What
Buddhists Believe
Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera
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Consulting
Mediums
Consulting mediums is not a Buddhist
practice: it is just a traditional and psychological belief.
In
many countries, people seek the advice and guidance of mediums to overcome
their problems in situations which they consider as beyond their
comprehension.
The medium's
help is sought in many ways and for various reasons. In time of sickness
when medical help is apparently ineffective, some people may become
desperate and turn anywhere to seek solace. At such times, mediums are
often consulted. Some people also turn to mediums when they are faced with
a complex and are unable to find an acceptable solution. Others consult
mediums out of greed in order to get rich quickly.
Some people believe that
when a medium is in a trance, the spirit of a certain god or deity
communicate through the medium and offers advice or guidance to those
seeking help. Others believe that the trance-state is the work of the
subconscious mind which surfaces and takes over the conscious mind.
Consulting mediums is a
fairly common practice amongst the public. The Buddhist attitude towards
consulting medium is one of neutrality. It is difficult to verify whether
what the medium conveys is correct or not. The practice of consulting
medium is not a Buddhist practice; it is just a traditional practice.
Consulting mediums is for
worldly material gain; the Teaching of the Buddha is for spiritual
development. However, if people believe what the medium conveys is true,
there is no reason for Buddhists to object to such practices.
If a person really
understands and practices the Teaching of the Buddha, he can realize the
nature of his problems. He can overcome his own problems without
consulting any medium.
-ooOoo-
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Source: Buddhist
Study and Practice Group, http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/
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Layout: Chan Duc - Nguyen Thao
Update : 01-11-2002
