Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
7
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Is time empty of inherent existence?
My understanding of dependent origination is that it asserts that all things are empty of inherent existence. On an intellectual level I can appreciate and accept this however I struggle when it comes to time. Is time included in this? Is it dependent on something else and if so what kind of things...
My understanding of dependent origination is that it asserts that all things are empty of inherent existence. On an intellectual level I can appreciate and accept this however I struggle when it comes to time. Is time included in this? Is it dependent on something else and if so what kind of things are conditions for time? In my mental picture of the world time is kind of a backdrop for everything else but clearly this mental picture conflicts with dependent origination.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Sep 1, 2015, 09:34 AM
• Last activity: May 31, 2016, 11:53 PM
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4
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How and when did the name "Buddhism" appear?
What is called "Buddhism" is a whole range of different schools, sects, practices etc. that has in common that they are based on the teachings of Siddharta Gautama/the Buddha. But is the name "Buddhism" used as a name for these teachings anywhere else than in the "West"? How and when did the name "B...
What is called "Buddhism" is a whole range of different schools, sects, practices etc. that has in common that they are based on the teachings of Siddharta Gautama/the Buddha. But is the name "Buddhism" used as a name for these teachings anywhere else than in the "West"? How and when did the name "Buddhism" appear?
Mr. Concept
(2681 rep)
Dec 22, 2015, 01:58 PM
• Last activity: May 31, 2016, 01:29 PM
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3
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A few quetions on metta
I was practicing metta meditation today and the thought came up: "What if your wish for happiness for one person (Person A) causes another to suffer indirectly (person B)?" My understanding of the problem: the wish of metta is conditional, that is, it is for person A. Since metta is meant to be an u...
I was practicing metta meditation today and the thought came up: "What if your wish for happiness for one person (Person A) causes another to suffer indirectly (person B)?"
My understanding of the problem: the wish of metta is conditional, that is, it is for person A. Since metta is meant to be an unconditional love, how can we wish metta for individuals? Doesn't metta only make sense if it is wished for all beings?
How can we wish metta and have that wish be moral without understanding the consequences of what that wish may cause. Is metta not meant to be a literal wish? I have a feeling that I am not fully understanding metta properly, so I'd like to hear where I am falling short in my understanding.
Kind wishes.
Steve
(491 rep)
May 30, 2016, 03:52 PM
• Last activity: May 31, 2016, 10:01 AM
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1
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What is Lo Jong mind training?
A friend of mine recently mentioned Lo Jong mind training to me, when I asked my teacher he told me not to worry about it. Would anyone be willing to explain what it is and what it is used for?
A friend of mine recently mentioned Lo Jong mind training to me, when I asked my teacher he told me not to worry about it.
Would anyone be willing to explain what it is and what it is used for?
Zell Faze
(113 rep)
May 23, 2016, 03:57 PM
• Last activity: May 31, 2016, 01:33 AM
8
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How can a lay person approach the learning process of Buddhism?
I've read many books on Buddhism in the last 3 years and I started to meditate daily 10 months ago. I have a general idea about many topics, without a deep understanding of any of it. Is there a specific way in which a lay person with a deep commitment for Buddhism should approach the teachings? Is...
I've read many books on Buddhism in the last 3 years and I started to meditate daily 10 months ago. I have a general idea about many topics, without a deep understanding of any of it. Is there a specific way in which a lay person with a deep commitment for Buddhism should approach the teachings? Is there a specific order of the subjects? Can you, please, give me some advice about where to start and how to proceed? Thank you!
Anca
(601 rep)
Sep 11, 2015, 07:35 AM
• Last activity: May 30, 2016, 05:21 AM
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Any advice for beginners about Vipassana traditions?
There are many Theravada Vipassana traditions according to [this wikipedia page][1] and more according to [this answer][2]. My questions are: - Are any, or all, of these traditions suited to ***beginners***? And why? - Are any of them ***more*** especially suited for beginners? - If you recommend a...
There are many Theravada Vipassana traditions according to this wikipedia page and more according to this answer .
My questions are:
- Are any, or all, of these traditions suited to ***beginners***?
And why?
- Are any of them ***more*** especially suited for beginners?
- If you recommend a tradition for beginner, ***how*** can one begin it: books; weekly lessons with a teacher; ten-day retreats; Youtube; ... ?
- Please ***reference*** (i.e. quote, cite, or link to) advice, from any of them, that's especially intended for beginners.
---
Some of the traditions include:
- Ledi Lineage (Ledi Sayadaw, U Ba Khin, S.N.Goenka, Anagarika Munindra, Dipa Ma)
- Mahasi Lineage (U Narada, Mahasi Sayadaw, Nyanaponika Thera, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Goldstein, Salzberg)
- Thai Forest Tradition (Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Sumedho, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Kornfield)
- Pa Auk Sayadaw Lineage (based on Visuddhimagga)
- Mogok Sayadaw
- Anagarika Munindra (combined Goenka and Mahasi methods)
- and more
ruben2020
(41278 rep)
Jun 7, 2015, 03:39 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2016, 02:20 AM
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4
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What is the mean of 'samma ditti' in Ariya-Ashtanga Marga?
