Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
4
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What are some of the best practices for generating loving kindness?
I came across many lectures from Ram Dass/Richard Alpert in the beginning of my meditation practice about a month ago, and I found the attitudes toward life and other people he espoused very liberating and were a good complement to the attention-focusing practice of samatha. I haven't found any good...
I came across many lectures from Ram Dass/Richard Alpert in the beginning of my meditation practice about a month ago, and I found the attitudes toward life and other people he espoused very liberating and were a good complement to the attention-focusing practice of samatha. I haven't found any good resources in the Buddhist school for something similar to Bhakti yoga a la Ram Dass. Moreover, even in Bhakti yoga, I haven't found and specific meditative practices to help bring about that very open, loving state of mind that listening to the lectures inspired.
Any recommendations for Buddhist resources similar to what Ram Dass put out? I just feel more comfortable in the Buddhist framework. Also, any specific meditations for generating that feeling?
MattF
(131 rep)
Apr 23, 2016, 01:51 PM
• Last activity: May 26, 2016, 07:42 PM
2
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0
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Does the Buddha specifically said about saving environment?
Does the Buddha specifically mentioned anything about saving environment or planet in His teachings? If yes, what He said? If no, then Buddhist organizations need not to concern about environment?
Does the Buddha specifically mentioned anything about saving environment or planet in His teachings?
If yes, what He said?
If no, then Buddhist organizations need not to concern about environment?
g savan
(21 rep)
May 24, 2016, 08:24 PM
• Last activity: May 25, 2016, 07:56 PM
3
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5
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If I download illegal material for my education and if the material is not in my reach in my country, is it still bad karma?
I downloaded a lot of things for 16 years I guess.I now understood this is a form of stealing.And i decided to delete my downloaded content.But some material is not found in my country,or if i order them it takes too much hassle to get here or the material is for educational or self improvement purp...
I downloaded a lot of things for 16 years I guess.I now understood this is a form of stealing.And i decided to delete my downloaded content.But some material is not found in my country,or if i order them it takes too much hassle to get here or the material is for educational or self improvement purposes.And i never intended to steal.But still it was not respecting other people's work.With those intentions is it still bad karma?Is it still wrong if it is really really essential?
It's actually about the NEED to the material.Like i want to learn speaking english and i need a book or a listening material which is not found in my country.And i really need it.And if I learn english or other things it will be beneficial to me and my environment
EDIT : Look what I found. Totally coincidence. Synchronisity ☺. https://youtu.be/xMj_P_6H69g
positivist83
(31 rep)
Apr 19, 2015, 10:36 AM
• Last activity: May 25, 2016, 08:52 AM
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How integral is the synergetic aspect of buddhism?
I remember reading, in the 1st book I picked up on Buddhism, that it was a synergetic religion, literally, that it combines with (I suppose indigenous) traditions, such as the tao, and bon. Did the Buddha ever talk about this aspect of (what has ended up as) his teachings? Are there any interesting...
I remember reading, in the 1st book I picked up on Buddhism, that it was a synergetic religion, literally, that it combines with (I suppose indigenous) traditions, such as the tao, and bon.
Did the Buddha ever talk about this aspect of (what has ended up as) his teachings?
Are there any interesting studies or way of thinking about Buddhism in those terms, general to all that it has taken up and made its own?
user2512
May 18, 2016, 02:57 AM
• Last activity: May 25, 2016, 03:11 AM
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6
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Why intake of intoxicating substances is not included in 10 unwholesome actions?
Following are the 3 unrighteous bodily conducts out of [10 unwholesome][1] actions described in suttas such as [Saleyyaka Sutta][2]. 1. Killing living beings 2. Stealing 3. Sexual misconduct I would like to know the reason why the intake of intoxicants, liquor and drugs is not listed as one of unwho...
Following are the 3 unrighteous bodily conducts out of 10 unwholesome actions described in suttas such as Saleyyaka Sutta .
