Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Is Pratītyasamutpāda just cause and effect?
Considering the formulation of Pratītyasamutpāda (dependent arising) > When this is, that is. > From the arising of this comes the arising of > that. When this isn't, that isn't. From the cessation of this comes > the cessation of that. Is this essentially the same as the mundane understanding of ca...
Considering the formulation of Pratītyasamutpāda (dependent arising)
> When this is, that is.
> From the arising of this comes the arising of
> that. When this isn't, that isn't. From the cessation of this comes
> the cessation of that.
Is this essentially the same as the mundane understanding of cause and effect e.g. I hit a ball and the ball moves? If it isn't (as I strongly suspect) then what is it about the formulation that makes it more than this. In fact so much more than this, Pratītyasamutpāda being one of the central teachings of Buddhism.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 4, 2014, 06:14 PM
• Last activity: Aug 28, 2015, 12:33 PM
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What are the consequences of the 14th Dalai Lama being the last one?
The current (14th) Dalai Lama has recently indicated that he may be the [last person to hold that title][1]. Does this stance cause any theological issues for the Gelug branch of Tibetan Buddhism or more widely Tibetan Buddhism in general? Can a [tulku][2] stop reincarnating? Does this potential lac...
The current (14th) Dalai Lama has recently indicated that he may be the last person to hold that title . Does this stance cause any theological issues for the Gelug branch of Tibetan Buddhism or more widely Tibetan Buddhism in general? Can a tulku stop reincarnating? Does this potential lack of reincarnation conflict with the Bodhisattva vow?
I understand that there is a political element to this but I'm trying to understand the consequences if any for the tradition, theology and philosophy of the religion.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Dec 21, 2014, 05:34 PM
• Last activity: Aug 27, 2015, 09:58 PM
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Which sutta is this excerpt about Buddha's death from?
An ordained Bhikkhu shared the following with me. > "You have done what is good and wholesome, you have made a shelter > from fear. You have not done anything to harm other. You have not been > greedy and immoral. You have forgiven the world difficult life > pleasure and pain with compassion and aft...
An ordained Bhikkhu shared the following with me.
> "You have done what is good and wholesome, you have made a shelter
> from fear. You have not done anything to harm other. You have not been
> greedy and immoral. You have forgiven the world difficult life
> pleasure and pain with compassion and after death you will be reborn
> in a happy destination." … said Buddha before death when he invited
> all the monks and followers to come and watch how the noble one dies.
I do not know if he paraphrased and I could not find it with a Google search... he was saying the idea that Buddha died from eating bad pork was incorrect.
He was vaguely referencing mushrooms as a possible cause and then also mentioned that Buddha died through some supernatural phenomenon and this was in some Pali sutta.
I was wondering if anyone knew where this quote is from (and hence the rest of the story)?
Med
(5223 rep)
Aug 27, 2015, 03:03 PM
• Last activity: Aug 27, 2015, 04:28 PM
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How and when does one not invest in others in Buddhism?
It is my understanding that there were instances that the Buddha discontinued the teachings to a number of people. Putting aside the concept of me and others, i am often in the situation whereby i have continued to demonstrate that there are better ways to a given situation e.g. conflict, methodolog...
It is my understanding that there were instances that the Buddha discontinued the teachings to a number of people.
Putting aside the concept of me and others, i am often in the situation whereby i have continued to demonstrate that there are better ways to a given situation e.g. conflict, methodology, etc. People often continue down this path where it often leads to the very situation that could be avoided. This in turn results in more conflict, distrust, etc.
This often leads to a moment of befuddlement since i am unable to comprehend the nature of people. Although we appear to have evolved and consider ourselves civilized, rather than direct conflict, these often result in passive aggressiveness which further erodes relationships and growth since now people harbor negative or non-conducive emotions.
It also requires substantial emotional, mental and physical investment to help others.
How does one step away from 'teaching' or 'imparting' to others especially if one is in regular contact with them and depend on them to complete their responsibilities?
Motivated
(1828 rep)
Aug 24, 2015, 06:09 PM
• Last activity: Aug 27, 2015, 01:06 PM
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Are Buddhists happier than average?
Has anyone ever tried to measure happiness of Buddhist practitioners and compare it in a scientific or analytically way to other religious groups or the population as a whole? If there are studies what were the results and are the measurements reliable or meaningful in any way? I appreciate that the...