Everybody, who is learning Buddhism know that **'Samma Dhitti'** is the 1st of **'Ariya-Ashtanga Marga'**. It's surface meaning is 'Right vision'. But what is the exact meaning of it? It is a one procedure of 'Ariya-Ashtanga Marga' to achieve 'Nirvana'. I want to know the deep meaning of it. How to...
Everybody, who is learning Buddhism know that **'Samma Dhitti'** is the 1st of **'Ariya-Ashtanga Marga'**. It's surface meaning is 'Right vision'. But what is the exact meaning of it?
It is a one procedure of 'Ariya-Ashtanga Marga' to achieve 'Nirvana'. I want to know the deep meaning of it. How to achieve right vision or Samma Dhitti? Is it a procedure of our thoughts?
If we go to the *'Samma aajeewa','Samma kammantha','Samma wacha''Samma wayama'*, we can describe them as procedures or habits. But I get a feeling that 'Samma Dhitti' is more than that.
Ravindu Shashika Ilangamge
(31 rep)
Apr 19, 2016, 06:16 AM
• Last activity: May 30, 2016, 01:39 AM
4
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4
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Are non-Theravada monks allowed to eat after noon, and to use money?
What's the history behind this? I am assuming non-Theravada monks eat after noon, and use money. Correct me if I'm wrong. If I'm not wrong, why do the sects differ in this manner?
What's the history behind this? I am assuming non-Theravada monks eat after noon, and use money. Correct me if I'm wrong.
If I'm not wrong, why do the sects differ in this manner?
Anthony
(2598 rep)
Sep 1, 2014, 07:11 AM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 08:52 PM
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6
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Ajahn Brahm stated that he ate snakes and frogs during his training, does this mean that it is acceptable to kill animals?
It is famous solution to eat meat only if it is offered by somebody and when the animal was not killed specifically for the person receiving it. Amongst the many videos of Ajahn Brahm on his youtube channel, he stated, in at least one, that during his training in thailand, he spend a few days or wee...
It is famous solution to eat meat only if it is offered by somebody and when the animal was not killed specifically for the person receiving it.
Amongst the many videos of Ajahn Brahm on his youtube channel, he stated, in at least one, that during his training in thailand, he spend a few days or weeks, with other monks, in the forest and he boiled frogs and ate snakes. He added that this training was quite though, with the meals not pleasing.
Do we know more about the thai tradition when the monks go in the forest and eat there, in particular to know whether it is acceptable to kill animals, ourselves, directly for our personal consumption?
Lola
(61 rep)
Dec 18, 2015, 04:38 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 08:49 PM
2
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4
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What is Buddhism's view about debating teachings?
What is Buddhism's view about debating teachings: should we accept teachings without question, or should we have our own internal and social debates about what we learn? If we should debate, what is the correct way of doing it?
What is Buddhism's view about debating teachings: should we accept teachings without question, or should we have our own internal and social debates about what we learn?
If we should debate, what is the correct way of doing it?
Theravada
(4001 rep)
Oct 30, 2015, 12:29 AM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 12:43 PM
5
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3
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Are there problems from mixing different sources of teachings?
I discovered Buddhism by reading and practising the Theravada teachings. As I wanted to make some progress, I started looking for a teacher who could guide me and direct my practicing. So I decided to go to a local Mahayana School near my home, and I've been going there for two years now. Until this...
I discovered Buddhism by reading and practising the Theravada teachings. As I wanted to make some progress, I started looking for a teacher who could guide me and direct my practicing.
So I decided to go to a local Mahayana School near my home, and I've been going there for two years now. Until this time I've still been practicing both Theravada teachings and Mahayana. Also I discovered about the S.N. Goenka Vipassana movement and did some courses (retreats).
I would like to know if is there a problem from mixing different sources of teachings in my practice? I saw many famous teachers who searched different teachings, till finding their way to enlightenment.
Is it inappropriate mixing different sources of teachings, and could it disturb/confuse my practice? I would appreciate seeing different perspectives, and their own experiences from other practitioners.
Thanks :)
Pedro Gregório
(135 rep)
Feb 11, 2016, 07:30 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 12:32 PM
2
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2
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What are the differences between meritorious acts and wholesome acts?
A detailed answer with references is highly appreciated!
A detailed answer with references is highly appreciated!
seeker
(963 rep)
Apr 13, 2016, 11:43 AM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 12:15 PM
4
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3
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How should one practice Dhamma in order to overcome loneliness?
Loneliness is an obsession of a person when facing old age and death. How should one practice the teachings of the Supreme Buddha in order to overcome this obsession?
