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Buddhism

Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice

Latest Questions

3 votes
3 answers
231 views
Is there any AI that teach the Dhamma?
>Are there any Artificial Intelligence applications that can teach the Dhamma that are already out there or are still being developed? > >What can these AI apps do with Buddhism? > >How can they facilitate practice? > >What will AI in development possibly be able to do in relation to Buddhism in the...
>Are there any Artificial Intelligence applications that can teach the Dhamma that are already out there or are still being developed? > >What can these AI apps do with Buddhism? > >How can they facilitate practice? > >What will AI in development possibly be able to do in relation to Buddhism in the future? ___ Here are some examples of what I mean. Could AI: ___ ...have a conversation with the Tipitaka as it's database? ___ ...understand all the arguments and controversies and debate certain topics? ___ ...help guide someone in their meditation. ___ Metta.
Lowbrow (7466 rep)
Jan 6, 2018, 05:54 PM • Last activity: Jan 11, 2018, 03:57 PM
0 votes
0 answers
32 views
Existence of Absolute time
Absolute, true and mathematical time, of itself, and from its own nature flows equably without regard to anything external, and by another name is called duration: relative, apparent and common time, is some sensible and external (whether accurate or unequable) measure of duration by the means of mo...
Absolute, true and mathematical time, of itself, and from its own nature flows equably without regard to anything external, and by another name is called duration: relative, apparent and common time, is some sensible and external (whether accurate or unequable) measure of duration by the means of motion, which is commonly used instead of true time ... According to Newton, absolute time exists independently of any perceiver and progresses at a consistent pace throughout the universe. Unlike relative time, Newton believed absolute time was imperceptible and could only be understood mathematically. According to Newton, humans are only capable of perceiving relative time, which is a measurement of perceivable objects in motion (like the Moon or Sun). From these movements, we infer the passage of time. After analyze above text by Isaac Newton and state; The "Absolute time" is just a concept rooted from "Anatta"(impermanence) the one of three characteristic of nature in Buddhist teaching. Anatta is everlasting process without end or start and is very helpful to eliminate the wrong view of "creation". So this is one vital explanation that Buddhism ahead of scientific theories. So if I say the fabricated absolute time concept not genuine and the declaration of "Anatta" is the fact and genuine invention,is it acceptable?
danuka shewantha (627 rep)
Jan 11, 2018, 02:05 PM
0 votes
3 answers
494 views
What is the meaning of the word Dhamma?
Can anyone please explain the meaning of the word Dhamma in the sentence "Sabbe Dhamma Anatta"? Since Anatta is Truth; Am I an instance of Dhamma?
Can anyone please explain the meaning of the word Dhamma in the sentence "Sabbe Dhamma Anatta"? Since Anatta is Truth; Am I an instance of Dhamma?
Dheeraj Verma (4296 rep)
Jan 8, 2018, 04:56 PM • Last activity: Jan 11, 2018, 11:50 AM
1 votes
5 answers
336 views
past memory of recall previous life
There are discussions about previous life recall and it is can't be scientifically proven. According to modern science memory are electrical traces on neuron cells in brain and that is scientific fact and modern scientist have recreate memory artificially as it is. So memory has physical aspect rath...
There are discussions about previous life recall and it is can't be scientifically proven. According to modern science memory are electrical traces on neuron cells in brain and that is scientific fact and modern scientist have recreate memory artificially as it is. So memory has physical aspect rather than mysterious spiritual aspect. My specific question is how do it prove that recall of previous lives which does't cope with facts?
danuka shewantha (627 rep)
Dec 28, 2017, 09:23 AM • Last activity: Jan 11, 2018, 06:06 AM
5 votes
5 answers
474 views
Five precepts and lower realms
My understanding is that, although we are practicing five precepts in this life, there is no guarantee we will not be reborn in lower realm, it is possible to take rebirth in lower realm in the next life or many lives after. But according some sources, when one practices five precepts that person wi...