1. Killing living beings
2. Stealing
3. Sexual misconduct
I would like to know the reason why the intake of intoxicants, liquor and drugs is not listed as one of unwholesome actions.
Sajeewa Welendagoda
(1621 rep)
Apr 13, 2016, 06:21 PM
• Last activity: May 24, 2016, 06:06 PM
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4
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I only know that I will know nothing: can that ever have any currency for Buddhists?
The Socratic / dialectical phrase: > I know one thing: that I know nothing. If one were to subvert it to - I know one thing: that I will know nothing. Is it a maxim that can guide practice, in any conceivable way?
The Socratic / dialectical phrase:
> I know one thing: that I know nothing.
If one were to subvert it to
- I know one thing: that I will know nothing.
Is it a maxim that can guide practice, in any conceivable way?
user2512
Apr 11, 2016, 09:50 PM
• Last activity: May 24, 2016, 05:56 PM
2
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4
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853
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Are chakra's used in Buddhism?
I think that in the hindoestic yogi there are using chakra's very common. But are they also used in buddhism? If not, why not? Or what is similar to chakra's in buddhism?
I think that in the hindoestic yogi there are using chakra's very common. But are they also used in buddhism? If not, why not? Or what is similar to chakra's in buddhism?
Marijn
(803 rep)
Apr 30, 2016, 06:45 PM
• Last activity: May 24, 2016, 05:54 PM
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What is the best introductory (but comprehensive) book on SECULAR Buddhism?
There is already a question on the best overall books, but many readers/newcomers may be put off (as I have been) by books that discuss for instance rebirth and karma in a literal sense. So what is the best introductory (but still comprehensive) book on Buddhism as a way of life?
There is already a question on the best overall books, but many readers/newcomers may be put off (as I have been) by books that discuss for instance rebirth and karma in a literal sense.
So what is the best introductory (but still comprehensive) book on Buddhism as a way of life?
Andy
(1 rep)
May 15, 2016, 11:12 PM
• Last activity: May 24, 2016, 05:28 AM
5
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2
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Is Siddhartha Gautama the last recognized Buddha?
Does Siddharta Gautama happen to be the last person to reach Buddhahood?
Does Siddharta Gautama happen to be the last person to reach Buddhahood?
Jordy van Ekelen
(1929 rep)
Aug 31, 2014, 12:33 AM
• Last activity: May 23, 2016, 11:08 PM
2
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1
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How open are current Zen Buddhism masters to teaching westerners?
Would it be acceptable to travel to Japan or China and seek out masters of Buddhism to learn from them? Would they accept the opportunity or is it expected of everyone to seek out their own truth on their own?
Would it be acceptable to travel to Japan or China and seek out masters of Buddhism to learn from them? Would they accept the opportunity or is it expected of everyone to seek out their own truth on their own?
OddCore
(123 rep)
May 23, 2016, 12:42 PM
• Last activity: May 23, 2016, 12:57 PM
1
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2
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Did Japanese Buddhists once use sky burial?
In the Chinese Wikipedia article on [sky burial][1], there's a section saying that sky burial is illegal in Japan: > 棄屍嫌疑 > > 在某些地方，天葬的行為，可能觸犯遺棄屍體的罪行。 > > 日本 > > 刑法第190條（死体損壊罪） Google translation: > Dumped suspect [My assumption for translation: Illegality of > abandoning bodies] > > In some places,...
In the Chinese Wikipedia article on sky burial , there's a section saying that sky burial is illegal in Japan:
> 棄屍嫌疑
>
> 在某些地方，天葬的行為，可能觸犯遺棄屍體的罪行。
>
> 日本
>
> 刑法第190條（死体損壊罪）
Google translation:
> Dumped suspect [My assumption for translation: Illegality of
> abandoning bodies]
>
> In some places, burial behavior may violate abandoned corpses offense.
>
> Japan
>
> Penal Code section 190 (dead body damage Huai crime)
Did Japanese Buddhists once use sky burial for their dead? Or is the ban just a broader ban that just happens to include sky burial?
