Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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What is it that pass from this life to the next?
A friend wanted to know the Buddhist position on rebirth/reincarnation since we don’t believe in a permanent soul. Specifically, what is it that pass from this life to the next? “Karma” was my reply then. There was a look of disappointment; the answer was obviously unsatisfying. I have seen this que...
A friend wanted to know the Buddhist position on rebirth/reincarnation since we don’t believe in a permanent soul. Specifically, what is it that pass from this life to the next? “Karma” was my reply then. There was a look of disappointment; the answer was obviously unsatisfying.
I have seen this question asked in this forum in some form or another; here (1) , here (2) , here (3) , here (4) , here (5) , here (6) and there (7) .
Looking at the number of times this topic appears, I am not trying to get a definitive answer. Instead, how would you answer this question so that it can enlighten/delight/pacify someone from a non-Buddhist tradition (with some inclinations towards an eternal soul). Note that the target audience do not have a deep understanding in Buddhist concepts e.g. the 5 clinging aggregates. Hopefully, the next time another non-Buddhist friend ask a similar question, I won't turn them off but to **entice** them to investigate further.
(Interestingly, looking at the tag info on rebirth in this forum, it says:
“The consciousness in the new person is neither identical nor entirely different from that in the deceased but the two form a causal continuum or stream”, I wonder who wrote this.)
Desmon
(2918 rep)
Jul 15, 2023, 06:21 AM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2025, 04:05 PM
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3
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Have any Madhyamaka scholars responded to Avi Sion’s criticisms of Nāgārjuna?
In his book [Buddhist Illogic: A Critical Analysis of Nāgārjuna's Arguments][1], Avi Sion makes strong criticisms of Nāgārjuna and the Madhyamaka school. Have any Madhyamaka scholars (either traditional or academic) directly responded to Avi Sion’s arguments in this book? If not specifically to Sion...
In his book Buddhist Illogic: A Critical Analysis of Nāgārjuna's Arguments , Avi Sion makes strong criticisms of Nāgārjuna and the Madhyamaka school. Have any Madhyamaka scholars (either traditional or academic) directly responded to Avi Sion’s arguments in this book? If not specifically to Sion, are there published scholarly works that address similar critiques of Nāgārjuna’s reasoning (e.g. accusations of sophistry or inconsistency)?
Cultural cicada
(69 rep)
Sep 23, 2025, 03:27 PM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2025, 04:48 AM
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6
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What does 'name-and-form' mean?
In the book *In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from Pali Canon* by Bhikku Bodhi, I read: > When there is no *name-and-form*, consciousness does not come to be; with the cessation of *name-and-form* comes the cessation of consciousness. What is the meaning of *name-and-form*; whose na...
In the book *In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from Pali Canon* by Bhikku Bodhi, I read:
> When there is no *name-and-form*, consciousness does not come to be; with the cessation of *name-and-form* comes the cessation of consciousness.
What is the meaning of *name-and-form*; whose name and what form? How is the arising and cessation of consciousness linked with it?
The White Cloud
(2430 rep)
Dec 24, 2023, 07:56 AM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2025, 08:19 PM
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6
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Is there a free (libre or open) version of Visuddhimagga in a digital text or HTML format?
I can't use the _Path of Purification_ [PDF version][1] of AccessToInsight.org because ... 1. I want to restructure/retranslate Visuddhimagga into english. 2. I want to add the reference link in each word of Visuddhimagga to the source in tipitaka. 3. I want to make the link **directly** to the expe...
I can't use the _Path of Purification_ PDF version of AccessToInsight.org because ...
1. I want to restructure/retranslate Visuddhimagga into english.
2. I want to add the reference link in each word of Visuddhimagga to the source in tipitaka.
3. I want to make the link **directly** to the expected page of Visuddhimagga and make the highlight to the expected text when I answer or make an article.
... so I want the computerised text version, to publish in HTML format on the internet.
It requires a very long time to do a new translation of it all, because English is not my native language -- and I require a very long time as well to translate pāli even in my native language -- and so I think it would be faster and more effective to restructure from another's version/translation.
Therefore:
1. Is there a free (i.e. [libre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratis_versus_libre) or [open](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source)) version of Visuddhimagga in a computerized text format?
2. Is there a computerised text version of the Budaedu's Visuddhimagga version ?
Or can you tell me about obtaining permission (and the data) from a copyright holder?
