Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
24 December 2016
SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WITH NON-BUDDHISTS
Question: With regards to our daily engagements with non-Buddhists, going out to eat and drink is a very common way to socialise. However, Buddhists like us do not smoke or drink and only eat vegetarian food. How should we better handle these social interactions? What are the options available for us with regards to social activities? Master Lu, please enlighten us.
Answer: Firstly, Buddhist practitioners should practise self-discipline. Let others know that you are a Buddhist practitioner and that you are someone who observes the Precepts. That’s perfectly fine. At the beginning, others may ridicule you. However, as long as you persist, they will stop picking on you over time. Please remember, if you are sturdy like a pillar, people can only walk around you instead of pushing you. Conversely, if you are not determined, you will be pushed around by others in no time. It all boils down to your persistence. There are no two ways about it.
< Words of Wisdom