Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
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How is white lie damaging?
Someone is chased by a murderer, he hides in your house. The person who wants to kill him asks you if you have seen the man. And you say you didn't see. How is this action damaging, what harm have you done?
Someone is chased by a murderer, he hides in your house. The person who wants to kill him asks you if you have seen the man. And you say you didn't see. How is this action damaging, what harm have you done?
B1100
(1201 rep)
Oct 23, 2015, 06:36 AM
• Last activity: Oct 26, 2015, 01:06 AM
4
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3
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Is turning off a patient's life support system encouraging to kill?
If a person is on a life support system due to the failure of one or more organs and not able to return to normal life without them again, if the family consents to the doctors' recommendation to turn off the artificial life support, can this be considered encouraging to kill, violating the first pr...
If a person is on a life support system due to the failure of one or more organs and not able to return to normal life without them again, if the family consents to the doctors' recommendation to turn off the artificial life support, can this be considered encouraging to kill, violating the first precept?
dmsp
(4313 rep)
Oct 14, 2014, 04:06 PM
• Last activity: Oct 26, 2015, 01:05 AM
4
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3
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Is a prior human existence required for a current/subsequent human existence?
If I, this impermanent and suffering and no-self array of aggregates, am journeying through this human realm now, shall I assume that that which was "my prior life", another impermanent and suffering and no-self array of aggregates, was also journeying through the human realm (i.e. a prior human exi...
If I, this impermanent and suffering and no-self array of aggregates, am journeying through this human realm now, shall I assume that that which was "my prior life", another impermanent and suffering and no-self array of aggregates, was also journeying through the human realm (i.e. a prior human existence is a prerequisite for a subsequent human existence)? I am inclined to think that it is possible for an individual array of ever-fluxuating potentialities to "pass" through the human realm consecutively a number of times.
PaPa
(1005 rep)
Jul 24, 2015, 04:04 PM
• Last activity: Oct 26, 2015, 12:52 AM
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What must be done before rebirth in the hell realms becomes inevitable?
I once read a commentary by a Rinpoche talking about how the karma of killing a single fly grew at an exponential rate. Since negative karma grows so quickly, what actions, and what amount of those actions, makes rebirth in a hell realm inevitable? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Av%C4%ABci
I once read a commentary by a Rinpoche talking about how the karma of killing a single fly grew at an exponential rate.
Since negative karma grows so quickly, what actions, and what amount of those actions, makes rebirth in a hell realm inevitable?
hellyale
(2543 rep)
Jul 22, 2015, 03:34 PM
• Last activity: Oct 25, 2015, 11:38 PM
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Can Buddhism help me escape the difficulties in my life?
I am tired of the rat race, working a job I hate to buy things that I don't need. I am tired of technology and the grasp it has on everybody in the western world. Is there a feasible way, within Buddhist practice, for the average westerner to escape it all in exchange for a simple and pure life?
I am tired of the rat race, working a job I hate to buy things that I don't need.
I am tired of technology and the grasp it has on everybody in the western world.
Is there a feasible way, within Buddhist practice, for the average westerner to escape it all in exchange for a simple and pure life?
thomas roberts
(41 rep)
Sep 28, 2014, 12:42 AM
• Last activity: Oct 25, 2015, 11:16 PM
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How do I make non-buddhists help understand I operate with a different view?
I have started on my path not very long ago and because I'm very unsure where it will take me, I am hesitant to label myself as a Buddhist or even a meditator or such. Also where I live, eastern schools of thought are not well known anyway. In certain social situations (most recently at the office C...
I have started on my path not very long ago and because I'm very unsure where it will take me, I am hesitant to label myself as a Buddhist or even a meditator or such. Also where I live, eastern schools of thought are not well known anyway.
In certain social situations (most recently at the office Christmas party) I am usually nagged to relax more or to enjoy myself more. I understand that these are good intentioned tries to make me have a similar experience to what these people deem as joyous. However I don't feel anxiety or loss of comfort just because for example I don't get drunk and dance in a very animated way. In fact I'm usually quite content to just lean on the bar and observe people and be mindful of what's happening. I have yet to meet a party goer who will believe this.
Do you have any advice on how to try and help these people understand that I don't partake in their experiences because I don't find them wholesome and ultimately fulfilling without having them brand me as a weirdo or a liar? Specifically without mentioning Buddhism, meditation, mindfulness and similar terms? I'd like to convey believably that there are other ways to enjoy yourself, not just drinking and hitting up attractive people.
