Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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What are good resources to study the Abhidhamma of Central/South Asia Schools (e.g. Sthaviravāda, Sarvāstivāda, Dharmaguptaka, Mūlasarvāstivāda, etc.)
What are good resources and references (ideally online) to learn Abhidhamma from school of Buddhism in Central/South Asia (Sthaviravāda, Theravada, Sarvāstivāda, Dharmaguptaka, Mūlasarvāstivāda, etc.). *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 Abhidhamma from school of Buddhism in Central/South Asia (Sthaviravāda, Theravada, Sarvāstivāda, Dharmaguptaka, Mūlasarvāstivāda, etc.).
*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, 08:29 AM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2015, 04:23 PM
5
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3
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If Dalai Lama is enlightened, why he keeps coming back?
Assuming the result of enlightenment is attainment of Nirvana, and assuming Dalai Lama is enlightened, why does he keep on getting reborn? Could it mean that Nirvana means something else, for example a state of egolessness while still a person on planet Earth?
Assuming the result of enlightenment is attainment of Nirvana, and assuming Dalai Lama is enlightened, why does he keep on getting reborn?
Could it mean that Nirvana means something else, for example a state of egolessness while still a person on planet Earth?
bweber
(205 rep)
Jul 4, 2014, 12:46 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2015, 03:01 PM
10
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What are the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism?
Can anyone provide short (maybe a couple of sentences) summaries of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the differences between them. In fairly certain there are 4 main schools but I could be wrong in that. Also if there are more minor schools of interested then a link to further information on...
Can anyone provide short (maybe a couple of sentences) summaries of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the differences between them. In fairly certain there are 4 main schools but I could be wrong in that. Also if there are more minor schools of interested then a link to further information on those too would be really good.
I've read a bit about Tibetan Buddhism but the characteristics and differences of the main schools just won't lodge in my mind so this would satisfy bit of personal interest really.
Many thanks for all responses.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Feb 25, 2015, 07:29 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2015, 08:40 AM
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Is there a better term than Hinayana?
I'm aware that using the term Hinayana isn't ideal as it has derogatory undertones - being coined by the Mahayana school to differentiate themselves from what had gone on before. The implication being that the Greater Vehicle of the Mahayana is better than the lesser vehicle of the Hinayana. So is t...
I'm aware that using the term Hinayana isn't ideal as it has derogatory undertones - being coined by the Mahayana school to differentiate themselves from what had gone on before. The implication being that the Greater Vehicle of the Mahayana is better than the lesser vehicle of the Hinayana.
So is there another term that can be used? I have often heard Theravada being used interchangeably. I'm not convinced that's right since I'm sure there are other 'Hinayana ' schools that aren't Theravadan, particularly considering ancient schools that don't exist now.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jul 22, 2014, 08:30 PM
• Last activity: Dec 18, 2015, 04:07 PM
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What is the definition of passa ?
The answer on this [question][1] mentions passa in the comments. Having never encountered the term in my studies, what is an overview of the term? What school of Buddhism does it originate from? [1]: https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/13127/whats-the-buddhist-perspective-on-permanently-era...
The answer on this question mentions passa in the comments.
Having never encountered the term in my studies, what is an overview of the term? What school of Buddhism does it originate from?
hellyale
(2543 rep)
Dec 17, 2015, 06:03 PM
• Last activity: Dec 18, 2015, 02:13 PM
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What's the Buddhist perspective on permanently eradicating bedbugs? (Extinction)
On one hand, killing... On the other hand, if there are no bedbugs (extinct status) no one can be reborn as a bedbug. The species causes more suffering then good. Perhaps it would be worth it to be reborn in the hell realm for a life or two as a sacrifice to better the universe in such a way... Or p...
On one hand, killing...
On the other hand, if there are no bedbugs (extinct status) no one can be reborn as a bedbug. The species causes more suffering then good.
Perhaps it would be worth it to be reborn in the hell realm for a life or two as a sacrifice to better the universe in such a way...
Or perhaps the very thought is in grave error...
Say a man were to carry out the mission of bringing bedbugs to extinction, and then take the precept and never kill another thing for his entire remaining life.
What is the Buddhist perspective on this?
Would such a man be responsible for removing the suffering caused by bedbugs if he had not taken on his mission?
hellyale
(2543 rep)
Dec 16, 2015, 08:07 PM
• Last activity: Dec 18, 2015, 09:50 AM
5
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1
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Beings who are not aware of their own existence?
In some realms there are some beings who are not aware of their own existence (Some place in Brahma realm). How do their aggregates work when they themselves aren't aware of their existence? If you can please provide a sutta, Sutra, link, or a reference.
In some realms there are some beings who are not aware of their own existence (Some place in Brahma realm). How do their aggregates work when they themselves aren't aware of their existence?
If you can please provide a sutta, Sutra, link, or a reference.
