Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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9
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5
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412
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Losing awareness
I have been dealing with negative mental states in my practice. When it gets overwhelming I lose my sense of mindfulness and get lost in the middle of all the noise and I guess I identify with it, otherwise I wouldn't feel pain when it happens. Is it a good idea to bring myself back to the breath or...
I have been dealing with negative mental states in my practice. When it gets overwhelming I lose my sense of mindfulness and get lost in the middle of all the noise and I guess I identify with it, otherwise I wouldn't feel pain when it happens. Is it a good idea to bring myself back to the breath or should I face this? I usually try to accept the experience and the moment but it usually brings more pain because I can't see clearly what I am going through.
Namasté
Rui Torres
(91 rep)
Aug 5, 2015, 04:08 AM
• Last activity: Dec 22, 2015, 06:52 PM
3
votes
3
answers
493
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My thinking mind as subject of my meditation stops my thinking
Just recently I changed my subject of meditation: I try to "watch" my mind while it is thinking. This nearly instantaneously makes my mind calm. It kind of stops my thinking. And this feels great. It's also easier to come back to this state, once my mind starts to wander around. I use this occasions...
Just recently I changed my subject of meditation: I try to "watch" my mind while it is thinking. This nearly instantaneously makes my mind calm. It kind of stops my thinking. And this feels great. It's also easier to come back to this state, once my mind starts to wander around. I use this occasions to watch my mind as well.
[There is in principle an infinite regression (I could also watch my mind, watching my mind thinking), but I never came to make use of that.]
Is there some more guidance in the buddhistic literature or stuff that support this kind of meditation? Is there a name of this mental state?
draks ...
(377 rep)
Dec 21, 2015, 08:09 PM
• Last activity: Dec 22, 2015, 04:41 PM
4
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2
answers
242
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Female Zen teachers and writers
The Zen center where I live is very male dominated. This might be because it's very small. Anyway, I think Zen sometimes tend to be a bit masculine in its form, wit a kind of quasi militaristic approach. I find this kind of fun and try to have an ironic attitude - irony is indeed a good medicine. Th...
The Zen center where I live is very male dominated. This might be because it's very small. Anyway, I think Zen sometimes tend to be a bit masculine in its form, wit a kind of quasi militaristic approach. I find this kind of fun and try to have an ironic attitude - irony is indeed a good medicine.
There are plenty of famous women in different schools of Buddhism, esecially Tibetan. But not so much in Zen, it seems.
Is there anyone who knows a good book on Zen practice written by a woman? And I'd also like some online resources/courses/training on Zen by women.
Mr. Concept
(2681 rep)
Dec 21, 2015, 08:34 AM
• Last activity: Dec 22, 2015, 02:58 AM
6
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5
answers
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Feeling guilty of something I did
First of all, I am not sure whether I am posting in the right forum. My apologies if this is not the right place. I recently went to a restaurant and when I ordered dessert, I found a mosquito inside the bowl of the ice-cream. I asked waiter and he apologized right away and replaced it. In the sugge...
First of all, I am not sure whether I am posting in the right forum. My apologies if this is not the right place.
I recently went to a restaurant and when I ordered dessert, I found a mosquito inside the bowl of the ice-cream. I asked waiter and he apologized right away and replaced it. In the suggestion book even though my family said not to write, I ignored them and wrote my complaint in anger that "I found a mosquito in my dessert." And the manager was reading that book. The waiter apologized again while I was leaving and he meant every word he said. I could feel it. Now, I am feeling guilty that I should not have written my complaint. I am worried that the manager might fire the poor guy or deduct some money from his salary.
I want to know whether I did the right thing or I shouldn't have written about it in the book? I am very disturbed thinking about the incident.
user23
(63 rep)
Dec 8, 2015, 05:31 AM
• Last activity: Dec 21, 2015, 01:37 PM
4
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1
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128
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Between death and offence what is the choice?
One day here on this SE i had an comment to one of my answers suggesting that it is rather discomforting or hard to accept that Buddhists have chosen death as their choice in difficult situations like Genocides,War,Racial conflicts and etc against killing for survival. But there are some war stories...