Has anyone ever tried to measure happiness of Buddhist practitioners and compare it in a scientific or analytically way to other religious groups or the population as a whole? If there are studies what were the results and are the measurements reliable or meaningful in any way?
I appreciate that the notion of happiness is an incredibly slippy notion but people do crop up from time to time who talk about happiness as a (sort of) scientific study and try to compare different locations and so forth e.g. this study indicates that Panama is the happiest country on earth. I'm not claiming that this is a great or accurate study but it's just an example of this kind of thing. Also perhaps a better word might be well-being rather than happiness but I'm not sure that does much to tighten the definition.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 25, 2015, 01:31 PM
• Last activity: Aug 26, 2015, 08:29 PM
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Will Karma 'balance out' in most cases by the end of a lifetime?
So, let me start with the disclaimer that I am not a Buddhist and I am just asking this to further my understanding. Either way, the thing I was wondering about, does Buddhism hold that in most cases karma will balance out within a single lifetime? Or will it only balance out 'in due time' which cou...
So, let me start with the disclaimer that I am not a Buddhist and I am just asking this to further my understanding.
Either way, the thing I was wondering about, does Buddhism hold that in most cases karma will balance out within a single lifetime? Or will it only balance out 'in due time' which could be after many many rebirths?
Reason I am asking is because for Buddhists I 'know' (no actual friends) they always seem to live in the expectation that it will soon balance. To me that entitled behaviour is always incredibly off putting, but that's **not** the point, I am just purely curious whether the expectation (not the entitlement) actually makes sense at least from a theoretical Buddhist believe point of view.
David Mulder
(208 rep)
Aug 26, 2015, 01:57 AM
• Last activity: Aug 26, 2015, 04:42 PM
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Was the kamikaze against the Mongol empire considered a supernatural event in Buddhism?
The English language edition's article on the original [kamikaze][1] (divine wind) against the Mongol empire (not WWII) refers to Buddhism, though it also mentions Japanese "gods". > ...1274 and again in 1281. Due to growth of Zen Buddhism among Samurai at the time, these were the first events where...
The English language edition's article on the original kamikaze (divine wind) against the Mongol empire (not WWII) refers to Buddhism, though it also mentions Japanese "gods".
> ...1274 and again in 1281. Due to growth of Zen Buddhism among Samurai at the time, these were the first events where the typhoons were described as "divine wind" as much by their timing as by their force.
This surprised me a little - I thought the "kami" in kamikaze referred to beings from Japan's native shinto belief system, which many Japanese have alongside Buddhism.
Was kamikaze typically regarded as a supernatural event in Buddhism?
Andrew Grimm
(131 rep)
Aug 26, 2015, 12:12 PM
• Last activity: Aug 26, 2015, 03:40 PM
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Real Monk vs Fake Monk
Just as the Buddha referred to those who achieved the goal as "My Son", I am wondering if the Buddha made any similar distinctions between monks who lived by the precepts and practiced according to the teachings, and those who were there for reasons of their own, not in line with the teachings of th...
Just as the Buddha referred to those who achieved the goal as "My Son", I am wondering if the Buddha made any similar distinctions between monks who lived by the precepts and practiced according to the teachings, and those who were there for reasons of their own, not in line with the teachings of the Buddha?
Did he give any teachings on how to deal with monastics who abuse their position for unwholesome motivations i.e. monks amassing wealth, gaining political influence, acting as antagonists for violence.
Just as high-profile leaders in other religions have given their respective faith a tarnished reputation with shady dealings in the past, is there anything to be done to protect the dignity of the Buddhas teaching from those with less than wholesome intentions?
Ryan
(816 rep)
Aug 22, 2015, 05:14 PM
• Last activity: Aug 26, 2015, 10:40 AM
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Does Buddhism claim perfection?
Does it claim to perfectly describe the nature of this world and all of mankind without contradiction as other religions do? I read this article: http://approachingaro.org/certainty . The author says: > Buddhism is unique, as far as I know, in insisting that the kind of answers we want cannot be had...
Does it claim to perfectly describe the nature of this world and all of mankind without contradiction as other religions do?
I read this article: http://approachingaro.org/certainty .
The author says:
> Buddhism is unique, as far as I know, in insisting that the kind of answers we want cannot be had, anywhere. Emptiness—inherent uncertainty—is at the heart of Buddhism. For this reason, Buddhism is sometimes described as “The Way of Disappointment.” If we follow it sincerely, Buddhism repeatedly crushes our hope that somehow it will satisfy our longing for answers; for ground we can build on; for reliable order.
