Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
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Can meditation be harmful?
I often see promotion of the positive benefits of meditation in the media and even in school and government settings. However, there is evidence meditation is not always beneficial. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201604/the-little-known-downsides-mindfulness-prac...
I often see promotion of the positive benefits of meditation in the media and even in school and government settings. However, there is evidence meditation is not always beneficial.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201604/the-little-known-downsides-mindfulness-practice
Is there much discussion of the possible negative aspects of meditation in Buddism?
For instance, could it leave one susceptible to malicious spirits?
yters
(181 rep)
Apr 11, 2019, 12:29 AM
• Last activity: Apr 14, 2019, 09:45 AM
2
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1
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Mundane Contemplation
I tend to contemplate beneficial topics throughout the day, shirking meditation at times. I conjecture such a daily contemplation is not highly concentrated. **Is there any information in Buddhism on mundane mental contemplation (if any)?** For example, how does reflecting on compassion throughout t...
I tend to contemplate beneficial topics throughout the day, shirking meditation at times. I conjecture such a daily contemplation is not highly concentrated.
**Is there any information in Buddhism on mundane mental contemplation (if any)?**
For example, how does reflecting on compassion throughout the day compare with compassion meditation? How does analysis or compassion fare when done with merely day-to-day concentration?
**Is there a benefit for un-concentrated contemplation on a virtuous topic? How would a Buddhist fare without formal meditative skills?**
user7302
Apr 13, 2019, 11:54 AM
• Last activity: Apr 13, 2019, 01:15 PM
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2
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Friendship and Compassion
I've realized that that I don't feel much friendliness for a person which I considered my friend previously. At the level of friendship, things are not the same. Yet, this person has done nothing wrong against me. I know they care deeply for me, they value me, and they have a hard time making friend...
I've realized that that I don't feel much friendliness for a person which I considered my friend previously. At the level of friendship, things are not the same.
Yet, this person has done nothing wrong against me. I know they care deeply for me, they value me, and they have a hard time making friends. Their life situation is also difficult.
I would describe them as a virtuous person, extremely caring, curious spiritually. For me, it is only the fact I don't *feel* the friendship to be there anymore that detracts me.
**In Buddhism, is friendship linked with compassion? Should I disregard the fact this person may suffer because sustaining the friendship would be untrue? Or, should I perhaps try to see things differently, and more compassionately?**
Thank you
user7302
Apr 12, 2019, 11:54 AM
• Last activity: Apr 13, 2019, 03:35 AM
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How much does the Bodhisattva way influence Theravadan practices?
I've read [Walpola Rahula][1] on this, and so I think I already understand that the frequently held view that the Bodhisattva concept is far less a part of Theravada than Mahayana, etc. is at best an over-simplification and at worst simply wrong. But I'd really like to hear it from the horse's mouth...
I've read Walpola Rahula on this, and so I think I already understand that the frequently held view that the Bodhisattva concept is far less a part of Theravada than Mahayana, etc. is at best an over-simplification and at worst simply wrong. But I'd really like to hear it from the horse's mouth -- i.e. a knowledgeable, practicing Theravadin (hint hint, calling Canada, calling Canada).
The simple fact is, even a slightly more than superficial reading of Tibetan practices (for example) places the Bodhisattva way front and center of all practice. Developing compassion for all beings isn't just a practice off to the side; it seems to permeate everything they do. With Theravada, OTOH, it really does seem to have a different (i.e. lower) emphasis. It's not *unimportant*, it just seems to be something that tags along, alongside the core meditation practice.
I'm pretty sure that is *incorrect*, but how? How exactly, if at all, is the daily life of a Theravada practitioner influenced by compassion for others and, again if at all, by the Bodhisattva way as exemplified by, for example, Shantideva in the *Bodhicaryavatara*.
tkp
(3146 rep)
Jul 6, 2014, 01:06 AM
• Last activity: Apr 12, 2019, 03:51 PM
3
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3
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Meditating on Public Transport
I saw there was one post about mindfulness on public transport. However, I felt these posts dealt with being mindful on public transport rather than *meditation*. I wonder: 1. **Is meditation itself possible/recommended on public transport?** 2. **Would the quality of such meditation, if lesser, dim...
I saw there was one post about mindfulness on public transport. However, I felt these posts dealt with being mindful on public transport rather than *meditation*. I wonder:
1. **Is meditation itself possible/recommended on public transport?**
2. **Would the quality of such meditation, if lesser, diminish the quality of general meditative practice?**
user7302
Mar 11, 2019, 07:35 PM
• Last activity: Apr 11, 2019, 02:14 PM
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Why can't we reason or logic our way to NIrvana?
