Birth Dates Never Clash Negatively with those of
'Buddhist Gods' 15 Feb 06
- Ven. Sik Kwang Sheng (Secretary-General of Singapore Buddhist
Federation)
IN THE article 'M-cyclist dies in 4-vehicle collision on PIE' (ST,
Jan 31), it was reported that 'Mr Seah Peng Kee's relatives had
asked him to give offerings and incense to the gods because he was
born in the Year of the Dragon and his birth date clashed with that
of a Buddhist god. 'To Buddhists, this means bad luck,' said an
uncle who declined to be named.'
As we express our deep condolences to the family of the bereaved,
please allow us to clarify that the above belief is not Buddhist in
nature. In Buddhist teachings, there is no Buddha, Bodhisattva or
god whose birth date clashes negatively with that of any person,
which then requires some form of appeasement.
In Buddhism, so-called 'bad luck' can be averted by the active
practice of generosity to aid the needy. This creates positive
karma, which dilutes the ill effects of negative karma. However,
due to the complex dynamics of karma, fortunes and misfortunes can
be difficult to predict. What is of paramount importance is the
continual practice of good.
In Buddhism, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are the central subjects of
spiritual refuge, not any god. While Buddhist cosmology
acknowledges and respects the existence of many gods, some of whom
are Buddhist, the historical Buddha is called 'the teacher of
humans and gods' in the context of Buddhism.
In multi-religious Singapore, it is crucial to be mindful about use
of religious terms. We hope there will be more caution and
sensitivity in future, so as to preserve Singapore's religious
harmony, which is as precious as it is delicate.