Theravada
(4001 rep)
Dec 10, 2015, 05:39 PM
• Last activity: Dec 18, 2015, 08:52 AM
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Mahasi Sayadaw Walking
In the tradition of Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw, it is taught that walking and sitting meditation should be practiced balanced with one another. I am wondering where it can be found that the Buddha taught this, or how the venerable sir came to this instruction. Thank you.
In the tradition of Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw, it is taught that walking and sitting meditation should be practiced balanced with one another. I am wondering where it can be found that the Buddha taught this, or how the venerable sir came to this instruction. Thank you.
Ryan
(816 rep)
Jul 26, 2015, 03:08 PM
• Last activity: Dec 18, 2015, 03:09 AM
6
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3
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Exercise for meditation sitting
I couldn't find this exact question asked before. What kind of exercise is recommended for better physical comfort and "endurance"/"stamina" when sitting in meditation; apart from the sitting itself? I usually sit in the half vajra position, which is quite comfortable and stable, but find it a bit t...
I couldn't find this exact question asked before.
What kind of exercise is recommended for better physical comfort and "endurance"/"stamina" when sitting in meditation; apart from the sitting itself?
I usually sit in the half vajra position, which is quite comfortable and stable, but find it a bit tiring when I sit for many hours.
Any good exercises in "the long run"? Any good stretching or other exercises between sessions when sitting whole days?
Mr. Concept
(2681 rep)
Dec 10, 2015, 06:50 PM
• Last activity: Dec 18, 2015, 03:03 AM
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2
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Has any Buddhist meditator claimed that the mano-vijnana has a base to differentiate it from the other consciousnesses?
Has any Buddhist meditator claimed that the [mano-vijnana][1] has a base (I don't mean that in any technical sense) to differentiate it from the other consciousnesses? If so, what is it called, and when is its action suspended? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight_Consciousnesses#The_eightfold_n...
Has any Buddhist meditator claimed that the mano-vijnana has a base (I don't mean that in any technical sense) to differentiate it from the other consciousnesses?
If so, what is it called, and when is its action suspended?
user2512
Oct 27, 2015, 01:59 AM
• Last activity: Dec 17, 2015, 04:07 PM
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3
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Having trouble meditating long sessions (Physical pain)
I like to meditate but because of me being new to it i guess, it is hard for me to meditate more than ten minutes. I have **no trouble concentrating only got some physical pains**, that occur **during long sessions of meditation.** **Can someone please help?**
I like to meditate but because of me being new to it i guess, it is hard for me to meditate more than ten minutes.
I have **no trouble concentrating only got some physical pains**, that occur **during long sessions of meditation.**
**Can someone please help?**
Theravada
(4001 rep)
Oct 28, 2015, 12:50 AM
• Last activity: Dec 17, 2015, 08:57 AM
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1
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Training with both Zen and Rimé
I am very fond of the Prasangika Madhyamaka following Candrakirtis interpretation of Nagarjuna. This is what I read and study most. But I am also attracted to Zen. Does anyone have any thoughts, moral or otherwise the, on pros and cons if I want to train with teachers at both a Zen center and a Tibe...
I am very fond of the Prasangika Madhyamaka following Candrakirtis interpretation of Nagarjuna. This is what I read and study most. But I am also attracted to Zen.
Does anyone have any thoughts, moral or otherwise the, on pros and cons if I want to train with teachers at both a Zen center and a Tibetan Rimé center?
Mr. Concept
(2681 rep)
Dec 16, 2015, 08:28 PM
• Last activity: Dec 17, 2015, 03:02 AM
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3
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Has Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance got anything to do with Zen?
I read [Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance][1] by Robert M. Pirsig a few years ago and really enjoyed it. However I'm not convinced it's got anything to do with [Zen][2]. From what I remember the protagonist spends a lot of time fixing his motorbike and contemplating the notion of quality. Bu...
I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig a few years ago and really enjoyed it. However I'm not convinced it's got anything to do with Zen . From what I remember the protagonist spends a lot of time fixing his motorbike and contemplating the notion of quality. But does the text link into Buddhism generally and Zen specifically? If not, why has it got Zen in the title?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jul 13, 2014, 12:29 PM
• Last activity: Dec 16, 2015, 09:36 PM
4
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1
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When are you a Buddhist?
I know labelling people is not in the spirit of Buddhism. I am for example member of a Buddhist society, not because I'm so eager to be one but because in my country each religious society gets quite some money for having members (and if your not a member, the church gets the money). But when do peo...
I know labelling people is not in the spirit of Buddhism. I am for example member of a Buddhist society, not because I'm so eager to be one but because in my country each religious society gets quite some money for having members (and if your not a member, the church gets the money).
But when do people (not born into a Buddhist country) call themselves Buddhists?
Mr. Concept
(2681 rep)
Dec 16, 2015, 06:31 PM
• Last activity: Dec 16, 2015, 07:48 PM
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3
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Reflexive awareness?
Indian philosophers, both Buddhist and others, are divided on how they stand on the issue of reflexive awareness. As I understand it, reflexive awareness can be formulated thus: when I remember yesterday's blue sky, I not only remember the sky, but seeing the sky. Thus, remembering seeing the sky, m...