I have read at various places that Nirvana can't be described or reached by logic or reason. ONLY meditation is the way. Why is that so? thanks in advance.
I have read at various places that Nirvana can't be described or reached by logic or reason. ONLY meditation is the way. Why is that so? thanks in advance.
Mumukshu
(111 rep)
Dec 30, 2018, 12:57 PM
• Last activity: Apr 11, 2019, 12:24 PM
8
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2
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Buddhism and addiction treatment
I have a lot of experience with addiction, both personal and professionally. In my job, I am in contact with many drug and alcohol addiction treatment workers. And I've been thinking about recommending integrating buddhist ideas and, perhaps more importantly, buddhist practice in drug and alcohol tr...
I have a lot of experience with addiction, both personal and professionally.
In my job, I am in contact with many drug and alcohol addiction treatment workers. And I've been thinking about recommending integrating buddhist ideas and, perhaps more importantly, buddhist practice in drug and alcohol treatment programs. I think that introducing buddhism, both on a philosophical level and as practice could be a great help for a lot of addicts. This has to be done properly, with competent teachers and it has to be voluntary.
Compare buddhism to AA/NA ideology (just a few examples):
AA/NA etc: externalized power...
Buddhism: internalized power
AA/NA etc: dogmatic...
Buddhism: non dogmatic
AA/NA etc: "you can get sober, but you won't get rid of the disease"...
Buddhism: "you can be free/get rid of the disease of suffering"
Does anybody heard of addiction treatment facilities trying to incorporate buddhism in their treatment?
Mr. Concept
(2683 rep)
Nov 26, 2015, 03:34 PM
• Last activity: Apr 10, 2019, 10:15 PM
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Spontaneity in Zen
This [Zen Buddhism](http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/zen_1.shtml) article starts with, > Zen often seems paradoxical - it requires an intense discipline which, when practised properly, results in total spontaneity and ultimate freedom. This natural spontaneity should not...
This [Zen Buddhism](http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/zen_1.shtml) article starts with,
> Zen often seems paradoxical - it requires an intense discipline which, when practised properly, results in total spontaneity and ultimate freedom. This natural spontaneity should not be confused with impulsiveness.
What would they mean by "intense discipline" there, for example ... is it the routine in a monastery?
More centrally, to this question, what is the role of "spontaneity"? Is it a goal? A means to the goal? A side-effect or symptom of having reached "the goal"? Is spontaneity *practised* somehow, or is that a paradox?
Is there famous (written and translated) Zen doctrine on the subject ... an explanation by someone?
Does it (or something like it) exist, as a value or as a goal or whatever it is, in other schools of Buddhism (e.g. Theravada, or ...)?
Is it spontaneity but within some limits? For example, within the limits of "ethical rules" ... or within the limits of, I don't know, calligraphic and/or other arts, for example?
Assuming it's a well-known concept, is "spontaneity" the right word, the right translation for it? What could be other translations? What's the original (pre-translated) word or words?
ChrisW
(48747 rep)
May 7, 2018, 10:41 PM
• Last activity: Apr 10, 2019, 03:46 PM
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Meaning of Blessing Pills
After taking refuge within the Karma Kagyu tradition, I got "blessing pills". I have no idea, by which occasion I should take them, how they are manufactured and in which historical, cultural and ritualistic context they are embed. The answer I got where not helpful.
After taking refuge within the Karma Kagyu tradition, I got "blessing pills". I have no idea, by which occasion I should take them, how they are manufactured and in which historical, cultural and ritualistic context they are embed. The answer I got where not helpful.
S.H
(298 rep)
Apr 10, 2019, 07:12 AM
• Last activity: Apr 10, 2019, 11:54 AM
-3
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2
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Clarification on a different notion of Prince Rahula's parentage said to be in Mahayana buddhism
If we refer to Buddhist literature there are several versions of the same story. It differs between the branches Theravada and Mahayana and even within one branch the interpretation varies. Recently I read about quite a controversial notion of Prince Rahula's (Prince Siddhartha and Princess Yashodha...
If we refer to Buddhist literature there are several versions of the same story. It differs between the branches Theravada and Mahayana and even within one branch the interpretation varies.
Recently I read about quite a controversial notion of Prince Rahula's (Prince Siddhartha and Princess Yashodhara's son) that was said to be a belief in Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. The story says that
> "Princess Yashodhara had an affair with Prince Siddhartha's charioteer
> Channa and Prince Rahula is the son of Channa"
I googled about this and could not find any references. Can someone clarify this and if it's an accepted belief can you please provide a reference?
