Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Where can I find the Sanskrit versions of Tripitaka?
We can easily find the Pali versions and their translations online. How about the Sanskrit versions?
We can easily find the Pali versions and their translations online. How about the Sanskrit versions?
ramana_k
(245 rep)
Oct 6, 2015, 09:08 PM
• Last activity: Oct 7, 2015, 06:27 AM
3
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2
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the value of a regular vipassana meditation practice
What is the value in a regular vipassana meditation practice (e.g. almost daily, some days twice, typically 1hr+ per session) if, over the long haul (months), annicca, dukkha and annatta are not realized? Is the absence of these three very Buddhist characteristics an indication that the practice is,...
What is the value in a regular vipassana meditation practice (e.g. almost daily, some days twice, typically 1hr+ per session) if, over the long haul (months), annicca, dukkha and annatta are not realized? Is the absence of these three very Buddhist characteristics an indication that the practice is, essentially, a secular practice with little-to-no spiritual value?
PaPa
(1005 rep)
Jul 31, 2015, 09:55 AM
• Last activity: Oct 6, 2015, 04:57 PM
1
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1
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What is the 'key' to these tantrika works?
At the end of this article, [First Principles of Buddha Dharma][1], in the 'Summing Up' section, it says, > In the sense of Dharma being the 'teachings' of the Buddha, the teachings that explain the Path of Awakening, we find them composed in twelve types of scripture. and, > (12) *Upadesa*, concern...
At the end of this article, First Principles of Buddha Dharma , in the 'Summing Up' section, it says,
> In the sense of Dharma being the 'teachings' of the Buddha, the teachings that explain the Path of Awakening, we find them composed in twelve types of scripture.
and,
> (12) *Upadesa*, concerning esoteric doctrines, the equivalent to Tantra ('tradition'), in which the Buddha appears in various archetypal forms, for the illumination of beings. These tantrika works are quite numerous, but not readily comprehensible except for **those who have the correct key** to their meaning.
What is that Key ?
What is the meaning of it?
Is it a secret of that tradition?
Shrawaka
(1589 rep)
Oct 5, 2015, 05:18 AM
• Last activity: Oct 5, 2015, 12:09 PM
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4
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Is Lord Buddha's way applicable to escape from the 'Plato's cave'?
[In this Answer][1] for escaping the analogy as shown in Plato's cave. > Socrates remarks that this allegory can be taken with what was said > before, namely the **analogy of the sun and the analogy of the divided > line**. In particular, he likens our perception of the world around us > "to the hab...
In this Answer for escaping the analogy as shown in Plato's cave.
> Socrates remarks that this allegory can be taken with what was said
> before, namely the **analogy of the sun and the analogy of the divided
> line**. In particular, he likens our perception of the world around us
> "to the habitation in prison, the firelight there to the sunlight
> here, the ascent and the view of the upper world [to] the rising of
> the soul into the world of the mind" (517b).
He shows two analogy.
1). Analogy of the sun.
2). Analogy of the divided line.
Is this two has any relationship with Buddhist two truths(Conventional and Ultimate)?
conventional truths is believing worldly things.(eg. the car Is). If so what is the " Divided line"?
Or else, What is then 'Majjima Patipada '(Middle path)? Why Middle?
Shrawaka
(1589 rep)
Oct 4, 2015, 01:20 AM
• Last activity: Oct 5, 2015, 03:48 AM
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2
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Celibacy and contradiction with modern medical science
Buddhism [stress on Celibacy][1] at the same time insists on revoking everything that could not be proved by [scientific method or rational thought][2]. I am a graduate student of physics and I [found][3] that modern medical science or the proponents of medicine recommends controlled masturbation as...
Buddhism stress on Celibacy at the same time insists on revoking everything that could not be proved by scientific method or rational thought . I am a graduate student of physics and I found that modern medical science or the proponents of medicine recommends controlled masturbation as a healthy way to relieve sexual desire or tension. I find it contradictory that what the medical practitioners found by scientific methods is completely against the view of masturbation in Buddhism and still Buddhism as far as I know advocates the scientific method be more fruitful than the intuitive way of reasoning. Is it contradictory?