My understanding is that, although we are practicing five precepts in this life, there is no guarantee we will not be reborn in lower realm, it is possible to take rebirth in lower realm in the next life or many lives after. But according some sources, when one practices five precepts that person will not be reborn in one of the lower realms (in the next life). Which one is the correct one?
B1100 (1201 rep)
Jan 8, 2018, 09:41 AM • Last activity: Jan 10, 2018, 09:31 PM
1 votes
3 answers
282 views
What does the first para of Lonaphala Sutta mean?
The first paragraph of the [Lonaphala Sutta][1], translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, states: > "Monks, for anyone who says, 'In whatever way a person makes kamma, > that is how it is experienced,' there is no living of the holy life, > there is no opportunity for the right ending of stress. But for an...
The first paragraph of the Lonaphala Sutta , translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, states: > "Monks, for anyone who says, 'In whatever way a person makes kamma, > that is how it is experienced,' there is no living of the holy life, > there is no opportunity for the right ending of stress. But for anyone > who says, 'When a person makes kamma to be felt in such & such a way, > that is how its result is experienced,' there is the living of the > holy life, there is the opportunity for the right ending of stress. I feel that this is not the best possible translation for this paragraph of the sutta. Please explain what it really means.
ruben2020 (41280 rep)
Jan 4, 2018, 05:09 AM • Last activity: Jan 10, 2018, 10:00 AM
1 votes
6 answers
532 views
How do we guarantee the accuracy and validity of Buddhist scriptures?
In this site participators draw statements from "Buddhist scriptures" (Suttas), considering them pure and directly from Buddha's words. Some of these statements [seem] closer to fantasy, supernaturals, assumptions and speculations; and few are false statements (e.g "thoughts are generated in heart"...
In this site participators draw statements from "Buddhist scriptures" (Suttas), considering them pure and directly from Buddha's words. Some of these statements [seem] closer to fantasy, supernaturals, assumptions and speculations; and few are false statements (e.g "thoughts are generated in heart" is mentioned in Abhidharma). Also information extracted from Buddhist scriptures are mixed with Hindu concepts as milk and water (most of original Buddhist scriptures were destroyed in Thakshila). In the kalama sutta it mentions that to completely depend on scriptures is useless. So how it can be verified statements exactly from Buddha himself (not as a label or maintain faith) just to get progress of right learning and confidence? Buddhism has history of 2500 years, and scriptures were produced around 300 years after death of Buddha. So how do we guarantee the accuracy and validity of thousands of Buddhist scriptures? --- Here's another example: > Then Ānanda, listen and attend carefully, I will tell. > > The Blessed One said: Ānanda, as long as the moon and sun illuminate the directions, till then the thousandfold world systems will prevail, with a thousand, moons, suns, Mahameru mountains, Indian peninsulars, Aparagoyanas, Uttarakurus, Pubhavidehas, fourfold oceans, fourfold rulers, fourfold guardian kings, heavens of the thirty-three, heavens of Titan gods, heavens of happiness, heavens of the gods of creation, heavens of the gods who create others, worlds of Brahma. Ānanda, to this is called the thousandfold Cūlanika world system. Ānanda, as long as the thousandfold Cūlanika world system prevails till then the thousandfold world system, calls this the two thousandfold middle world system. Ānanda, as long as the two thousandfold middle world element prevails till then the thousandfold world system calls this the three thousandfold and the great thousandfold world system. Ānanda, if the Thus Gone One desires, he announces to the three thousandfold and the great thousandfold world system. These statements in suttas are closer to fantasy and speculations. How do you explain these with modern cosmology?
danuka shewantha (627 rep)
Jan 4, 2018, 08:33 AM • Last activity: Jan 10, 2018, 02:18 AM
0 votes
2 answers
122 views
Does kama have a place in the life of a practitioner after losing kamacchanda?