SriniShine
(95 rep)
Apr 6, 2019, 07:13 PM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2019, 05:17 PM
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5
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Suffering in Meditation Versus in Daily Life
I feel like this is a naive question, but I'm wondering what is the difference between experiencing discomfort and distress in meditation versus in daily life outside of meditation. **Do the *same* states generate different results in each case, depending on the co-arising factors?** EDIT: For examp...
I feel like this is a naive question, but I'm wondering what is the difference between experiencing discomfort and distress in meditation versus in daily life outside of meditation. **Do the *same* states generate different results in each case, depending on the co-arising factors?**
EDIT: For example, suffering in daily life might undergo rumination and even being acted upon. In meditation, perhaps the same suffering will be diminished by the arising qualities from meditation, like equanimity or compassion. **Is this the case?**
user7302
Apr 7, 2019, 12:37 PM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2019, 03:43 PM
8
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4
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Dealing with Lust
I am wondering about the nature of lust and its remedies. I know Buddhism posits that lust depends on the sense organs, and contact with an object. Thus, I've read it promotes decreasing this contact and guarding the senses. Yet, I find myself experience lust seemingly detached from contact, or rath...
I am wondering about the nature of lust and its remedies. I know Buddhism posits that lust depends on the sense organs, and contact with an object. Thus, I've read it promotes decreasing this contact and guarding the senses.
Yet, I find myself experience lust seemingly detached from contact, or rather, lust with a subjective emphasis. It is my imaginations that flare and cause me to experience lust, but only at certain key moments. I specify this because *most* of the time, I do not experience lustful thought processes. Only at certain moments does it almost seem like my guard is down, and my mindfulness absent, and lust resurfaces in an almost obsessive way.
I have not managed to find a way to decrease the periodic surfacing of lust I describe. It seems more inherent to myself as a subject than caused by objects intrinsically.
In terms of remedies:
(1) I wonder whether natural masturbation without erotic material is bad. Could it potentially reduce these types of surfacing lust? Or, rather, would abstinence decrease lust more effectively. I feel in this second case the libidinal drive might simply increase, whereas in the first libido is kept even. But perhaps I am wrong.
(2) Is there any Buddhist information on interior causes for such lust?
Thanks for any answer.
user7302
Sep 23, 2017, 01:39 AM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2019, 09:23 AM
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5
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Do you have to become a Monk to attain enlightment?
It seems that the answer is no, but in this case, why would you want to become a monk instead of staying "normal" ?
It seems that the answer is no, but in this case, why would you want to become a monk instead of staying "normal" ?
Link
(1 rep)
Apr 7, 2019, 08:29 PM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2019, 07:18 AM
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Who or what creats a realm of existance?
What or who is the cause that a realm of existance comes into being? Or is such accidentally? Or an unconditioned phenomena? A material-alone phenomena? What causes your world you "be", have "been", could or will "be"?
What or who is the cause that a realm of existance comes into being?
Or is such accidentally? Or an unconditioned phenomena? A material-alone phenomena?
What causes your world you "be", have "been", could or will "be"?
Samana Johann
(7 rep)
Apr 9, 2019, 12:20 AM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2019, 03:32 AM
0
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2
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Meals in the afternoon and different time zones
How do Buddhist monks deal with meals while traveling across different time zones?
How do Buddhist monks deal with meals while traveling across different time zones?
s15o
(205 rep)
Apr 7, 2019, 01:33 AM
• Last activity: Apr 7, 2019, 07:20 AM
11
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6
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Software programming/Art and Buddhist Practice - Pursuing creative activity
I have read [this][1] question but I'm seeking more advice. So it is quite obvious in the activity of software programming that we cannot help but think about programming concepts and also end up creating objects as concepts (as in Object Oriented Programming) and make something work. Now, I underst...
I have read this question but I'm seeking more advice.
So it is quite obvious in the activity of software programming that we cannot help but think about programming concepts and also end up creating objects as concepts (as in Object Oriented Programming) and make something work.
Now, I understand their usefulness in the context of what I am working on.
Invariably, I get flustered and frustrated sometimes when something doesn't work because I am lost in the process of creation of that thing which I am currently working on, the cause being I am not mindful. Because mindfulness means there is an observer observing the mind and thoughts, which may lead to emotions. But in this activity the mind is busy creating things which would work on a system.
Also, sometimes work is incomplete, and you do get an urge to work on something but also you could spend the time to do samatha or vipassana. How to decide efficiently in these cases?
