Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
17
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9
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1648
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What is Buddhism?
To be precise, can anyone provide a one page summary of Buddhism as a whole, suitable to distribute to someone who knows nothing about the religion? (Yes, this is a "please do my homework for me" question - we're starting up a university Buddhist club, and need a handout to give out at the club fair...
To be precise, can anyone provide a one page summary of Buddhism as a whole, suitable to distribute to someone who knows nothing about the religion?
(Yes, this is a "please do my homework for me" question - we're starting up a university Buddhist club, and need a handout to give out at the club fair).
yuttadhammo
(24268 rep)
Aug 26, 2015, 12:49 AM
• Last activity: Sep 30, 2015, 12:38 AM
2
votes
5
answers
181
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Watching crime in apps or website
By watching crime in mobile apps or in website , is one actually participating in the incident? If one thinks about it, is one perpetuating the incident again? Does it add to one's karma? How does one react to this kind of situation ? if we ignore the video , are we creating a bigger incident? Regar...
By watching crime in mobile apps or in website , is one actually participating in the incident? If one thinks about it, is one perpetuating the incident again? Does it add to one's karma? How does one react to this kind of situation ? if we ignore the video , are we creating a bigger incident?
Regards.
user5256
(501 rep)
Sep 28, 2015, 09:23 AM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2015, 10:03 PM
3
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4
answers
687
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Once nirvana is reached is there any connection to earth available?
In Buddhism what information is there regarding the ability to communicate back to Earth from those who have transcended and reached Nirvana? Is it possible or probable that those who attain Nirvana, die, and reach Parinibbana would/could try to help guide others?
In Buddhism what information is there regarding the ability to communicate back to Earth from those who have transcended and reached Nirvana?
Is it possible or probable that those who attain Nirvana, die, and reach Parinibbana would/could try to help guide others?
Adam Heeg
(133 rep)
Sep 23, 2015, 04:26 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2015, 02:55 PM
6
votes
2
answers
466
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Difference between "Becoming" and Anicca
To preface my question, I will add that I am very unfamiliar with Buddhism. My knowledge consists of some historical anecdotes, and I also know some of the basic tenets. That being said, is there a difference between ["Becoming"][1] and Anicca/Impermanence? The former is a philosophy that originated...
To preface my question, I will add that I am very unfamiliar with Buddhism. My knowledge consists of some historical anecdotes, and I also know some of the basic tenets.
That being said, is there a difference between "Becoming" and Anicca/Impermanence? The former is a philosophy that originated in the West, and is nearly as old as Buddhism itself. Are they essentially the same thing, but stated differently? Or am I overlooking a huge fundamental difference which delineates the two?
Ryan
(163 rep)
Sep 27, 2015, 09:06 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2015, 02:44 PM
9
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2
answers
343
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Discernment vs. judgement in the labeling meditation
To watch the mind, as far as I understand, is to simply watch the mind without judging it. But there is a method, which teaches us to note sad when we are sad, dislike when we dislike something, happy when we are happy, etc.. How is this mental labeling different to judgemental mind? Will this indir...
To watch the mind, as far as I understand, is to simply watch the mind without judging it. But there is a method, which teaches us to note sad when we are sad, dislike when we dislike something, happy when we are happy, etc..
How is this mental labeling different to judgemental mind?
Will this indirectly train someone's mind, to become more judgemental of oneself and others?
B1100
(1201 rep)
Sep 22, 2015, 03:14 AM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2015, 05:15 AM
4
votes
2
answers
288
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Which aggregate appears before...perception or feeling?
Do you first feel the touch (pleasant, unpleasant or indifferent) or do you first identify it? Or is it all at the same time? Is the order of aggregates always the same for all the senses?
Do you first feel the touch (pleasant, unpleasant or indifferent) or do you first identify it? Or is it all at the same time?
Is the order of aggregates always the same for all the senses?
clempojazzer
(163 rep)
Sep 27, 2015, 07:14 AM
• Last activity: Sep 27, 2015, 04:53 PM
3
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1
answers
234
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How careful must monks be about their use of water?