---
I'm principally looking for something like [a license](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/) which allows:
- Distribution and
- Creating a derivative work
... and a corresponding text format which can be converted to e.g. HTML.
Bonn
(6384 rep)
Jan 11, 2019, 07:50 AM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2025, 06:26 AM
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3
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What happens to the hell beings as the universe comes to an end?
This question was inspired by [an earlier one](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/51807/do-any-sub-sects-of-buddhism-have-the-concept-of-eternal-hell). In [DN27](https://suttacentral.net/dn27/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none¬es=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin), it was...
This question was inspired by [an earlier one](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/51807/do-any-sub-sects-of-buddhism-have-the-concept-of-eternal-hell) . In [DN27](https://suttacentral.net/dn27/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none¬es=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin) , it was mentioned:
> As the cosmos contracts, sentient beings are mostly headed for the realm of streaming radiance.
I recalled hearing a Dharma talk ages ago that as a great aeon ends, all the lower realms are emptied (perhaps, destroyed?) and beings are reborn into the higher realms. This appeared to be what the above sutra is alluding to. Correct me if I am wrong.
Does this mean that all the hell beings (even those in the lowest hell) will also be promoted to the higher realm? What happens to their bad karma, is it suspended? Or is the contraction of the universe halted until these beings had expired their bad karma?
Desmon
(2918 rep)
Jan 4, 2025, 02:37 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2025, 04:02 PM
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7
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Why are they called "old kamma"?
The sutta below states that eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind are old kamma. Why are these called old kamma (*purāṇakammā*)? Is it because of rebirth? Or could there be other reasons? If rebirth is the only reason, then I feel that this explanation seems too simple. From [SN 35.146][1]: > And...
The sutta below states that eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind are old kamma.
Why are these called old kamma (*purāṇakammā*)?
Is it because of rebirth? Or could there be other reasons?
If rebirth is the only reason, then I feel that this explanation seems too simple.
From SN 35.146 :
> And what is old kamma?
>
> The eye is old kamma. It should be seen as produced by choices and
> intentions, as something to be felt.
>
> The ear … nose … tongue … body … mind is old kamma. It should be seen
> as produced by choices and intentions, as something to be felt.
>
> This is called old kamma.
>
> And what is new kamma?
>
> The deeds you currently perform by way of body, speech, and mind.
>
> This is called new kamma.
(I replaced "action" with "kamma")
ruben2020
(40064 rep)
Jul 10, 2020, 05:09 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2025, 12:55 PM
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Does the Buddha address varied predispositions toward suffering among different individuals?
Does the Buddha acknowledge that some people, without the Dharma, suffer more than other people, without the Dharma? I remember a monk talking about how it's a fact that some people are more skilled, better looking, more innately peaceful than others, and that especially those lacking in material at...
Does the Buddha acknowledge that some people, without the Dharma, suffer more than other people, without the Dharma?
I remember a monk talking about how it's a fact that some people are more skilled, better looking, more innately peaceful than others, and that especially those lacking in material attributes should seek to transcend their suffering.
I wonder if there's a basis for this opinion in the suttas.
Gondola Spärde
(409 rep)
Sep 30, 2025, 04:52 PM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2025, 11:13 PM
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Dzogchen Thogal
I have been interested in the Dzogchen practice of Thogal. Would you suggest any sources or web-sites about this?
I have been interested in the Dzogchen practice of Thogal.
Would you suggest any sources or web-sites about this?
Pierre L.
(1 rep)
Apr 23, 2025, 04:18 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 04:04 PM
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2
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Fundamentally Speaking, is Western Mindfulness a Zazen or Insight Meditation Based Practice?
I've always been fascinated by MBSR. It includes Vipassana techniques of breathing, but also Zen philosophy of non-judgmental awareness. Jon Kabat-Zinn himself had training in both Zen and IMS. Fundamentally speaking, is the whole MBSR thing derived from Zen or Vipassana?
I've always been fascinated by MBSR. It includes Vipassana techniques of breathing, but also Zen philosophy of non-judgmental awareness.
Jon Kabat-Zinn himself had training in both Zen and IMS.
Fundamentally speaking, is the whole MBSR thing derived from Zen or Vipassana?