Andrew Grimm
(131 rep)
Jan 23, 2016, 11:12 AM
• Last activity: May 23, 2016, 07:31 AM
4
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2
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Are there things that one shouldn't be mindful of?
Just to move on from this [answer][1] in the question [Is practising mindfulness ever a bad idea?][2] Are there particular things that it is a bad idea to be mindful of? Are there thoughts, feelings, emotions etc.. that one would be better advised not to apply mindfulness to? What are they? Or can e...
Just to move on from this answer in the question Is practising mindfulness ever a bad idea?
Are there particular things that it is a bad idea to be mindful of? Are there thoughts, feelings, emotions etc.. that one would be better advised not to apply mindfulness to? What are they? Or can every aspect of human existence be included productively in mindfulness.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
May 21, 2016, 08:33 AM
• Last activity: May 23, 2016, 07:25 AM
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3
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Is this a passable translation of Dogen's "without thinking"?
His, Dogen's, Fukanzazengi, says > Think of not-thinking. How do you think of not-thinking? Be before > thinking. These are the basics of zazen. I haven't, I think, been formally taught zazen. But how does this sound, as a paraphrase: - think of thinking which is no longer thought Because, taken lit...
His, Dogen's, Fukanzazengi, says
> Think of not-thinking. How do you think of not-thinking? Be before
> thinking. These are the basics of zazen.
I haven't, I think, been formally taught zazen. But how does this sound, as a paraphrase:
- think of thinking which is no longer thought
Because, taken literally, I feel that it is a very good way of looking at our relationship to history, when we cannot do anything about it.
user2512
May 18, 2016, 05:08 AM
• Last activity: May 23, 2016, 03:08 AM
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5
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Do you think that this Laughing Buddha Restaurant sign is a disrespect?
Greetings to everybody, [![Laughing Buddha Restaurant sign][1]][1] According to the image above, what do you think from your point of view? Is this disrespectful since The Laughing Buddha is being used for a branding? [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/6ox3D.jpg
Greetings to everybody,
According to the image above, what do you think from your point of view?
Is this disrespectful since The Laughing Buddha is being used for a branding?
According to the image above, what do you think from your point of view?
Is this disrespectful since The Laughing Buddha is being used for a branding?
Ricco Lesmana
(9 rep)
May 12, 2016, 02:14 AM
• Last activity: May 23, 2016, 01:05 AM
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3
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685
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Heaven and Hell in Buddhism
I need to understand some concept about Buddhism. Does Buddhists believe on after live of Paradise and Hell? What are the belief of Buddhists regarding this?
I need to understand some concept about Buddhism.
Does Buddhists believe on after live of Paradise and Hell? What are the belief of Buddhists regarding this?
Muneer
(111 rep)
May 9, 2016, 08:02 AM
• Last activity: May 22, 2016, 10:21 AM
1
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2
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Did the Buddha say "There is no path to happiness.. "?
According to the teachings of lord Buddha, what can we say about this quote? Is it fake? > "There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path"
According to the teachings of lord Buddha, what can we say about this quote? Is it fake?
> "There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path"
MarkNsu
(13 rep)
May 21, 2016, 05:29 AM
• Last activity: May 21, 2016, 09:38 AM
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Would a skin condition stop someone becoming a monk?
I am asking this behalf of my friend. He was gonna commit suicide. But I managed to calm him down by taking him to a Buddhist temple. He had a really fun life, movies, friends, night outs, girls, cars, everything. But suddenly he got to know that he has a skin condition called herpes. Something like...
I am asking this behalf of my friend. He was gonna commit suicide. But I managed to calm him down by taking him to a Buddhist temple. He had a really fun life, movies, friends, night outs, girls, cars, everything. But suddenly he got to know that he has a skin condition called herpes. Something like a pimple. But it seems he regret a lot a lot as it has no cure. But it is a very common all over the world. He doesn't understand and tried to suicide. He has given up life.