According to [this][1] list of the Patimokkha Rules, > Using water, or getting others to use it, knowing that it contains > living beings that will die from that use, is a pācittiya offense. (Pc > 62) So, does this refer even to microbes in water? If so, how would a monk boil water for food and/or t...
According to this list of the Patimokkha Rules,
> Using water, or getting others to use it, knowing that it contains
> living beings that will die from that use, is a pācittiya offense. (Pc
> 62)
So, does this refer even to microbes in water? If so, how would a monk boil water for food and/or tea without committing an offense? Or even drink water without committing an offense?
Ian
(2661 rep)
Sep 27, 2015, 01:32 AM
• Last activity: Sep 27, 2015, 01:05 PM
2
votes
3
answers
247
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Suchiloma Sutta translation
I am looking for a translation of the [Suchiloma Sutta][1] other than the one I have found through searching on Google or some insight into the Pali. In the story, the Demon Suchiloma wants to test the Buddha and 'strikes him with his body' whereupon the Buddha withdraws his own body. Here is the pa...
I am looking for a translation of the Suchiloma Sutta other than the one I have found through searching on Google or some insight into the Pali.
In the story, the Demon Suchiloma wants to test the Buddha and 'strikes him with his body' whereupon the Buddha withdraws his own body.
Here is the passage I am interested in:
> Thereupon the demon Suchiloma addressed Bhagava thus: "O Samana! Are
> you afraid of me?" (Bhagava said,) "Friend! though your touching me is
> sinful, (yet) I am not afraid of you."
I seem to recall reading a translation of this sutta in which the Buddha's words are translated as something like: Friend, I am not afraid of you, but still, contact with you is not pleasant.
Can anyone point to an alternate translation or to a Pali version of the sutta (along with any insight into the meaning of the passage in question)?
Adamokkha
(2620 rep)
Sep 20, 2015, 07:22 PM
• Last activity: Sep 27, 2015, 07:11 AM
3
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4
answers
570
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What does the word "world" mean in the Buddhist context?
The [Hemawatha Sutta][1] Is a (very old)? sutta in "Sutha Nipatha" of KN, Just after the first sermon of "Dammachakka". 'Hemawata' (General of yakka's ) is also a listener of that. He give the news about Buddha to his friend 'sathagira' and both came to meet load. That Dialog is in this sutta. some...
The Hemawatha Sutta Is a (very old)? sutta in "Sutha Nipatha" of KN, Just after the first sermon of "Dammachakka". 'Hemawata' (General of yakka's ) is also a listener of that. He give the news about Buddha to his friend 'sathagira' and both came to meet load. That Dialog is in this sutta. some extract of it as follows
>...
>The Great One like a lion who lives alone,
>among all pleasures he’s expectation-free,
>let us draw near that we may ask of him
>how to escape from the snarefulness of death.
>
>O proclaimer of the Dharma, expounding it too,
>one who’s beyond all dharmas’ Further Shore,
>all fear and hatred you’ve utterly overcome
>both of us then of Gotama inquire—
>
>Hemavata
>What co-arises with the ***world***?
>With what’s it make acquaintance?
>The ***world*** grasps after what indeed?
>Why’s the ***world*** afflicted?
>
>Buddha
>Six with the world do co-arise,
>with six becomes acquainted,
>the world’s attached to six indeed,
>so, world’s by six afflicted.
The word 'world' is used in this verses and throughout the thipitaka.
What is the meaning of this word in this context?
Shrawaka
(1589 rep)
Sep 25, 2015, 12:58 AM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2015, 03:08 PM
4
votes
5
answers
275
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Is the sound an object or an experience?
For experience to occur you need to have an object(**sound or speaking man?**), a sense faculty(ear) and a sense consciousness(hearing). If a sound is an object, what is then an experience?
For experience to occur you need to have an object(**sound or speaking man?**), a sense faculty(ear) and a sense consciousness(hearing). If a sound is an object, what is then an experience?
clempojazzer
(163 rep)
Sep 26, 2015, 12:47 AM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2015, 02:58 PM
5
votes
2
answers
221
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Is aversion toward unwholesome deeds normal?