How to balance mindfulness, be equanimous and pursue this kind of creative activity at the same time? Or is this a curse that you cannot do it effectively in the process of creativity?
I would like to know if someone dealt with this and how? Thank you.
esh
(2272 rep)
Jan 1, 2016, 07:44 AM
• Last activity: Apr 6, 2019, 07:03 PM
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4
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Despairing About Meditative Regularity
I have set the amount of time I meditate (focused attention/shamatha) at merely 15 minutes per day. Despite this, despite all my best efforts, I seem to still skip a day or two now and then. **Why is this? Would changing the type of meditation help?** I had read positive emotions help develop a habi...
I have set the amount of time I meditate (focused attention/shamatha) at merely 15 minutes per day. Despite this, despite all my best efforts, I seem to still skip a day or two now and then.
**Why is this? Would changing the type of meditation help?**
I had read positive emotions help develop a habit. When I meditate mindfully on the breath, there are no such emotions; doing compassion meditation, positive affect arises. **Would this affective benefit motivate a meditative practice?**
user7302
Mar 11, 2019, 07:23 PM
• Last activity: Apr 5, 2019, 09:36 PM
1
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4
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434
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Which sutras are most directly relevant to the virtue of courage?
If I want to read through the origins of western (really, Greek) thought about the virtue we generally call courage, I know exactly where to go: Laches, Republic, Nicomachean Ethics, etc. Meanwhile, while courage has played a central role in many of the dharma talks I've listened to, if someone aske...
If I want to read through the origins of western (really, Greek) thought about the virtue we generally call courage, I know exactly where to go: Laches, Republic, Nicomachean Ethics, etc. Meanwhile, while courage has played a central role in many of the dharma talks I've listened to, if someone asked me where to look for a Buddhist theory of courage I wouldn't know any particular place to start.
Within the most widely accepted Buddhist scriptures (especially but not limited to the Pali Canon) are there are any "go-to" sutras on the subject of courage? (Especially from a philosophical, psychological, or theoretical standpoint - whether or not that theory is grounded in narrative or discourse.)
[This question](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/25817/compassion-is-a-result-of-knowledge-but-what-about-courage) gives several interesting references for modern writings about courage, but said I'm particularly interested in the older premodern stuff.
Flux
(113 rep)
Apr 4, 2019, 03:18 AM
• Last activity: Apr 4, 2019, 08:57 PM
6
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7
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3170
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Seven 10-day and one 20-day Goenka Course but no "good results"
I have attended seven 10-day and one 20-day Goenka course, but never experienced either the "subtle sensations" or the "free flow." I have stopped going to Goenka retreats because I get frustrated hearing about how after the first day I should be experiencing such and such, etc. I still practice ana...
I have attended seven 10-day and one 20-day Goenka course, but never experienced either the "subtle sensations" or the "free flow." I have stopped going to Goenka retreats because I get frustrated hearing about how after the first day I should be experiencing such and such, etc. I still practice anapana for a couple of hours a day and study the Dhamma, and am resigned to being apparently incapable of having these experiences, which they also say are not important, lol. However, Goenka talks about them over and over in the courses and about how various people get "good results." I wonder if others have this experience also, and how they have dealt with it.
Moha3
(71 rep)
Oct 4, 2016, 05:45 PM
• Last activity: Apr 4, 2019, 04:33 AM
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4
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How can I practice mindfulness meditation with sound, not breathing?
I want to start practising meditation, but breathing exercises extremely psyche me out. I find any activity that involves intensely focusing on a part of my body distressing, sometimes nauseating. So the traditional "focus on your breath" mindfulness meditations aren't really ideal for me. I like th...
I want to start practising meditation, but breathing exercises extremely psyche me out. I find any activity that involves intensely focusing on a part of my body distressing, sometimes nauseating. So the traditional "focus on your breath" mindfulness meditations aren't really ideal for me.
I like the idea of meditating listening to sound, for example the sound of rain or waves on my phone. But I'm completely new to meditation and am not sure how best to implement this practice. Should I wear over ear headphones, or is it best to have the music ambient and not directly my ear? Should I be sitting up or lying in bed? (I don't really have any other comfortable spots in my house besides my bed.) Should it be light, dark or semi-dark? Eyes open or closed etc.?
The basic question I'm asking is: what are the best practices and practicalities for mindfulness meditation using sound?
Lou
(141 rep)
Jan 4, 2019, 09:51 AM
• Last activity: Apr 4, 2019, 03:17 AM
Showing page 226 of 20 total questions