Sathyam
(181 rep)
Nov 8, 2014, 08:07 AM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2015, 03:24 PM
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3
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How does the buddhist teachings differentiate between reality and perception?
How does the buddhist teachings differentiate between reality and perception ? Can anyone point me to on-line resources where in I can read more about this topic ?
How does the buddhist teachings differentiate between reality and perception ?
Can anyone point me to on-line resources where in I can read more about this topic ?
amijjm
(65 rep)
Oct 1, 2015, 03:42 PM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2015, 12:57 AM
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4
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Do you become unhappy when happiness disappears?
Do you become unhappy when happiness disappears? Or is there some other state of mind between happiness and unhappiness?
Do you become unhappy when happiness disappears? Or is there some other state of mind between happiness and unhappiness?
clempojazzer
(163 rep)
Oct 2, 2015, 11:02 PM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2015, 08:38 PM
2
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1
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Earth covered with water in the beginning?
I have heard a monk saying, in the beginning of this kappa Earth was covered with water. And a god or a brahma, I dont remember exactly whom, had put a lotus seed into that water and there grown 5 flowers and they represented the 5 Buddhas (Kakusanda, Konagama, Kashyapa, Gautama, Meithri) in this ka...
I have heard a monk saying, in the beginning of this kappa Earth was covered with water. And a god or a brahma, I dont remember exactly whom, had put a lotus seed into that water and there grown 5 flowers and they represented the 5 Buddhas (Kakusanda, Konagama, Kashyapa, Gautama, Meithri) in this kappa. But I could not find where in Tripitaka did the lord Buddha say that. So I highly apreciate if someone could help me to find any reference to this.
Thanks in advance.
Gmnd-i
(113 rep)
Oct 3, 2015, 12:29 PM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2015, 06:42 PM
2
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1
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other models analogue of the ''five aggregates''
what are the other models analogue of the ''five aggregates'' USED BY THE BUDDHA, and their references in the sutas used by the buddha that mentioned at the end of this video. [YouTube] The Five Aggregates Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Oo0ad9Ptf-w#t=924 there is fo...
what are the other models analogue of the ''five aggregates'' USED BY THE BUDDHA, and their references in the sutas used by the buddha that mentioned at the end of this video.
[YouTube] The Five Aggregates Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Oo0ad9Ptf-w#t=924
there is form and the the mind is:
feeling
perception
mental formation
conciousness of senses
but what are the other models for this ?
JClo
(21 rep)
Oct 1, 2015, 06:07 AM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2015, 02:03 AM
2
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1
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Is there a defined sequence of events when a Buddhist enters a temple?
As there are sequence of events which happen in other religions, do such things happen in Buddhism also? **For example:** Consider Christianity, it starts with a worship, then a sermon follows, followed by offerings and then end with a blessing from the priest. Consider Hinduism, it starts with ente...
As there are sequence of events which happen in other religions, do such things happen in Buddhism also?
**For example:**
Consider Christianity, it starts with a worship, then a sermon follows, followed by offerings and then end with a blessing from the priest.
Consider Hinduism, it starts with entering the temple, a silent prayer, followed by a blessing from the priest.
So, is there a defined set of sequences when a Buddhist enters the (Buddhist) temple?
Dawny33
(339 rep)
Oct 2, 2015, 10:57 AM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2015, 05:16 PM
3
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1
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How is Gedhun Choekyi Nyima connected to the Buddhist community?
How is he connected to the Buddhist community? Is he a to be Buddhist leader or simply a successor? And does his imprisonment by china has anything to do with Buddhism or is it just a political matter? Did his imprisonment affected the Buddhist community? If yes, then how?
How is he connected to the Buddhist community? Is he a to be Buddhist leader or simply a successor?
And does his imprisonment by china has anything to do with Buddhism or is it just a political matter?
Did his imprisonment affected the Buddhist community? If yes, then how?