The more we do wholesome deeds the more the inclination to do more good deeds and avoid unwholesome deeds. Wholesome deeds are encouraged but not unwholesome deeds. We need to keep doing wholesome actions, (attach to them) make them become our habit, the same thing with unwholesome actions if we do...
The more we do wholesome deeds the more the inclination to do more good deeds and avoid unwholesome deeds.
Wholesome deeds are encouraged but not unwholesome deeds.
We need to keep doing wholesome actions, (attach to them) make them become our habit, the same thing with unwholesome actions if we do not want suffering.
So is avoiding unwholesome actions the same thing as aversion? It's said even Sakka Devaraja is not free from aversion. Is it normal and necessary to have or cultivate aversion toward unwholesome actions than toward wholesome actions?
B1100
(1201 rep)
Sep 26, 2015, 07:15 AM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2015, 02:20 PM
2
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4
answers
200
views
Is one intention better than the other?
Intention that is good will have a good result and bring happiness, bad intention will have a bad result and suffering as a result. But many things have been experienced in life, one thing can be experienced many times in different situation, condition and time. These all together with one's habit w...
Intention that is good will have a good result and bring happiness, bad intention will have a bad result and suffering as a result. But many things have been experienced in life, one thing can be experienced many times in different situation, condition and time. These all together with one's habit will give rise to different kind of intentions only for one action. The first intention will be followed by the second or maybe the third.
Normally intention that first comes up is closely related to someone character/behavior, realizing this he corrects his mistake. Along with this correction, there will be another intention over two previous intentions.
In that case, is one intention better than the other?
Steve
(669 rep)
Aug 31, 2015, 01:21 AM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2015, 12:53 PM
5
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2
answers
1295
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In what way(s) does engaging in sexual activity affect meditation practice?
Does sexual activity (masturbation and beyond) hinder vipassana meditation practice? If so, does anyone know through experience or references exactly how this activity affects the practice? For example, does it decrease one's ability to focus?
Does sexual activity (masturbation and beyond) hinder vipassana meditation practice? If so, does anyone know through experience or references exactly how this activity affects the practice? For example, does it decrease one's ability to focus?
Ian
(2661 rep)
Sep 21, 2015, 02:46 AM
• Last activity: Sep 24, 2015, 04:23 PM
1
votes
1
answers
609
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What are the views considered "false convictions", and why are they false?
According to [Brahmajāla Sutta][1], there are "62 False Convictions" (Views) regarding the Past & Future. > False Convictions Regarding the Past > - Eternity of the Self and World, - Partial Eternity and Partial Non-Eternity of the Self and World. - Finitude and/or Infinitude of the World. - Evasive...
According to Brahmajāla Sutta , there are "62 False Convictions" (Views) regarding the Past & Future.
> False Convictions Regarding the Past
> - Eternity of the Self and World,
- Partial Eternity and Partial Non-Eternity of the Self and World.
- Finitude and/or Infinitude of the World.
- Evasive Strategies Resorted to by "Eel-Wrigglers" [or Endless Equivocators].
- Chance Origination of the World.
> False Convictions Regarding the Future
> - Conscious Post-Mortem Survival.
- Unconscious Post-Mortem Survival.
- Neither Conscious Nor Unconscious Post-Mortem Survival.
- Nihilistic Views Regarding Post-Mortem Survival.
- Nirvana Here and Now.
Why are they considered as false?
Shrawaka
(1589 rep)
Sep 24, 2015, 03:43 AM
• Last activity: Sep 24, 2015, 01:34 PM
11
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2
answers
856
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Could someone provide a list of all Buddhist schools?
If someone could provide a list of all Buddhist schools (both extinct and extant) it would be much appreciated. If this is unmanageable due to the high number, major schools would be good, or a link to such a list would be great. Thank you
If someone could provide a list of all Buddhist schools (both extinct and extant) it would be much appreciated. If this is unmanageable due to the high number, major schools would be good, or a link to such a list would be great. Thank you
Ian
(2661 rep)
Jul 26, 2015, 04:02 PM
• Last activity: Sep 23, 2015, 10:49 PM
3
votes
1
answers
116
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Teachings that Inspire Practice
Where, on the internet, are motivational ebooks, blog entries or whatever that have concise motivating advice, excerpts, quotes and koans that might motivate one to practice?