Since kamacchanda is one of the five hindrances, it seems to be something to overcome. Does that mean then that there is no more place for art and beauty in the life of a practitioner after the first jhana, according to Buddhist teaching? Or can you have a healthy relationship with kama? Is taking p...
Since kamacchanda is one of the five hindrances, it seems to be something to overcome. Does that mean then that there is no more place for art and beauty in the life of a practitioner after the first jhana, according to Buddhist teaching? Or can you have a healthy relationship with kama? Is taking pleasure in a tree or a conversation with a friend kamacchanda?
Simon H (305 rep)
Jan 7, 2018, 08:52 PM • Last activity: Jan 9, 2018, 11:52 PM
1 votes
5 answers
414 views
Why are desires in The Five Hindrances only about "sensual" desires?
The five hindrances consist of sensual desires. ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and doubt. I have often wondered why the first hindrance are limited to sensual desires as this is leaving out the desires/attachment that one can have to other things, like desires for power/control, to be love...
The five hindrances consist of sensual desires. ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and doubt. I have often wondered why the first hindrance are limited to sensual desires as this is leaving out the desires/attachment that one can have to other things, like desires for power/control, to be loved or approved of, to achieve, to feel secure. I have always wondered why these are not included as obstacles to spiritual freedom in the dhamma, as they are often much more in the foreground than sensual desires when trying to obtain concentration. Thoughts like "I should have done otherwise", "why did she say so to me", "I need to find a solution", "I must improve" are coming from such needs or attachments. I cannot understand why the first hindrance only talks about sensual desires when there are all these other desires?
OPL (111 rep)
Jan 7, 2018, 11:30 PM • Last activity: Jan 9, 2018, 11:17 PM
0 votes
3 answers
237 views
Why is Buddha needed?
In order to attain Nirvana one must be able to understand that his or her self is an illusion , error or is like a dream. This understanding doesn't come naturally. Naturally one finds that there is a self. Naturally one finds that he or she is behind feelings ,thoughts ,perceptions. Most humans and...
In order to attain Nirvana one must be able to understand that his or her self is an illusion , error or is like a dream. This understanding doesn't come naturally. Naturally one finds that there is a self. Naturally one finds that he or she is behind feelings ,thoughts ,perceptions. Most humans and animals (I guess ) would more likely observe and conclude that I am angry, I am coming , I am going , I am doing this or that , I am suffering etc.. He fails to see that he is made up of aggregates. He fails to see that all aggregates dissolve. He fails to see that his self will dissolve too because it is made up of aggregates.He clings to the thought that that was me. Clearly we see that in order to attain Nirvana a sophisticated Teacher is required because Nirvana requires a deep understanding of self. I wonder whether a teacher is always required for Nirvana or nature provides a clue to non-existence of self. So my questions are : Is it possible for humans or animals to attain automatic Nirvana? (Here automatic means without any help from external teacher) If yes , then what is the need of Buddha ? EDIT : For more clarification on the meaning and nature of the word Automatic in the above question I add the following: I say automatic Nirvana in the above question because all aggregates must dissolve automatically and complete dissolution of Self is Nirvana.No amount of Karma or no kind of karma can keep the Self alive forever.Self by nature is liable to pass away as an error , illusion or dream. Here I quote,from the book Buddha by Dr. Hermann Oldenberg ,page 216, about the things which no one can stop from happening: > There are five things which no Samana, and no Brahman, and no god, > neither Mara, nor Brahma, nor any being in the universe, can bring > about. What five things are these ? That what is subject to old age, > should not grow old, that what is subject to sickness, should not be > sick, that what is subject to death, should not die, that what is > subject to decay, should not decay, that what is liable to pass away, > should not pass away—this can no Samana bring about, nor any Brahman, > nor any god, neither Mara, nor Brahma, nor any being in the Universe." If no one can stop the dissolution of Self from happening then we see that eventually everyone will attain Nirvana with or without a great teacher like Buddha.