One day here on this SE i had an comment to one of my answers suggesting that it is rather discomforting or hard to accept that Buddhists have chosen death as their choice in difficult situations like Genocides,War,Racial conflicts and etc against killing for survival.
But there are some war stories too. As i did not had a chance to learn all sides of this interesting question i thought to ask a question and openly invite the community to share their version of teaching on this matter.
Feel free to add your ow personal experience too.
---
so the questions are...
- What does different schools and traditions of Buddhism teach about reacting to an
offensive or a war?
*This offensive can be a one against Buddhism,race,country or any other social aspect.*
- Is there a Buddhist offense?
Theravada
(4001 rep)
Dec 20, 2015, 09:32 PM
• Last activity: Dec 21, 2015, 04:20 AM
5
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4
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Monastery or Temple in California
Hope you all doing excellent! Would like to know if there's any monastery or Theravada temple in San Francisco, OC or LA? I know there's one in Redwood Valley, but it's a lil too far off. Pls share, if you happen to know any nearby. Thanks.
Hope you all doing excellent!
Would like to know if there's any monastery or Theravada temple in San Francisco, OC or LA?
I know there's one in Redwood Valley, but it's a lil too far off.
Pls share, if you happen to know any nearby.
Thanks.
Sunset_Limited
(539 rep)
Dec 19, 2015, 05:22 PM
• Last activity: Dec 21, 2015, 01:09 AM
5
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1
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How can you use daily walks for spiritual growth in Diamond Way Buddhism?
For a variety of reasons, my daily routine will include two one-hour walks per day during the coming couple of months (one in the morning, one in the evening). I want to use that time for my spiritual growth. In some branches of Buddhism (Zen) there is a walking meditation. I'm practicing [Diamond W...
For a variety of reasons, my daily routine will include two one-hour walks per day during the coming couple of months (one in the morning, one in the evening). I want to use that time for my spiritual growth. In some branches of Buddhism (Zen) there is a walking meditation.
I'm practicing Diamond Way Buddhism and I'm wondering if there are any exercises in that tradition I could do while I'm doing those 2 walks per day.
Glory to Russia
(652 rep)
Dec 20, 2015, 08:07 AM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 10:55 PM
4
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2
answers
1222
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How do Buddhist monks find reincarnations of previous monks while filtering out the wrong persons?
I'm skeptical about this actually working. I would appreciate if someone could provide a logical answer that will clear up my skepticism.
I'm skeptical about this actually working. I would appreciate if someone could provide a logical answer that will clear up my skepticism.
sw4130
(211 rep)
Nov 12, 2014, 08:59 PM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 08:24 PM
4
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1
answers
199
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Resources to study the Abhidharma in the East/North Asian schools of Buddhism (e,g, Mahayana, Tibetan, Yogacara, Dharmaguptaka, etc.)
What are good resources and references (ideally online) to learn Abhidharma from East and North Asian (Mahayana, Tibetan, Yogacara, Asaṅga, Vasubandhu, Dharmaguptaka, etc.) schools of Buddhism. *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 Abhidharma from East and North Asian (Mahayana, Tibetan, Yogacara, Asaṅga, Vasubandhu, Dharmaguptaka, etc.) schools of Buddhism.
*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, 07:57 AM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 06:18 PM
12
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3
answers
196
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Question about how to generate more motivation to meditate.
I just wanted to hopefully get some ideas on how some of the fellow users of this site motivate themselves to meditate on a more frequent basis. What ultimately motivates each one of you to continue meditating? The good feelings of samadhi or the tranquility of insight? I'm struggling with staying w...
I just wanted to hopefully get some ideas on how some of the fellow users of this site motivate themselves to meditate on a more frequent basis. What ultimately motivates each one of you to continue meditating? The good feelings of samadhi or the tranquility of insight? I'm struggling with staying with the object of meditation as my mind is extremely restless. Anyways, this is my first time here so I'll leave it at that. Thanks in advance!