Dawny33
(339 rep)
Oct 1, 2015, 10:55 AM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2015, 03:06 PM
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4
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In the five paramitas, what is patience and why is it on the list?
I understand the English dictionary definition of patience, the ability to wait. When reading about the paramitas, it seems like this word in the original language covered forbearance, i.e. the ability to suffer other people's anger and insults calmly, in addition to the sense of be capable of waiti...
I understand the English dictionary definition of patience, the ability to wait.
When reading about the paramitas, it seems like this word in the original language covered forbearance, i.e. the ability to suffer other people's anger and insults calmly, in addition to the sense of be capable of waiting.
Was patience added to the list because of the huge time required to achieve full Buddhahood? Or is patience a sloppy translation and is this paramita really about forbearance?
Anyhow, in personal practice, if it means the ability to wait, then it isn't *actionable* since, patient or not, there is little risk of me reaching full Buddhahood on any given day.
MatthewMartin
(7221 rep)
Sep 25, 2015, 12:57 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2015, 11:33 AM
3
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3
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988
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The desire of no desire
I have been thinking on the notion of desiring to have no desire. The idea of striving to not grasp, therefore grasping onto the idea in the first place and rendering it a contradiction and inevitably a failure(?). Is this simply the Great Paradox of Buddhism? Of life? Is it better to act through im...
I have been thinking on the notion of desiring to have no desire. The idea of striving to not grasp, therefore grasping onto the idea in the first place and rendering it a contradiction and inevitably a failure(?). Is this simply the Great Paradox of Buddhism? Of life? Is it better to act through impartial/passive acceptance of things, and does this come from longterm, present and active striving to 'abolish' desire, or from gradual, passive acceptance of the self to be translated into a lack of desire? Or do the two intermingle?
Also, do these different courses of action depend on the specific sect of Buddhism?
This may be way too simple, or way too complicated.
I'm sorry if I'm not translating my thoughts too well.
Ben
(31 rep)
Oct 1, 2015, 09:14 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2015, 09:24 AM
3
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Do you have to have certain pastlife karma to use a computer?
So lets take all humans currently alive in the human world. They all have the karma to be reborn in this realm. Computers exist in our world, and in some places (Not all) public libraries provide them and access to them / the internet. Are there cases where karma would prevent someone from using a c...
So lets take all humans currently alive in the human world. They all have the karma to be reborn in this realm.
Computers exist in our world, and in some places (Not all) public libraries provide them and access to them / the internet.
Are there cases where karma would prevent someone from using a computer? Say even that one was right in front of them, would karmic forces prevent them from using it? Could karmic forces prevent them from touching it?
Like say, if you tried to give to someone that had a lot of karma from stealing in a previous life. Would it be possible? Or would events always unfold that prevent you from giving in some way or another?
What I am trying to ask is if karma can make events that seem possible conventionally (IE Hand someone a 20$ bill) be impossible in practice.
hellyale
(2543 rep)
Sep 28, 2015, 06:08 PM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2015, 08:50 PM
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...or does it mean that the conditions might also dependant on a or all things?
A central concept in the Buddhist tradition that all things (X) arise in dependence upon multiple causes and conditions (C). Does this imply a certain causality or order ( `C -> X` ) or does it mean that the conditions might also dependant on a or all things (`C X`)? The question arose in a comment...
A central concept in the Buddhist tradition that all things (X) arise in dependence upon multiple causes and conditions (C).
Does this imply a certain causality or order (
C -> X ) or does it mean that the conditions might also dependant on a or all things (C X)?
The question arose in a comment to the question if ["Axioms are non-empty?"](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/11501/are-axioms-non-empty?noredirect=1#comment29774_11501) , saying that "Axioms are basically constructed for theorems. So they are still created things, and thus dependent. "
I always wondered if the dependance concept also works the other way round...
draks ...
(377 rep)
Sep 30, 2015, 07:08 PM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2015, 02:40 PM
6
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2
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What are the rotating cylinders in monastries, and why are they there?