Dheeraj Verma (4296 rep)
Aug 29, 2017, 01:04 PM • Last activity: Jan 9, 2018, 07:01 PM
3 votes
2 answers
248 views
Which branches of Buddhism acknowledge the Parable Sutra?
This Sutra, known in Chinese as 佛说譬喻经, has been [translated into English][1] by Charles Patton. The Sutra makes a part of [Taisho Tripitaka][2] ([Takakusu Junjiro][3]'s edition). The text is known worldwide, also as a part of parables from other than Buddhist tradition. My question is, do Theravada...
This Sutra, known in Chinese as 佛说譬喻经, has been translated into English by Charles Patton. The Sutra makes a part of Taisho Tripitaka (Takakusu Junjiro 's edition). The text is known worldwide, also as a part of parables from other than Buddhist tradition. My question is, do Theravada and Mahayana acknowledge this Sutra as words of Buddha as well?
Manjusri (231 rep)
Jan 6, 2018, 12:58 AM • Last activity: Jan 9, 2018, 02:23 PM
1 votes
1 answers
1535 views
Who actually is the 'Devil King Of the Sixth Heaven'?
I want to ask who is the devil king of the sixth heaven actually is and i also want to ask what happen to the people who suicide in buddhism ?
I want to ask who is the devil king of the sixth heaven actually is and i also want to ask what happen to the people who suicide in buddhism ?
AlphaBetA (11 rep)
Jan 9, 2018, 02:13 AM • Last activity: Jan 9, 2018, 10:58 AM
1 votes
2 answers
168 views
What increases the Anisanasa of Dāna (the rewards of giving)?
I have an unclear thing about *Anisansa* (Rewards). Is it more powerful giving something to more religious person (Buddhist monks) than giving it normal person? Could you please tell me a Sutra which talks about this. Thank you. Theruwan Saranai, Tharindu
I have an unclear thing about *Anisansa* (Rewards). Is it more powerful giving something to more religious person (Buddhist monks) than giving it normal person? Could you please tell me a Sutra which talks about this. Thank you. Theruwan Saranai, Tharindu
Tharindu Rajindra Piyasekara (11 rep)
Oct 10, 2017, 10:14 AM • Last activity: Jan 8, 2018, 08:58 PM
1 votes
0 answers
84 views
Where can I get authentic Yab-Yum statues/figurines?
Ebay and Amazon have either very large and (prohibitively) expensive ones or those mass-produced in China. Where can I get a bronze or brass figurine that is small in size. Thank you.
Ebay and Amazon have either very large and (prohibitively) expensive ones or those mass-produced in China. Where can I get a bronze or brass figurine that is small in size. Thank you.
user12828 (11 rep)
Jan 8, 2018, 05:02 AM
10 votes
9 answers
2442 views
What are the Core Teachings of Buddhism?
I asked, What is the core teachings of the Buddha, ( As I do Know ) There was no modern traditions then. I know that there has been a Buddhist Council gathered to try an reach the core understandings. I Hoped that some may know this, an may even have insight on what they reached an what has been dec...
I asked, What is the core teachings of the Buddha, ( As I do Know ) There was no modern traditions then. I know that there has been a Buddhist Council gathered to try an reach the core understandings. I Hoped that some may know this, an may even have insight on what they reached an what has been decided on. I find that some traditions and methods tend to confuse and distract away from what little teachings I could find. You can find the core teachings of Jesus by reading the Bible, There is no Buddhist Bible. Im so far unable to find a english Pali Canon to read. To me when people say I must have a tradition to know what the teacher says its like saying you can't explain jesus's teachings cause its to hard with out traditions. You dont have to be catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Evangelicalism, or even Baptist to simply look up the text an see for your self what he taught, without the dogmas and doctrines to keep you ensnared into a rigid form of the faith an blind to what it means. This examples shows how some traditions an customs keep you from the truth an keep you distracted away from the teachings. So that is why Im asking with out traditions. What Texts can I find that are in english to read, that would help me. Or if a tradition must be needed, then what is the closest to exactly how Siddartha taught would help me get started in that direction. Hopefuly This time I can say what I intended on my own question.