BRAD ZAP
(199 rep)
Sep 29, 2025, 12:32 AM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 12:48 PM
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Why is sustained attention toward a thought bad?
We can focus on thoughts or lay attention on them. It is advised not to do that. Why should there be a return of focus on breathe, or current action, or the like? Why should we not pay prolonged attention to thoughts?
We can focus on thoughts or lay attention on them. It is advised not to do that.
Why should there be a return of focus on breathe, or current action, or the like?
Why should we not pay prolonged attention to thoughts?
Gondola Spärde
(409 rep)
Sep 28, 2025, 04:21 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 10:03 AM
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4
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What is the relationship of namarupa and appearance?
i read [this][1] on a website: "...Nama is the appearance of Rupa, 'what it looks like' and not 'how it is',.." is it correctly said? [1]: https://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebdha262.htm
i read this on a website:
"...Nama is the appearance of Rupa, 'what it looks like' and not 'how it is',.."
is it correctly said?
nacre
(1 rep)
Jun 7, 2024, 06:50 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 08:35 AM
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Is it ideal to be a stream entrant(Sotopanna) before you begin the practice of Anapanasati?
**Are there Pali Sutta teachings or other Buddhist teachings that suggest:** - Anapanasati is an ideal practice for non-stream entrants (beginners) and it can lead them to stream entry? - Attainment of stream entry is a prerequisite for Anapanasati's proper or 'ideal' practice? - Other practices are...
**Are there Pali Sutta teachings or other Buddhist teachings that suggest:**
- Anapanasati is an ideal practice for non-stream entrants (beginners) and it can lead them to stream entry?
- Attainment of stream entry is a prerequisite for Anapanasati's proper
or 'ideal' practice?
- Other practices are prescribed as an ideal path for attaining stream entry, separate from Anapanasati?"
Also, I assume that Satipatthana is a form of Anapanasati, is that true?
Lowbrow
(7409 rep)
Sep 29, 2025, 12:32 AM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 06:16 AM
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Why do we sustain attention toward a thought?
What's the core driver or mechanism behind the tendency of focusing on thoughts, or any particular thought? Why would a person in daily life be stuck in their head, thinking about things that aren't there? What makes a person do that, according to Buddhism?
What's the core driver or mechanism behind the tendency of focusing on thoughts, or any particular thought?
Why would a person in daily life be stuck in their head, thinking about things that aren't there?
What makes a person do that, according to Buddhism?
Gondola Spärde
(409 rep)
Sep 28, 2025, 04:23 PM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2025, 08:52 PM
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3
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Do I intend to do something if I also intend to stop myself from doing it?
Do I intend to do something if I also intend to stop myself from doing it? Suppose I intend to eat the hamburger, but also intend to stop myself doing so. Is that intent in the Buddhist sense?
Do I intend to do something if I also intend to stop myself from doing it? Suppose I intend to eat the hamburger, but also intend to stop myself doing so. Is that intent in the Buddhist sense?
user26068
May 30, 2024, 03:00 PM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2025, 06:03 PM
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What does this prayer flag say?
I don't know much about Buddhism. Sorry if this is off-topic. Where I live, Buddhism is rather uncommon, but in recent years, Tibetan prayer flags have become more and more widespread. These ones were installed close to my workplace, and made me curious. For what I've learned, these are _lungdhar_ o...
I don't know much about Buddhism. Sorry if this is off-topic.
Where I live, Buddhism is rather uncommon, but in recent years, Tibetan prayer flags have become more and more widespread. These ones were installed close to my workplace, and made me curious.
For what I've learned, these are _lungdhar_ or _lung ta_, and the design involves the _lung ta_ horse in the center, as well as the "four mythical animals, tiger, snow lion, dragon and Garuda" in each corner.
But there is one thing I have found little information about, and it involves the text. I've read they are supposed to be mantras, but I have a (composite) question about the meaning:
**What exactly do they say?** Is the text always the same, or it varies from one to the other? If the latter is the case, **I'm particularly interested in this specific flag**. I believe they are written in Tibetan script, but Google translate wasn't able to tell the language or give a translation.
I'm sorry for the low quality of the photo. I know I just cut the text, but I hope it's enough to identify at least some of the general meaning (if the text is different from flag to flag).