Fes Ter
(121 rep)
Sep 7, 2015, 06:31 PM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 05:39 PM
4
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2
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Does any canonical sutta say you can attain enlightenment *while* chanting?
I've heard a couple of mentions (but seen no direct reference) that there is a (presumably canonical) formal list of certain activities that you can attain enlightenment during. I'm guessing it's the "sudden" the kind of enlightenment which is being implied in this list (not "gradual"). This list in...
I've heard a couple of mentions (but seen no direct reference) that there is a (presumably canonical) formal list of certain activities that you can attain enlightenment during. I'm guessing it's the "sudden" the kind of enlightenment which is being implied in this list (not "gradual").
This list includes formal sitting meditation, and chanting. Yes, you can apparently attain enlightenment right in the middle of a chant you are doing.
Can anyone point at a particular canonical Sutta that says this? Also, I do not recall even one Canonical reference to any arahant claiming they attained their full enlightenment during chanting. And this includes the Theragata, and Therigata. Can anyone else remember a person in the Canon who said they were enlightened during chanting?
sbb
(91 rep)
Oct 3, 2015, 06:18 PM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 05:19 PM
4
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4
answers
287
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Is this progress in meditation?
Sometimes during meditation (Vipassana), I've noticed how the mind tends to get back to breathing by itself, without effort. Can I consider this a progress in meditation? I know that it would be a hindrance to like this when it happens or to dislike when it doesn't happen. The question is: does this...
Sometimes during meditation (Vipassana), I've noticed how the mind tends to get back to breathing by itself, without effort. Can I consider this a progress in meditation? I know that it would be a hindrance to like this when it happens or to dislike when it doesn't happen.
The question is: does this say something about the mind? (I've been practicing daily for the last 9 months).
Anca
(601 rep)
Sep 3, 2015, 05:17 AM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 03:09 PM
6
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4
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What kind of vipassana retreats do you recommend in South East Asia?
I've been meditating for 2.5 years, and have done two retreats before (Goenka and Gil Fronsdal). I'm looking forward to expanding to my understanding of the practice in South East Asia. I was wondering which 10 day retreat people here recommend for westerners (i.e. English is available, and there is...
I've been meditating for 2.5 years, and have done two retreats before (Goenka and Gil Fronsdal). I'm looking forward to expanding to my understanding of the practice in South East Asia. I was wondering which 10 day retreat people here recommend for westerners (i.e. English is available, and there isn't any esoteric content being taught).
My most likely bet seems to be Suan Mokkh in Thailand, but was wondering if there are others in the Theravada tradition that are recommended by people here (i.e. Burma, or other places in Thailand)
An up to date list of centers would also be appreciated. Most of the information I've been able to gather through googling seems quite out-dated.
flavio87
(61 rep)
Sep 21, 2015, 03:35 PM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 11:47 AM
4
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3
answers
237
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Unconscious intention?
Sometimes we do thing intentionally sometimes unintentionally. But is there such thing such as unconscious intention in Buddhism (Theravada)?
Sometimes we do thing intentionally sometimes unintentionally. But is there such thing such as unconscious intention in Buddhism (Theravada)?
B1100
(1201 rep)
Sep 18, 2015, 09:54 AM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 11:10 AM
7
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5
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Can vipassana cause mental stress?
I tried Vipassana for some time. I feel some fear of death and reality of life. So what do I want to do? When I do anapanasathi, I feel relaxed.
I tried Vipassana for some time. I feel some fear of death and reality of life. So what do I want to do? When I do anapanasathi, I feel relaxed.
Dinesh
(71 rep)
Sep 8, 2015, 04:51 PM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 04:48 AM
6
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1
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Hair of the Buddha
How much is known to support, to refute, or to expand upon the following viewpoint? *The Buddha shaved his head like all his bhikkhus.* Supposed reasons to backup this viewpoint are: - There are references in the Pali Canon where someone calls Gotama a shaven-headed recluse. - There are other refere...
How much is known to support, to refute, or to expand upon the following viewpoint?
*The Buddha shaved his head like all his bhikkhus.*
Supposed reasons to backup this viewpoint are:
- There are references in the Pali Canon where someone calls Gotama a shaven-headed recluse.