Thanks!
thehumming
(141 rep)
Dec 19, 2014, 05:35 PM
• Last activity: Oct 25, 2015, 11:09 PM
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Why are Buddhas always Indian, male and human?
Dipankara, Siddhartha Gotama, Maithreya to name a few (*of the 28 named in the Buddhavamsa*) - it feels a bit like a Hollywood plot where it's always only an all American hero that fights off the alien invasion of planet Earth. Given that the dharma is universal why isn't a Buddha a deva or a Pacifi...
Dipankara, Siddhartha Gotama, Maithreya to name a few (*of the 28 named in the Buddhavamsa*) - it feels a bit like a Hollywood plot where it's always only an all American hero that fights off the alien invasion of planet Earth.
Given that the dharma is universal why isn't a Buddha a deva or a Pacific islander or a woman?
Why is it also always only one person and not like say a united nations of Buddhas?
Buddho
(7501 rep)
Aug 28, 2015, 11:10 AM
• Last activity: Oct 25, 2015, 10:27 PM
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How do memories affect the path?
If one has recollection of memories that were experiences of pain be it physical, mental, emotional, how do these affect the path? Often memories are triggered involuntarily and more than often they surface when reflecting.
If one has recollection of memories that were experiences of pain be it physical, mental, emotional, how do these affect the path?
Often memories are triggered involuntarily and more than often they surface when reflecting.
Motivated
(1828 rep)
Oct 23, 2015, 07:10 AM
• Last activity: Oct 25, 2015, 11:49 AM
5
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What happens to my body when I breathe out?
It is suggested, that one concentrates on the breath while meditating. It is also suggested that one breathes out and remains in this state for a moment, to feel the emptiness. What happens to my body while I remain in this breathless state? Does it cause relaxation and if so, why? I'd like to know...
It is suggested, that one concentrates on the breath while meditating. It is also suggested that one breathes out and remains in this state for a moment, to feel the emptiness. What happens to my body while I remain in this breathless state?
Does it cause relaxation and if so, why?
I'd like to know something about the physiological effects of this aspect of meditation...
draks ...
(377 rep)
Oct 23, 2015, 08:02 PM
• Last activity: Oct 25, 2015, 06:49 AM
4
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What are some good sources to know more about the Buddha and his teachings
When I was going through difficult face my life, I read little bit about the Buddha's thoughts and it really changed my life. When I started to think from his perspective, I explored a new way of looking at Life which was amazing. I want to know more about his philosophy towards `LIFE`. I tried `Wik...
When I was going through difficult face my life, I read little bit about the Buddha's thoughts and it really changed my life. When I started to think from his perspective, I explored a new way of looking at Life which was amazing.
I want to know more about his philosophy towards
LIFE. I tried Wiki and other article over the internet, But it doesn't satisfies me. Can anybody suggest me any good source like any book English or Hindi.
user7170
Oct 24, 2015, 04:49 AM
• Last activity: Oct 24, 2015, 11:01 PM
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How can one verify reincarnation?
The Buddha something about what evidence you need to believe something. So how can one verify reincarnation?
The Buddha something about what evidence you need to believe something. So how can one verify reincarnation?
iCrazybest
(461 rep)
Nov 4, 2014, 02:30 AM
• Last activity: Oct 24, 2015, 04:53 PM
4
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How is marriage after divorce looked upon?
From this [article][1], it is clear that Buddhism accepts(but doesn't really root for it) divorce when things get worse. But, how is marriage after divorce looked upon? [1]: http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/237.htm
From this article , it is clear that Buddhism accepts(but doesn't really root for it) divorce when things get worse. But, how is marriage after divorce looked upon?
Dawny33
(339 rep)
Oct 23, 2015, 10:12 AM
• Last activity: Oct 23, 2015, 08:48 PM
5
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1
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When to help and when not to?
How does one know when to help and when not to help others? It seems without awareness of the results - bad, good, neutral for the one being helped and one who is helping, it is difficult to make choices. For example, you may help someone in distress however you may also become the recipient of that...
How does one know when to help and when not to help others?
It seems without awareness of the results - bad, good, neutral for the one being helped and one who is helping, it is difficult to make choices.