Rafael
(113 rep)
Apr 5, 2024, 12:07 AM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2025, 05:07 PM
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Does your philosophy have to align with your lineage in Tibetan Buddhism?
I’m in Drikung Kagyu and have a lama in that lineage and find the Gelug approach to emptiness to be extremely helpful to viewing emptiness. I know all these philosophies in Rime point to the same truth, but I still wonder how its viewed to hold philosophical positions from another lineage but of cou...
I’m in Drikung Kagyu and have a lama in that lineage and find the Gelug approach to emptiness to be extremely helpful to viewing emptiness. I know all these philosophies in Rime point to the same truth, but I still wonder how its viewed to hold philosophical positions from another lineage but of course keeping the practice your lama outlines for you? I’ve read Tulku Rinpoche book on Rime and in the beginning it says to keep integrity of lineages, but obviously now many lamas receive teachings from multiple lineages. Am I ok in viewing emptiness from a Gelug pov as a Drikung Kagyu if it’s helpful for me?
Noah Foster
(11 rep)
Jul 15, 2025, 05:29 PM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2025, 04:23 PM
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4
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Getting out of a rut when you're sick and dying
What are the teachings and books that are good for inspiring the sick and soon to be dying? If your brain is getting eaten away, what are the best practices for that? Anyone know of any doctors who would understand all this insight meditation stuff? Doctors often seem to me far too smart to be wise.
What are the teachings and books that are good for inspiring the sick and soon to be dying? If your brain is getting eaten away, what are the best practices for that? Anyone know of any doctors who would understand all this insight meditation stuff? Doctors often seem to me far too smart to be wise.
Lowbrow
(7409 rep)
Nov 18, 2018, 08:05 PM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2025, 04:23 PM
2
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3
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Origin of craving and attachment
Does the Buddha explain anywhere why the mind is capable to be unskillful and cause suffering for itself in the first place? Specifically, why do we become attached, and why do we crave things? Does the Buddha ever acknowledge that these mechanisms can be helpful? Does he ever describe our ability t...
Does the Buddha explain anywhere why the mind is capable to be unskillful and cause suffering for itself in the first place?
Specifically, why do we become attached, and why do we crave things?
Does the Buddha ever acknowledge that these mechanisms can be helpful?
Does he ever describe our ability to become attached or to crave things as mere design errors?
Or are these things just left unjudged and taken as axiomatic starting points, without ever trying to describe their origin or their larger place in the world?
reign
(398 rep)
Sep 24, 2025, 06:46 PM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2025, 03:12 PM
15
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14
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Enlightened Lies - Can lying be the correct action in certain situations?
Can lying be the correct action in certain situations? Bhikkhu Bodhi gave an example of a situation where lying might be appropriate: In World War II some nice people would hide those oppressed by the Nazis. If Nazis come and ask these nice people if they are hiding Jewish people, would it be the ap...
Can lying be the correct action in certain situations? Bhikkhu Bodhi gave an example of a situation where lying might be appropriate:
In World War II some nice people would hide those oppressed by the Nazis. If Nazis come and ask these nice people if they are hiding Jewish people, would it be the appropriate action to tell the truth?
Lowbrow
(7409 rep)
Jun 12, 2015, 03:30 PM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2025, 08:14 AM
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What's the point of teaching 12 Nidanas?
In my personal practice, I've come to see that the inner voice craving for external things can be acknowledged and contemplated on, and ultimately stilled. The result is that entanglement with the external world is minimized. I'm trying to be more mindful of this internal voice, and I'm trying to im...
In my personal practice, I've come to see that the inner voice craving for external things can be acknowledged and contemplated on, and ultimately stilled. The result is that entanglement with the external world is minimized.
I'm trying to be more mindful of this internal voice, and I'm trying to improve my contemplation, so I try to understand more things in Buddhism.
One thing I do not understand, is the big importance attributed to dependent origination and the 12 Nidanas.
I do not understand why the Buddha goes into such depth explaining sense organs and sense objects and contact, and the like.
Contact of cocaine with nose causes a sensation that you can come to crave, thus resulting in suffering.
I'd also say that I was relatively clear on things being interdependent. You get good grades if and only if you study well.
Hoping someone can give me a hint to how I could gain any value from the 12 Nidanas.
Gondola Spärde
(409 rep)
Sep 25, 2025, 03:32 PM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2025, 05:53 AM
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