Where, on the internet, are motivational ebooks, blog entries or whatever that have concise motivating advice, excerpts, quotes and koans that might motivate one to practice?
Lowbrow
(7466 rep)
Sep 23, 2015, 01:53 PM
• Last activity: Sep 23, 2015, 05:17 PM
5
votes
2
answers
341
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Is 'making a strong commitment' a good idea?
Is it a good idea to make a strong commitment\determination to be mindful or to meditate? If we can't really control what we do in the future, is there a use to make a commitment? And if the answer is yes - how to make it ? I would love to hear tips on how to make the commitment/determination better...
Is it a good idea to make a strong commitment\determination to be mindful or to meditate?
If we can't really control what we do in the future, is there a use to make a commitment?
And if the answer is yes - how to make it ?
I would love to hear tips on how to make the commitment/determination better.
And I would also like to hear your opinion about celibacy in this context - including celibacy from tasty food and from funny videos, from music, from entertainment in general, etc.
breath
(1454 rep)
Sep 20, 2015, 08:02 PM
• Last activity: Sep 23, 2015, 01:30 PM
-1
votes
4
answers
628
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How to reconcile Buddhist Cosmology with modern worldview, especially astronomy?
Buddhist scripture describes other worlds (i.e. "[The Thirty-one Planes of Existence][1]"), with various kinds of beings who may interact with our human world in varying degrees. - Do Buddhists accept [the modern view of the universe][4], consisting of galaxies, solar systems, planets, discovered ex...
Buddhist scripture describes other worlds (i.e. "The Thirty-one Planes of Existence "), with various kinds of beings who may interact with our human world in varying degrees.
- Do Buddhists accept the modern view of the universe , consisting of galaxies, solar systems, planets, discovered experientially by astronomers with their telescopes (which the Buddha and his followers don't seem to have thought about or discussed very much)?
If so, how do Buddhists reconcile this modern view of the universe with the 31 lokas and their other-worldly inhabitants?
- Do Buddhists feel that if the Buddha and Buddhist gurus did not speak or think about some things (for instance, about "the modern view of the universe" such as galaxies or solar systems), maybe those things aren't worth speaking or thinking about?
Krishnaraj Rao
(1011 rep)
Sep 22, 2015, 07:43 PM
• Last activity: Sep 23, 2015, 08:49 AM
5
votes
4
answers
224
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Is there a middle way between working towards personal liberation and liberation for all sentient beings?
I may be a little off-mark here, but if I understand correctly there are two broad opinions on liberation. The first where a practitioner works towards her own liberation (the way of the Sravaka or Pratyek-Buddha) and the second where they work towards the liberation of all sentient being (the way o...
I may be a little off-mark here, but if I understand correctly there are two broad opinions on liberation. The first where a practitioner works towards her own liberation (the way of the Sravaka or Pratyek-Buddha) and the second where they work towards the liberation of all sentient being (the way of the Boddhisattva).
Is there a middle way between these two? Perhaps surrendering a specific desire and to work towards removing one's defilements and allow liberation to come when it does and as many sentient beings be helped as possible.
Parag
(558 rep)
Sep 16, 2015, 04:45 AM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2015, 09:17 PM
4
votes
4
answers
297
views
How is meditation considered a good deed?
I have heard it said that meditation is "the greatest good deed". Is this considered to be true in Buddhism? If so, how is meditation superior to all other good deeds? It seems self serving compared to other good deeds, such as generosity.
I have heard it said that meditation is "the greatest good deed". Is this considered to be true in Buddhism? If so, how is meditation superior to all other good deeds? It seems self serving compared to other good deeds, such as generosity.
Ian
(2661 rep)
Sep 21, 2015, 10:31 PM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2015, 06:56 PM
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