Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
2
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How much faith do you need to become a buddhist?
Faith in hell and heaven, Karma, rebirth, other realms etc. because all of them can't be proved via scientific method. If you say that you can see them by yourself, how do you know that it is not an illusion like when we have a lucid dream. Thanks
Faith in hell and heaven, Karma, rebirth, other realms etc. because all of them can't be proved via scientific method. If you say that you can see them by yourself, how do you know that it is not an illusion like when we have a lucid dream. Thanks
user17755
(485 rep)
Jul 10, 2016, 02:23 AM
• Last activity: Jul 17, 2016, 04:06 PM
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4
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What is the appeal of not Re-incarnating?
I understand that after death, the mind may move to a different plane of existance to be re-incarnated, but what is the appeal of moving to a different plane after death? Is it wrong to say that I'm satisfied with where I'm currently at?
I understand that after death, the mind may move to a different plane of existance to be re-incarnated, but what is the appeal of moving to a different plane after death? Is it wrong to say that I'm satisfied with where I'm currently at?
tuskiomi
(273 rep)
Jul 14, 2016, 03:25 PM
• Last activity: Jul 16, 2016, 05:32 PM
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2
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How does Buddhist (supra-mundane) Happiness differ from ‘mundane’ happiness?
The happiness that can be found within our day to day life has to be sacrificed in the form of sense-restraint if one becomes a disciple of the Buddha. Our happiness’s ranging from the mundane to the supra-mundane, ranging from success, good fortune all the way up to skill in meditation, wisdom and...
The happiness that can be found within our day to day life has to be sacrificed in the form of sense-restraint if one becomes a disciple of the Buddha. Our happiness’s ranging from the mundane to the supra-mundane, ranging from success, good fortune all the way up to skill in meditation, wisdom and Enlightenment comes at a price. So my question to you is, “What is the price?” Only if we can identify this, will we be able to create the proper foundation for us to succeed in treading the path.
Saptha Visuddhi
(9723 rep)
Jul 14, 2016, 02:16 AM
• Last activity: Jul 16, 2016, 11:03 AM
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3
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Knowledge as a bad thing
In the Dhammapada there is a verse that says "To his own ruin the fool seeks knowledge, for it cleaves his head and destroys his innate goodness". Is there a distinction between wisdom and knowledge? It seems to me that seeking knowledge would be a good thing unless maybe you didn't do anything good...
In the Dhammapada there is a verse that says "To his own ruin the fool seeks knowledge, for it cleaves his head and destroys his innate goodness". Is there a distinction between wisdom and knowledge? It seems to me that seeking knowledge would be a good thing unless maybe you didn't do anything good with that knowledge. Please elucidate. Thank you.
namaste4130
(21 rep)
Jul 15, 2016, 11:12 PM
• Last activity: Jul 16, 2016, 09:00 AM
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3
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Computer Feedback in Meditation
Are there any meditation computer feedback programs out there? Like Biofeedback. What could they do? Allow a teacher much insight into a student? Allow a meditator to know when wandering is happening, when subtle thinking is happening or to know when reality is seen directly or with concepts? Would...
Are there any meditation computer feedback programs out there? Like Biofeedback.
What could they do? Allow a teacher much insight into a student? Allow a meditator to know when wandering is happening, when subtle thinking is happening or to know when reality is seen directly or with concepts?
Would this be a helpful tool to be used all the time, only sometimes or never?-(Perhaps because it creates a duality, it creates aversion, it's unnessasary, it's not in the Pali Canon or anything).
Lowbrow
(7466 rep)
Oct 4, 2015, 04:33 PM
• Last activity: Jul 15, 2016, 02:42 PM
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1
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What are good resources to study the historic evolution and comparative studies of Abhidhamma
What are good resources and references (ideally online) to learn historic evolution of Abhidhamma. Also comparative studies on different Abhidhamma schools. *NB: I am aware of BPU BPhil 3rd Year Lecture Notes. So I am looking for resource other than this.*
What are good resources and references (ideally online) to learn historic evolution of Abhidhamma. Also comparative studies on different Abhidhamma schools.
*NB: I am aware of BPU BPhil 3rd Year Lecture Notes. So I am looking for resource other than this.*
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Dec 19, 2015, 08:24 AM
• Last activity: Jul 14, 2016, 11:30 PM
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5
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Are the thirty-one planes of existence real places or just metaphors?