For example, you may help someone in distress however you may also become the recipient of that distress.
Motivated
(1828 rep)
Oct 22, 2015, 06:22 AM
• Last activity: Oct 23, 2015, 12:05 PM
1
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1
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Devas and their appearance
Far as i know Devas are born without parents so why are they in two genders? If they have no biological need to reproduce what is the reason for two genders and if the Devas are born after doing many good and noble things in this world, how are their companions and concubines are born, are they resi...
Far as i know Devas are born without parents so why are they in two genders?
If they have no biological need to reproduce what is the reason for two genders and if the Devas are born after doing many good and noble things in this world, how are their companions and concubines are born, are they residing in a world inhabited by other beings?
Theravada
(4001 rep)
Oct 19, 2015, 09:47 PM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2015, 11:05 AM
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How did Buddha's teachings about samsara differ from earlier Indian tradition?
Even before the Buddha, the wheel of birth and death was a common teaching in India, with the six stages or realms. This is something that has passed down into Buddhism (even today). What did the Buddha add to this traditional teaching, and how does the Buddhist conception of samsara differ from thi...
Even before the Buddha, the wheel of birth and death was a common teaching in India, with the six stages or realms. This is something that has passed down into Buddhism (even today). What did the Buddha add to this traditional teaching, and how does the Buddhist conception of samsara differ from this older teaching?
Dan Hulme
(475 rep)
Jun 28, 2014, 10:22 AM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2015, 11:03 AM
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4
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What is Thögal?
Recently I came across a progressive series of workshops working out of the Kusum Rangshar (by Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen) where one of the classes revolved around a practice called Thögal (ཐོད་རྒལ་). Searching for this term to determine what exactly it is has not been particularly fruitful in Engl...
Recently I came across a progressive series of workshops working out of the Kusum Rangshar (by Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen) where one of the classes revolved around a practice called Thögal (ཐོད་རྒལ་).
Searching for this term to determine what exactly it is has not been particularly fruitful in English-language sources other than to say that it is linked with the practice of dzogchen, so I am wondering if there is a reasonable high-level description of what it is or what it entails?
Hrafn
(1239 rep)
Sep 5, 2014, 04:45 PM
• Last activity: Oct 19, 2015, 11:36 PM
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Does the concept of Brahma muhurta (time of Brahma) exist in Buddhism?
On Buddhist retreats and at most Buddhist monasteries the morning meditation session is at around 4:30 or 5:00 am. > In Hinduism, Brahma muhurta (time of Brahma) is a period (*muhurta*) one and a half hours before sunrise or more precisely 1Hr 36 Mins before sunrise. i.e. 96 Minu...
On Buddhist retreats and at most Buddhist monasteries the morning meditation session is at around 4:30 or 5:00 am.
> In Hinduism, Brahma muhurta (time of Brahma) is a period (*muhurta*) one and a half hours before sunrise or more precisely 1Hr 36 Mins before sunrise. i.e. 96 Minutes = 2 *Muhūrta* or 4 *Ghaṭīkā*,and each *Muhurta* lasting for 48 minutes. Literally meaning "God's Hour", it is traditionally the last phase or muhurta of the night and is considered an auspicious time for all practices of yoga and most appropriate for meditation, worship or any other religious practice.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmamuhurtha
Is there a similar theoretical basis in Buddhism? If so, where can I learn more about it?
**Side note**: *I've been automatically waking up at 4:00-4:30 am now for sometime now without intending to. It doesn't matter how tired I am, or how late I go to bed, I come fully awake at this time, and my eyes aren't burning or showing any signs of fatigue. I'll sit up and mediate in bed after a little washing up. After an hour or so (actually 48 minutes sounds about right, I don't set a timer so I can't confirm) I will go back to bed or about the day after a little more meditation, depending on my schedule. I find this automatic process quite fascinating. That's how I started to research this phenomenon.*
Buddho
(7501 rep)
Oct 18, 2015, 11:35 AM
• Last activity: Oct 18, 2015, 05:16 PM
5
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Question on a Mahayana Sutra (Three Svabhavas)
First time trying this. Much Metta to all beings here. I've been studying and meditating on a Mahayana based sutra for months, which is quite detailed in philosophy. I don't seem to understand the meaning of a particular passage. "Now, Mahāmati, false discrimination rises from form (nimitta). How, M...