- There are other references, like in the Ariyapariyesana Sutta (MN 26), where The Buddha explains that he shaved his head when he went forth.
- Buddhism arose during an an-iconic period, so depictions of the Buddha were frowned upon.
- Artistic depictions of the Buddha are relics of the Ghandara Buddha-statues, created long after the Buddha's death.
- This representation was spread to other Buddhist regions over time.
Quite curious what can be said about this topic.
Anthony
(2598 rep)
Aug 21, 2014, 03:36 AM
• Last activity: Dec 20, 2015, 02:57 AM
5
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7
answers
2340
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Can I call myself Buddhist? Is Buddhism a religion?
There are differences of opinion on the question of whether or not Buddhism should be considered a religion. Many sources commonly refer to Buddhism as a religion. If yes then in which region? Can I call myself Buddhist? If I believe in Buddha and his philosophy? But it is still confusing! Need prec...
There are differences of opinion on the question of whether or not Buddhism should be considered a religion. Many sources commonly refer to Buddhism as a religion.
If yes then in which region? Can I call myself Buddhist? If I believe in Buddha and his philosophy?
But it is still confusing! Need precise answer if possible!
Suresh Karia
(241 rep)
Dec 16, 2014, 12:34 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2015, 10:21 PM
3
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1
answers
109
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Spontaneous Formation of Mandalas
Somehow, I seem to be forming mandalas within my psyche without any particular knowledge of how I'm doing so. I'm merely walking around, or meditating, and there will occur mandalas of great complexity (usually of the same shape) which arise in my mind. When they do, my mind will explore and think a...
Somehow, I seem to be forming mandalas within my psyche without any particular knowledge of how I'm doing so. I'm merely walking around, or meditating, and there will occur mandalas of great complexity (usually of the same shape) which arise in my mind. When they do, my mind will explore and think about them, almost obsessively, and attempt to understand them. Any idea about this?
Young One
(113 rep)
May 13, 2015, 07:13 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2015, 07:36 PM
3
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3
answers
192
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How does one do mindfulness of breathing with relaxation?
In [this lecture][1], by B. Alan Wallace, of mindfulness of breathing with relaxation, it has been instructed that I have to release all thoughts, relax every part of the body and let go of all involuntary thoughts during exhalation. Now what exactly is meant by releasing all thoughts with exhalatio...
In this lecture , by B. Alan Wallace, of mindfulness of breathing with relaxation, it has been instructed that I have to release all thoughts, relax every part of the body and let go of all involuntary thoughts during exhalation.
Now what exactly is meant by releasing all thoughts with exhalation? What should I do during exhalation? Does it mean that mind will go blank during exhalation? If yes, then how is it possible?
sumit
(31 rep)
Dec 16, 2015, 04:32 AM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2015, 07:27 PM
8
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1
answers
695
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The spiritual significance of the sand mandala in Tibetan Buddhism
I have heard of and seen sand mandalas in Tibetan Buddhism. Here is a picture: ![Sand Mandala][1] **I have two questions, which are related:** 1. I have heard that upon completion they are erased to represent transience. Is this what the erasure represents? 2. What other spiritual significance does...
I have heard of and seen sand mandalas in Tibetan Buddhism.
Here is a picture:
**I have two questions, which are related:**
1. I have heard that upon completion they are erased to represent transience. Is this what the erasure represents?
2. What other spiritual significance does the mandala have in Tibetan Buddhism. I seem to remember something relating to a spiritual journey being represented in the mandala yet I am unsure. I would like clarification on this.
**I have two questions, which are related:**
1. I have heard that upon completion they are erased to represent transience. Is this what the erasure represents?
2. What other spiritual significance does the mandala have in Tibetan Buddhism. I seem to remember something relating to a spiritual journey being represented in the mandala yet I am unsure. I would like clarification on this.
Patrick Sebastien
(626 rep)
Jun 18, 2014, 11:40 AM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2015, 04:25 PM
Showing page 386 of 20 total questions