Sorry, as I don't know the right term for them. But, I have noticed these huge copper cylinders(when I went to visit a temple in Dharmashala), which are kept like 5-6 in a row. They have engravings (probably in some script) on them, and they are rotated by the people who are walking past them. So, w...
Sorry, as I don't know the right term for them.
But, I have noticed these huge copper cylinders(when I went to visit a temple in Dharmashala), which are kept like 5-6 in a row.
They have engravings (probably in some script) on them, and they are rotated by the people who are walking past them.
So, what are they? And what are the engravings on them? And why people are rotating them?
Dawny33
(339 rep)
Oct 1, 2015, 11:04 AM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2015, 01:06 PM
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how to label changing postures?
Up until now when i change postures i said in my language the word for changing to a sitting posture and then "sitting" three times - now i think it overdoing it and i think maybe its best just to say "sitting sitting sitting" when changing posture form standing to sitting and also the opposite inst...
Up until now when i change postures i said in my language the word for changing to a sitting posture and then "sitting" three times - now i think it overdoing it and i think maybe its best just to say "sitting sitting sitting" when changing posture form standing to sitting
and also the opposite instead of say "rising rising rising" and than "standing standing standing" i wonder if its best just to say "standing standing standing"
What is the offical accepted view on how one should lable the changing of postures in the mahasi sayadaw technique - specifically what ven.yuttdhammo is teaching ?
i wouldnt mind hearing opinions about this subject on whats best to do ect - but i would also like to know what is commonly recommended to most practitioners officially to do, what is the standard way of labeling the changing of postures -
also im asking on how to this in daily life and also when mediating or at a retreat - if i dont have time to label 3 times "sitting sitting sitting" but only 1 time "sitting" - whats the way to label in that case ? (im asking what to label in on both scenarios)
breath
(1454 rep)
Sep 30, 2015, 09:33 AM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2015, 03:18 AM
2
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1
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105
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The senses, electroreception, synaesthesia
I am curious: how do Buddhist traditions treat senses other than the six that are traditionally given, e.g., [electroreception][1] (the ability to detect electrical fields/stimuli)? If there are actually more than six senses in some cases, it seems mildly problematic. Related question: how do Buddhi...
I am curious: how do Buddhist traditions treat senses other than the six that are traditionally given, e.g., electroreception (the ability to detect electrical fields/stimuli)? If there are actually more than six senses in some cases, it seems mildly problematic.
Related question: how do Buddhists talk about synaesthesia? Are there any interesting issues surrounding this phenomenon?
Adamokkha
(2620 rep)
Sep 20, 2015, 06:17 PM
• Last activity: Sep 30, 2015, 10:54 PM
4
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6
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1136
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How do I become a Buddha, the stages of the path?
I'm interested to see the process broken down into steps preferably using Theravada theory, all in the context of a summarized "how to". This would range from trying meditation, through all the stages of insight, enlightenment, into and through any other stages, and into Buddhahood, assumably hundre...
I'm interested to see the process broken down into steps preferably using Theravada theory, all in the context of a summarized "how to".
This would range from trying meditation, through all the stages of insight, enlightenment, into and through any other stages, and into Buddhahood, assumably hundreds or more lifetimes from now. What are the stages?
A Nonimous
(836 rep)
Sep 1, 2014, 03:25 PM
• Last activity: Sep 30, 2015, 01:09 PM
4
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3
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414
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What is the truth that you deny?
I have heard that there is a Tibetan word that roughly translates to "The truth that we deny" and sounded close to the English word "gotcha." I however cannot locate this word or a source of it. Can anyone provide a source? It is possible that it translates to either "The truth that I deny" or "The...
I have heard that there is a Tibetan word that roughly translates to "The truth that we deny" and sounded close to the English word "gotcha."
I however cannot locate this word or a source of it. Can anyone provide a source?
It is possible that it translates to either "The truth that I deny" or "The truth that you deny."
I am not sure if "we" was the right pronoun.
I think it might have been used in debates within the monasteries.
hellyale
(2543 rep)
Jun 30, 2015, 08:25 PM
• Last activity: Sep 30, 2015, 10:18 AM
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