First time trying this. Much Metta to all beings here. I've been studying and meditating on a Mahayana based sutra for months, which is quite detailed in philosophy. I don't seem to understand the meaning of a particular passage.
"Now, Mahāmati, false discrimination rises from form (nimitta). How, Mahāmati, does it rise from form? In [the consideration of] the relativity aspect of Svabhāva, realities appear in various ways, as having forms, signs, and shapes; when, Mahāmati, these objects, forms, and signs are adhered to [as real], this adherence takes place in two ways. The Tathagatas, Arhats, and Fully-Enlightened Ones thus declare false discrimination to consist in attachment to names and attachment to objects. By the attachment to objects is meant, Mahāmati, to get attached to inner and external things [as realities]..."
-Lankavatara Sutra, Chapter II, Suzuki Translation.
I'm confused on what it means by attaching to objects as realities.
Thoughts? Thank you!
Maxwell T.
(527 rep)
Oct 15, 2015, 01:04 AM
• Last activity: Oct 18, 2015, 03:38 PM
6
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1
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Meditation posture and language as a monk in Thailand
I am not able to sit in the lotus position. I'm only 24 years old but quite tall (189 cm). Usually I sit in this position: [![enter image description here][1]][1] (I googled the picture, it's from [EMPFOHLENE MEDITATIONS-POSITIONEN UND SITZHALTUNGEN](https://selbstwaerts.de/meditation-selbstwaerts/m...
I am not able to sit in the lotus position. I'm only 24 years old but quite tall (189 cm). Usually I sit in this position:
(I googled the picture, it's from [EMPFOHLENE MEDITATIONS-POSITIONEN UND SITZHALTUNGEN](https://selbstwaerts.de/meditation-selbstwaerts/meditationspositionen/))
1. If I want to enter a monastery in Thailand and become a monk, is it a problem if I can't sit in the lotus position for meditation but in the position I posted above? I'm asking this, because I have never seen a monk meditating in a position different from the lotus position.
2. I suffer from back problems and need to workout regularly in order to reduce the pain in my back. My back muscles need regular workout because they are weak. Is it possible to perform basic exercises in my own room or is it against the vinaya?
3. While being in a monastery in Thailand, is it possible to improve my skills in english in order to understand the instructions perfectly? I understand english pretty well but I have difficulties in speaking sometimes. I have learned english at school for 3 years only (I've had some help when writing these questions). So my skills are pretty basic. Or is it possible to learn thai?
Thanks in advance for taking your time to answer my questions.
(I googled the picture, it's from [EMPFOHLENE MEDITATIONS-POSITIONEN UND SITZHALTUNGEN](https://selbstwaerts.de/meditation-selbstwaerts/meditationspositionen/))
1. If I want to enter a monastery in Thailand and become a monk, is it a problem if I can't sit in the lotus position for meditation but in the position I posted above? I'm asking this, because I have never seen a monk meditating in a position different from the lotus position.
2. I suffer from back problems and need to workout regularly in order to reduce the pain in my back. My back muscles need regular workout because they are weak. Is it possible to perform basic exercises in my own room or is it against the vinaya?
3. While being in a monastery in Thailand, is it possible to improve my skills in english in order to understand the instructions perfectly? I understand english pretty well but I have difficulties in speaking sometimes. I have learned english at school for 3 years only (I've had some help when writing these questions). So my skills are pretty basic. Or is it possible to learn thai?
Thanks in advance for taking your time to answer my questions.
Stéphane
(61 rep)
Oct 17, 2015, 10:44 AM
• Last activity: Oct 18, 2015, 01:22 PM
4
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3
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Can Buddha Damma be reduced to Paticca Samuppada?
Can the teaching be reduced to Paticca Samuppada? Has lord Buddha preached so in any Sutta? During vipassana meditation, the practitioner focuses on impermanence, dissatisfaction and non-self. After this, when getting Arhantship, is it Paticca Samuppada that is understood by the disciple?
Can the teaching be reduced to Paticca Samuppada? Has lord Buddha preached so in any Sutta? During vipassana meditation, the practitioner focuses on impermanence, dissatisfaction and non-self. After this, when getting Arhantship, is it Paticca Samuppada that is understood by the disciple?
seeker
(963 rep)
Oct 15, 2015, 07:20 AM
• Last activity: Oct 15, 2015, 05:58 PM
Showing page 398 of 20 total questions