And How the buddha know all of these things. I suppose he knew from meditation until enlighten? So it is possible that just by mediation alone one can know about other realm of existence. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sagga/loka.html
And How the buddha know all of these things. I suppose he knew from meditation until enlighten? So it is possible that just by mediation alone one can know about other realm of existence.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sagga/loka.html
user17755
(485 rep)
Jul 9, 2016, 10:20 AM
• Last activity: Jul 14, 2016, 08:46 PM
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2
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Problem solving attitude
While I could clearly improve my awareness and intuition through meditation, I want to improve my problem solving skills, not giving up attitude, analytical skills and interpersonal skills. Can meditation help me in this and how should I go about meditating for this?
While I could clearly improve my awareness and intuition through meditation, I want to improve my problem solving skills, not giving up attitude, analytical skills and interpersonal skills. Can meditation help me in this and how should I go about meditating for this?
Ashwin Kumar
(147 rep)
Jul 12, 2016, 06:07 PM
• Last activity: Jul 14, 2016, 05:10 PM
2
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3
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Were all of the historical Buddhas born on today's planet earth?
Were Buddhas always born on planet Earth or they can be born on any habitable planets across the universe? How does one Buddha gain knowledge of the existence of the the previous Buddha/Buddhas?
Were Buddhas always born on planet Earth or they can be born on any habitable planets across the universe?
How does one Buddha gain knowledge of the existence of the the previous Buddha/Buddhas?
user3743672
(1201 rep)
Sep 22, 2014, 09:46 AM
• Last activity: Jul 14, 2016, 02:18 PM
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3
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What we have to do for bad karma from a prior life?
If our present suffering is the result of bad karma from a prior life, what is the real present remedy for suffering in this life?
If our present suffering is the result of bad karma from a prior life, what is the real present remedy for suffering in this life?
RANSARA009
(1051 rep)
Jul 13, 2016, 09:38 AM
• Last activity: Jul 14, 2016, 01:27 AM
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3
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What does it mean when something has "no self-nature"?
I was reading on some later Buddhist and Mahayana sutras and kept seeing the principles along the lines of "all phenomenon have no nature of their own and are thus empty." I've studied on scriptures like this before, like the Heart Sutra, but I don't think the Pali Canon or Tripitaka mentions anythi...
I was reading on some later Buddhist and Mahayana sutras and kept seeing the principles along the lines of "all phenomenon have no nature of their own and are thus empty." I've studied on scriptures like this before, like the Heart Sutra, but I don't think the Pali Canon or Tripitaka mentions anything about this doctrine. I'm curious what exactly later Buddhists meant by this, and if the Buddha actually taught this doctrine or if Sunyata has basis in the original sutras. Thank you to all.
Maxwell T.
(527 rep)
Jul 12, 2016, 10:27 PM
• Last activity: Jul 13, 2016, 06:39 AM
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3
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Is preparing eggs for a meal considered as sinful in Buddhism?
When preparing a meal with eggs, If a person cracks a egg will it be bad karma? Because, It is considered that farm chicken eggs are not fertile or doesn't have chicks growing inside. Therefore will it give bad karma for making eggs?
When preparing a meal with eggs, If a person cracks a egg will it be bad karma? Because, It is considered that farm chicken eggs are not fertile or doesn't have chicks growing inside. Therefore will it give bad karma for making eggs?
Dulan Chiranthaka
(49 rep)
Jul 11, 2016, 03:06 AM
• Last activity: Jul 12, 2016, 09:45 PM
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6
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My interests have changed. I wonder how to keep my previous life?
Lately, I have experienced a great breakthrough in my meditation. Being able to keep equanimous in front of deep sankharas I couldn't deal with before. My heart and mind are filled with happiness and joy, and I'm constantly deepening my practice. Although, I found that I have completely lost interes...
Lately, I have experienced a great breakthrough in my meditation. Being able to keep equanimous in front of deep sankharas I couldn't deal with before. My heart and mind are filled with happiness and joy, and I'm constantly deepening my practice. Although, I found that I have completely lost interest in my previous world. I was on the path of writing a dissertation towards doctoral studies, in philosophy, and now I can barely open a book without thinking - what nonsense this all is, philosophers, thinkers, full of ego and ignorance. How can I follow them? I ask myself, will my past life and interests come back to me or it is a true change of heart. I have considered now a way to contribute and give others the gift of dhamma. But dhamma should be given free. And I have a family to take care of. I wanted to share and ask for useful thoughts and other experiences like mine.
:)
Thank you
Vipassenger
(144 rep)
Jul 5, 2016, 07:35 PM
• Last activity: Jul 11, 2016, 01:16 PM
6
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5
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How important are incense and candles to a meditation practice?
What is the function of incense and candles to a meditation practice? Are they used in all types of meditation or only some types?
