But slowly, they seem to have accepted my being a monk, and no longer feel so repulsed by it.

　　In some communities, monastic are a sensitive group and are easily discriminated against. But in some places, monastic are very welcomed and many people respect them. Nowadays in many countries, more and more people accept and respect monastic, unlike in the 70s and 80s.

　　For you personally, irrespective of how others view this, you need to be strong. Take pride in being a monastic; often “flaunt” the merits of monasticism. If you can do this, then over time, those who were particularly against monasticism might also meet the conditions for monasticism.

　　(12) Question: I am a finance student. To realize that life is a dream allows one to be far removed from attachments. But is seeking Buddhadharma not also a dream

　　Reply: To seek the Buddhadharma is also a dream. But for the person dreaming, relying on this method, one is able to wake from the dream.

　　During my talk then I have clearly said: to accumulate dream-like and illusory merits, to attain dream-like and illusory wisdom, to banish dream-like and illusory obscuration, eventually to attain dream-like and illusory realization of Buddhahood. Therefore, when we seek the Buddhadharma now, even though it is in a dream, there is suffering in the dream, which can be overcome with the Dharma to achieve the ultimate liberation and peace.

　　If you would like to understand this more deeply, you can refer to teachings such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and Finding Rest from Illusion.

　　MC: Now let us draw Q&A to a close. Please welcome Dr. He Ronghan to give the concluding remarks.

　　Dr. He Ronghan”s concluding remarks:

　　After hearing these, I know that I am not qualified to make comments, but I believe that we all felt deeply grateful and listened respectfully to Khenpo”s talk.

　　The ancients saw the world constantly changing and reminded us a long time ago: nothing can be grasped. Today, this viewpoint seems to shock our hearts even more. Therefore, I agree with Khenpo”s view that modern people particularly need religion”s spiritual education to face this world, and face the many changes in life.

　　It is said in Buddhism that life is like a dream; everything is an illusory dream and a reflective bubble. We Christians also believe that life is like a blade of grass, sprouting in the morning, wilting by the evening, and everything flies by. Really, these all point to the impermanent and illusory nature of life.

　　Hong Kong is one of the places in the world with the longest life expectancies. Although this is the case, there are some children of around ten who jump from buildings to commit suicide. Thus, we really need masters like Khenpo nowadays to share with us the experiences of life and spirituality, or we can say that we need Buddhist ideas to face various changes appearing in the world. For Christians like myself, I firmly believe in the grace and blessing of the eternal God.

　　Actually both Buddhism and Christianity teach us in this evanescent world to face everything with a heart of gratitude. To face gains and losses with a sense of ease, to break down attachments, learn solidify one”s life direction and spirituality, and to bring wellness and happiness to oneself, to others, and to the world.

　　I believe that coming here to listen to Khenpo”s sharing of experiences on religion and spirituality, you have all gained a piece of happiness, a piece of contentment. I hope you will share this with those around you, bringing happiness and benefit to each corner of life.

　　Finally, may you all be healthy and happy!

《Questions & Answers at Hong Kong Institute of Education》全文阅读结束。