Loneliness is an obsession of a person when facing old age and death. How should one practice the teachings of the Supreme Buddha in order to overcome this obsession?
Saptha Visuddhi
(9723 rep)
May 22, 2016, 10:47 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 11:59 AM
8
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5
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In the Anapanasati Sutta what is meant by 'sensitive to rapture/bliss'?
Considering these verses of the [Anapanasati Sutta][1] > He trains himself, 'I will breathe in sensitive to rapture.' He trains > himself, 'I will breathe out sensitive to rapture.' > > He trains himself, 'I will breathe in sensitive to pleasure.' He > trains himself, 'I will breathe out sensitive t...
Considering these verses of the Anapanasati Sutta
> He trains himself, 'I will breathe in sensitive to rapture.' He trains
> himself, 'I will breathe out sensitive to rapture.'
>
> He trains himself, 'I will breathe in sensitive to pleasure.' He
> trains himself, 'I will breathe out sensitive to pleasure.'
In the commentaries I have read rapture and pleasure (bliss) are taken as jhana factors as detailed here . What exactly is been suggested here? Is it possible to experience these factors in meditation without being in the jhanas and maybe encourage them? Can one encourage them by focusing on them and almost willing them into being? I was always told this was counterproductive. Presumably this part of the sutta is samatha. Is it being suggested that you should be in the jhanas before going on any further in this meditation?
I think generally I'm just wanting some additional explanation to what these verses mean and the implication of them to meditation practice.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jul 10, 2015, 10:00 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 05:51 AM
5
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3
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Being bored :anapanasati meditation
How to overcome feeling bored while doing anapanasati meditation ? I get this feeling after setting sati at the end of the nose and body is calmed .
How to overcome feeling bored while doing anapanasati meditation ? I get this feeling after setting sati at the end of the nose and body is calmed .
nish1013
(1217 rep)
May 10, 2015, 06:50 AM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 03:41 AM
3
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2
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To what extent can Ānāpānasati be related to Vipassanā?
I've read that the two can somehow be used in Unison, with benefit. Can anyone expand on this?
I've read that the two can somehow be used in Unison, with benefit. Can anyone expand on this?
William
(185 rep)
Feb 23, 2016, 03:13 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2016, 03:23 AM
3
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3
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Perception (saṃjñā) and discrimination
How do [perception][1] and discrimination relate? I remember thinking (when reading) that they were near synonyms [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83j%C3%B1%C4%81
How do perception and discrimination relate?
I remember thinking (when reading) that they were near synonyms
user2512
Sep 7, 2015, 11:25 PM
• Last activity: May 28, 2016, 08:47 PM
3
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6
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I saw a cat killing a mouse. Could have stopped it, but didn't
I saw a cat chasing a mouse outside of my house and kill it. I could have chased the cat away and saved the mouse's life but I just watched and didn't do anything. Not that I was enjoying what I saw but this made me think whether what I did was a sin or not. I just think I would have interfered with...
I saw a cat chasing a mouse outside of my house and kill it. I could have chased the cat away and saved the mouse's life but I just watched and didn't do anything. Not that I was enjoying what I saw but this made me think whether what I did was a sin or not. I just think I would have interfered with nature had I stopped the cat from killing. One side there is the food chain and on the other karma. I am confused. Is it a sin to not stop a predator from catching its prey?
Heisenberg
(942 rep)
May 24, 2016, 11:49 AM
• Last activity: May 27, 2016, 09:45 PM
3
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9
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Ajahn Brahm versus others
I am practicing samadhi meditation using the breath as an object. Most teachers say to watch the breath at the tip of the nose. However, Ajahn Brahm says not to locate the breath anywhere. I find that these two approaches are very different. Which one is right?
I am practicing samadhi meditation using the breath as an object. Most teachers say to watch the breath at the tip of the nose. However, Ajahn Brahm says not to locate the breath anywhere. I find that these two approaches are very different. Which one is right?
Wolfie
(31 rep)
Apr 23, 2016, 12:40 AM
• Last activity: May 27, 2016, 06:40 PM
4
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3
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measuring spiritual growth
We are living in a world where everything and anything is/can be measured. My daily grind goes like this - have a goal take action measure the result fine tune / control the deviation. and Do it every day. This got me thinking , how do i measure my spiritual growth? What do i measure ? How do i know...
We are living in a world where everything and anything is/can be measured. My daily grind goes like this -
have a goal
take action
measure the result
fine tune / control the deviation.
and Do it every day. This got me thinking , how do i measure my spiritual growth?
What do i measure ? How do i know i have reached my goal or deviated from the Path? What are the units of measurement? Can spirituality be measured?
8CK8
(849 rep)
May 25, 2016, 03:55 PM
• Last activity: May 27, 2016, 02:43 PM
Showing page 367 of 20 total questions