What is the function of incense and candles to a meditation practice? Are they used in all types of meditation or only some types?
user143
Jun 26, 2014, 12:53 AM
• Last activity: Jul 11, 2016, 11:35 AM
2
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3
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Sudden arising of disgust
I was meditating today on accepting and letting go of fear, anger and anxiety (which were very loud in my mind at the time) when suddenly my reactions to these states turned into disgust: whenever anger came up, I quickly became disgusted by it. Same thing happened for fear and anxiety. As soon as I...
I was meditating today on accepting and letting go of fear, anger and anxiety (which were very loud in my mind at the time) when suddenly my reactions to these states turned into disgust: whenever anger came up, I quickly became disgusted by it. Same thing happened for fear and anxiety. As soon as I sense the suffering in my thoughts, I become disgusted by them. Why is this happening?
Steve
(491 rep)
Jun 7, 2016, 07:17 PM
• Last activity: Jul 10, 2016, 12:04 PM
3
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3
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Arahants and suicide
I'm aware of a story in the Pali Canon where a monk commited suicide by slitting his throat and achieved arahantship at the moment of death. Where in the texts can i find this story? Thank you for your time.
I'm aware of a story in the Pali Canon where a monk commited suicide by slitting his throat and achieved arahantship at the moment of death.
Where in the texts can i find this story?
Thank you for your time.
user2424
Aug 10, 2015, 03:30 PM
• Last activity: Jul 9, 2016, 01:27 AM
5
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2
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How to make sense of the Heart Sutra
I am very interested in the concept of emptiness and freeing myself of all attachments. Naturally I gravitated towards the heart sutra, the chant in particular is very moving. However I am completely baffled by the text itself. Could someone help me understand the meaning, or purpose behind the stor...
I am very interested in the concept of emptiness and freeing myself of all attachments. Naturally I gravitated towards the heart sutra, the chant in particular is very moving. However I am completely baffled by the text itself. Could someone help me understand the meaning, or purpose behind the story?
CareFree
(153 rep)
Jul 7, 2016, 07:16 PM
• Last activity: Jul 8, 2016, 02:37 PM
0
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1
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Bad Ordinations?
If a Novice was ordained but was not ready to be ordained because of one little issue, like for example, the novice: - admitted to not having parental permission - admitted to an alchohol problem - admitted to still have 500 shares in Facebook - claims to not be human - ...and so on... Is it the pre...
If a Novice was ordained but was not ready to be ordained because of one little issue, like for example, the novice:
- admitted to not having parental permission
- admitted to an alchohol problem
- admitted to still have 500 shares in Facebook
- claims to not be human
- ...and so on...
Is it the preceptor that gets in trouble or both? Is the novice defeated even if s/he didn't do anything wrong except tell the truth that s/he is defiled like most people?
Lowbrow
(7466 rep)
Jun 5, 2016, 09:22 AM
• Last activity: Jul 8, 2016, 01:10 AM
7
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6
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Is Buddhism in a worldwide decline?
I was listening to a [podcast][1] a while ago and it stated that Buddhism worldwide is in decline. I found that surprising. Is that true? Does anyone have any references or better still statistics to prove or disprove that. [1]: https://thebuddhistcentre.com/freebuddhistaudio
I was listening to a podcast a while ago and it stated that Buddhism worldwide is in decline. I found that surprising. Is that true? Does anyone have any references or better still statistics to prove or disprove that.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jul 1, 2014, 07:48 PM
• Last activity: Jul 7, 2016, 08:48 PM
2
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4
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Is dukkha conventional or ultimate? Is it different from the other two marks of existence?
Is the existence of dukkha a conventional or ultimate truth? I am confused, because on the one hand, it is usually mentioned together with two other marks of existence, which clearly look like the ultimate truth: "self" is conventional, and ultimately there is no self, and permanence of phenomena is...
Is the existence of dukkha a conventional or ultimate truth?
I am confused, because on the one hand, it is usually mentioned together with two other marks of existence, which clearly look like the ultimate truth: "self" is conventional, and ultimately there is no self, and permanence of phenomena is conventional too, and ultimately everything is impermanent.
On the other hand, dukkha looks like something conventional: suffering, or lack of satisfaction, depends only on the existence of the sufferer, and ultimately, there is no sufferer, there are only empty aggregates.
Moreover, if I were the last sentient being to become enlightened, there would still be no self, and phenomena would still be impermanent. But there would be no suffering. I don't know how to wrap my mind around this asymmetry.
kami
(2732 rep)
Jul 2, 2016, 10:34 AM
• Last activity: Jul 6, 2016, 01:33 AM
Showing page 361 of 20 total questions