Oswulf (559 rep)
Oct 13, 2014, 09:18 PM • Last activity: Jan 7, 2018, 03:14 PM
2 votes
7 answers
3677 views
Shouldn't I kill even mosquitoes that bite me by first precept?
By first precept I shouldn't kill even a mosquito it bite me but when as by 7th precept I can listen music for therapy If things fall into such circumstances like this mosquito biting can lead me to malaria or dengue. Also I've to ask if I can consume yogurt when it's made with help of bacterias the...
By first precept I shouldn't kill even a mosquito it bite me but when as by 7th precept I can listen music for therapy If things fall into such circumstances like this mosquito biting can lead me to malaria or dengue. Also I've to ask if I can consume yogurt when it's made with help of bacterias they are also living being. I don't mean I'm trying to find breaking precepts,but I stopped killing them really.
Swapnil (2164 rep)
Nov 28, 2016, 04:35 PM • Last activity: Jan 7, 2018, 11:48 AM
2 votes
1 answers
133 views
Pattern of Strong Aversion
I noticed that when I engage in a task I am very able until I reach my limit, namely the point where I had enough, where effort and suffering kicks in. I noticed: - When I reach that point I lose energy, thinking becomes more difficult, confused. With something I enjoy it is the opposite. - When I r...
I noticed that when I engage in a task I am very able until I reach my limit, namely the point where I had enough, where effort and suffering kicks in. I noticed: - When I reach that point I lose energy, thinking becomes more difficult, confused. With something I enjoy it is the opposite. - When I reach that points demotivating thoughts as "This is worthless," "What's the point of doing this?" occur. Even in meditation I am able to go a long time without effort or difficulty if I feel like it, but when there is resistance I fall asleep or want to do something else. My question is: how can one increase their tolerance to physical pain and effort, suffering, etc. -- all the things linked with aversion to negative states? (Keep in mind that when I meditate at the wrong time I fall asleep or encounter difficulty). Thank you.
user7302
Oct 27, 2017, 04:30 PM • Last activity: Jan 6, 2018, 05:27 PM
0 votes
1 answers
120 views
Did the Buddha ever teach logic?
Was western logic ever taught by the Buddha? How about Indian logic? How can logic be useful in the Eightfold Path? How could logic be a hindrance? How could logic be a blessing?
Was western logic ever taught by the Buddha? How about Indian logic? How can logic be useful in the Eightfold Path? How could logic be a hindrance? How could logic be a blessing?
Lowbrow (7466 rep)
Jan 6, 2018, 03:32 PM • Last activity: Jan 6, 2018, 05:26 PM
2 votes
4 answers
1256 views
Different interpretations of the 6 realms
What are the psychological and metaphorical interpretations of the 6 realms and why are they significant to some Buddhists but not others?
What are the psychological and metaphorical interpretations of the 6 realms and why are they significant to some Buddhists but not others?
Hari (484 rep)
Jan 1, 2018, 04:56 PM • Last activity: Jan 6, 2018, 11:25 AM
1 votes
4 answers
94 views
How can we say no without giving explanations?
Let's say that a friend asks you if you want to go on a trip with him. You have a bad feeling about it, your intuition raises a red flag. How do you say no without making up a fake excuse? When I say "no, thanks for your offer but I don't feel like it." People tend to try to convince me, and I end u...
Let's say that a friend asks you if you want to go on a trip with him. You have a bad feeling about it, your intuition raises a red flag. How do you say no without making up a fake excuse? When I say "no, thanks for your offer but I don't feel like it." People tend to try to convince me, and I end up having to be cold. I can't realistically say "I appreciate your offer but my intuition tells me that this is a bad idea and I can't explain to you why."
Hseeker (11 rep)
Jan 5, 2018, 01:46 AM • Last activity: Jan 6, 2018, 11:01 AM
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