Q : Do we need religion for our happiness or spiritual growth?

A: I think it differs from person to person. That is, it depends on what you gain through religious practice.

Q : What do you mean by gaining through religious practice?

A: Happiness or spiritual growth is related to mental qualities, such as love, compassion, peace, and impartiality. Therefore, if you can develop such qualities through religious practice, religion is necessary for you.

Q : What kind of people does not need religion?

A: Religion is not necessary for people who nurture hatred, using religion as a pretext, and discriminate against woman and the weak. You see duty of religion is to provide mental nutrition for person’s happiness and spiritual growth.

Q : As I know, Buddhism teaches “The Causal Action and The Resultant Effect” Then, how should I understand the fact that people who do not virtuous deeds live in affluence?

A: Before you judge the law of “The Causal Action and The Resultant Effect” you have to consider two facts: first, distinction between virtuous action and non-virtuous action and second, the exact meaning of well-being.

Q : Do you mean we can misjudge people’s action or have wrong concept of well-being?

A: Yes.

Q : Assuming we have right judgment of these two issues, then how could you explain inconsistency of “The Causal Action and The Resultant Effect”?

A: That is because “Three Poisons(greed, hatred, and ignorance)” are predominant in our society. In other words, since we are addicted to the “Three Poisons” the law of “The Causal Action and The Resultant Effect” is temporarily broken. Especially, ignorance among the “Three Poisons” is a root cause resulting such an inconsistency.

Q : How can we cure people who are addicted to the “Three Poisons”?

A: There are antidotes for “Three Poisons.” You can use generosity as an antidote for greed. You can also use wisdom as an antidote for ignorance. Loving-kindness can be used as an antidote for hatred.

Q : When we use wisdom as an antidote for ignorance, what is the most important skill or instrument?

A: There are two things: one is comprehension of impermanence and no-self and the other is the Middle Path based on the right view and the right thought.