Luckily I brought him to this Buddhist temple and managed to save his life. Now he is very interest in becoming a Theravada monk and spend the life in a temple meditating, learning and practicing Buddhism. I decided to support him as he was a good person, help others, donate etc. I am wondering if his conditions and previous life style matters to become a monk. Thanks.
Sandu
(41 rep)
May 16, 2016, 07:50 AM
• Last activity: May 21, 2016, 08:34 AM
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How does the first noble truth associate dukkha with each of the five skandhas?
I'm looking at [this definition of *dukkha*](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca1/): > 1. Birth is dukkha, aging is dukkha, death is dukkha; 2. sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, & despair are dukkha; 3. association with the unbeloved is dukkha; 4. separation from the loved is dukkh...
I'm looking at [this definition of *dukkha*](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca1/) :
> 1. Birth is dukkha, aging is dukkha, death is dukkha;
2. sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, & despair are dukkha;
3. association with the unbeloved is dukkha;
4. separation from the loved is dukkha;
5. not getting what is wanted is dukkha.
> In short, the five clinging-aggregates are dukkha.
Taking [this definition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skandha#The_five_skandhas) of the five skandhas,
1. The first of the above (birth aging and death) might I suppose relate to "form":
> "form" or "matter"[e] (Skt., Pāli रूप rūpa; Tib. gzugs): external and internal matter. Externally, rupa is the physical world. Internally, rupa includes the material body and the physical sense organs
2. The second of the above might relate to sensation:
> "sensation" or "feeling" (Skt., Pāli वेदना vedanā; Tib. tshor-ba): sensing an object as either pleasant, unpleasant or neutral
Do the next three parts of the definition of dukkha relate to the next three skandhas? If so can you please explain how they're related (i.e. how each of the other three skandha are dukkha)? Are "association", "separation" and "not getting what is wanted" each associated with three different skandhas? Or is that all skandhas are equally able to be a type of "clinging" or attachment?
ChrisW
(48745 rep)
Mar 21, 2016, 06:56 PM
• Last activity: May 19, 2016, 01:39 PM
5
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4
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Is there any buddhist explanation for deja vu?
I'm not sure we will find that in the pali canon (per haps in Abidhamma?), but is there any thera/senior bikkhu that wrote about it? Is it related to past lifes or any special power of the mind?
I'm not sure we will find that in the pali canon (per haps in Abidhamma?), but is there any thera/senior bikkhu that wrote about it? Is it related to past lifes or any special power of the mind?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 14, 2014, 08:25 PM
• Last activity: May 19, 2016, 04:57 AM
1
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3
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Mindfulness with Pride, Anger, Hatred
I've recently tried doing a more open form of meditation where I put the least amount of alteration on what I experience, therefore letting everything arise non-judgmentally. However, I realize some problems I'm experiencing with this. 1. I'm still debating or trying to understand whether one should...
I've recently tried doing a more open form of meditation where I put the least amount of alteration on what I experience, therefore letting everything arise non-judgmentally. However, I realize some problems I'm experiencing with this.
1. I'm still debating or trying to understand whether one should experience fully all emotions and states or whether one should apply antidotes to certain states when they arise. Generally speaking, which is the case? Which would correspond to being fully mindful?
2. I am having extreme difficulty with anger and pride when they arise, as when they do, I seem to be unable to keep a compassionate attitude. Basically these states seem to change my mood and outlook when they occur, and I have difficulty experiencing them without doing this.
3. Lastly, I'm unsure whether this is related as well but I noticed I have a much easier time doing mindfulness when I'm basically curious and aware of everything arising rather than re-focusing on the breath. Any ideas on that topic?
Thank you for any answer relative to any of these questions or all of these questions together.
user7302
May 9, 2016, 09:40 PM
• Last activity: May 15, 2016, 05:39 PM
Showing page 368 of 20 total questions