Indian philosophers, both Buddhist and others, are divided on how they stand on the issue of reflexive awareness. As I understand it, reflexive awareness can be formulated thus: when I remember yesterday's blue sky, I not only remember the sky, but seeing the sky. Thus, remembering seeing the sky, my awareness - at the time of seeing the sky - must have been "aware of itsef". As far as I can understand reflexivity is supposed to pertain to awareness per ce, not only vision. (I hope my formulation here makes sense, please correct me if I'm wrong).
Questions
- Does anyone have some arguments both for and against reflexive awareness? They should preferably be from one or more of the Indian Buddhist saints, but also formulated in your own words.
- Does anyone have links to sources discussing for and against reflexive awareness, in the context of Buddhism/Indian Buddhist philosophy?
Mr. Concept
(2681 rep)
Dec 15, 2015, 08:35 PM
• Last activity: Dec 15, 2015, 10:39 PM
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2
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Mahayana and Non-dualism
Would it be true to say that cultivation of a non-dualistic view is more important in Mahayana Buddhism than Hinayana?
Would it be true to say that cultivation of a non-dualistic view is more important in Mahayana Buddhism than Hinayana?
Devindra
(1830 rep)
Jun 1, 2015, 03:23 PM
• Last activity: Dec 15, 2015, 04:08 PM
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5
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Were different parts of the Pali Canon intended for different audiences?
I read somewhere that the Middle Length and Long Discourses in the Pali Canon were intended for different audiences. I think it was that the Long Discourses were intended to convert people to Buddhism and the Middle Length discourses were targeted at experienced practitioners. I could have got that...
I read somewhere that the Middle Length and Long Discourses in the Pali Canon were intended for different audiences. I think it was that the Long Discourses were intended to convert people to Buddhism and the Middle Length discourses were targeted at experienced practitioners. I could have got that the wrong way around or just generally wrong but I do remember that someone said they were intended for different groups of people.
Does that ring true with anyone? Can anyone give any further details of whether these parts where for different people and if any of the other parts of the Pali Canon would also be intended for different people. I'm more thinking about the Sutta Pitaka. Clearly the Vinaya Pitaka was for monks and the Abhidhamma Pitaka would have been more advance.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Sep 12, 2015, 09:50 PM
• Last activity: Dec 15, 2015, 03:58 PM
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3
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How are expectations seen in Buddhism?
If one has expectations of others, how is this perceived in Buddhism? For example, if one expects others to show respect, not hurt others, help others, make effort to understand others, etc, how is this perceived? If these expectations are not met or remain unfulfilled, does one simply class these a...
If one has expectations of others, how is this perceived in Buddhism?
For example, if one expects others to show respect, not hurt others, help others, make effort to understand others, etc, how is this perceived?
If these expectations are not met or remain unfulfilled, does one simply class these are ignorance, lack of maturity, etc?
Motivated
(1828 rep)
Dec 13, 2015, 01:48 AM
• Last activity: Dec 15, 2015, 04:45 AM
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How does Dating work in Buddhism
What does the Buddha say about dating, in general? This is a fairly open-ended question, and any scriptural references would help. I would have lustful thoughts when I look at a pretty girl (though I try not to act on it and meditate on impermanence as I walk by her.) But, it just occurred to me tha...
What does the Buddha say about dating, in general? This is a fairly open-ended question, and any scriptural references would help.
I would have lustful thoughts when I look at a pretty girl (though I try not to act on it and meditate on impermanence as I walk by her.) But, it just occurred to me that if I eradicate lust, then do I even need a girlfriend in the first place?? Thus, I'm really confused about how the mechanism of dating works.
Is it even possible to have a girlfriend/wife without lust?
Or, is there an entirely different answer?
This question has been bugging me for at least a year, I would really appreciate anyone's efforts in helping me resolve this.
Thanks! Answers with Scriptural references is preferred, but personal experiences are also welcomed.
Praises to the Dharma!
Reid
(331 rep)
Sep 15, 2015, 04:34 AM
• Last activity: Dec 15, 2015, 12:29 AM
4
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4
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Why do beings, even in lower/hell realms, like their lives?
As to Lord Buddha [beings suffer because they were born](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn12/sn12.002.than.html): > Jaathi pachchaya jara marana soka paridewa dukka domanassa upayasa sambhawanthi > > From birth as a requisite condition, then aging & death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, dist...
As to Lord Buddha [beings suffer because they were born](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn12/sn12.002.than.html) :
> Jaathi pachchaya jara marana soka paridewa dukka domanassa upayasa sambhawanthi
>
> From birth as a requisite condition, then aging & death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair come into play.
---
It is understandable why beings in the higher realms like their lives; but is there an explanation for why beings in very lower realms (like hell) like their lives?
Theravada
(4001 rep)
Nov 25, 2015, 10:05 PM
• Last activity: Dec 13, 2015, 09:56 AM
Showing page 387 of 20 total questions