I know this may just be an opinion. If this is true, it seems contradictory to me. It's in and of itself a claim of certainty that we, as human beings, can never attain certainty.
seeker
(31 rep)
Aug 25, 2015, 07:06 PM
• Last activity: Aug 26, 2015, 07:54 AM
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Notions of self in religions that blend Buddhism and Hinduism
I read in Peter Harvey's book an [Introduction to Buddhism][1] that there was a syncretistic religion in Bali that was a mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism. He didn't give many details as it was a very minor point. Has anyone got any details about this religion. I'm particular interested on how it dea...
I read in Peter Harvey's book an Introduction to Buddhism that there was a syncretistic religion in Bali that was a mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism. He didn't give many details as it was a very minor point. Has anyone got any details about this religion. I'm particular interested on how it deals with the notion of the self. My rudimentary understanding of Hinduism is that there is most definitely a self (atman??) whereas in Buddhism a central tenant is that there is no fixed self (anatman). The two religions seem to conflict on this point so I'm interested how this is reconciled.
As a note I think there is also this kind of religion in Cambodia but I could be wrong in that.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 25, 2015, 01:19 PM
• Last activity: Aug 26, 2015, 03:13 AM
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When Zen monks are completing a task, why are they doing it very quickly?
Recently, I watched a documentary about zen philosophy and what it is like to be zen monk on a daily basis and I noticed that in [the documentary][1] the zen monks always looked like they were in a hurry. For example, in the documentary we see the monks "rushing" to sleep. Another instance in the do...
Recently, I watched a documentary about zen philosophy and what it is like to be zen monk on a daily basis and I noticed that in the documentary the zen monks always looked like they were in a hurry. For example, in the documentary we see the monks "rushing" to sleep. Another instance in the documentary is when one monk is waking up the other monks, we see that he is running.
The question is: is there a reason behind the speed?
Thanks
Jeel Shah
(143 rep)
Dec 28, 2014, 07:38 PM
• Last activity: Aug 25, 2015, 07:05 PM
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What are the Buddhist teachings on how best to live a married life?
Does Buddhism describe how best to live a married life? Please provide some short excerpts. Thank you.
Does Buddhism describe how best to live a married life? Please provide some short excerpts. Thank you.
user2341
Aug 23, 2015, 03:15 PM
• Last activity: Aug 25, 2015, 05:08 PM
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What are the reasons for and against studying other religions?
When I studied Spanish, I better understood my native English language. I wondered if the same kind of thing can happen in the realm of religion. What are the pros and cons of studying other religions and their practices as a Buddhist? To be clear, I do mean "studying" (and not "practising") another...
When I studied Spanish, I better understood my native English language. I wondered if the same kind of thing can happen in the realm of religion.
What are the pros and cons of studying other religions and their practices as a Buddhist?
To be clear, I do mean "studying" (and not "practising") another religion's practices... not that answers about the pros and cons of "practising" another practice wouldn't be most welcome, I just assume that practising another practice would be too confusing. Maybe someone will give an answer that challenges this assumption - Metta
Lowbrow
(7466 rep)
Aug 24, 2015, 05:05 PM
• Last activity: Aug 24, 2015, 11:51 PM
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Is there another term than "Mahayana"?
Though my practice is "Mahayana" (in quotes), I have a great and abiding respect for the Theravada school and consider (as many do) the term "Hinayana" (Sanskrit for Smaller Vehicle) disrespectful of that tradition. My question is, using the term "Mahayana" (Sanskrit for Great Vehicle) has a built-i...
Though my practice is "Mahayana" (in quotes), I have a great and abiding respect for the Theravada school and consider (as many do) the term "Hinayana" (Sanskrit for Smaller Vehicle) disrespectful of that tradition. My question is, using the term "Mahayana" (Sanskrit for Great Vehicle) has a built-in comparison and seeming insult to that other tradition. Therefore, is there another term for "Mahayana" that can be used to discuss that remarkable tradition without bringing in that un-needed and negative comparison to another school? Thanks, greatly.
Richard R
(302 rep)
Aug 23, 2015, 04:49 PM
• Last activity: Aug 24, 2015, 01:03 PM
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Desire without attachment
The [MahaNidana Sutta][1] says > “Ānanda, if one is asked: ‘Is clinging due to a specific condition?’ one should say: ‘It is.’ If one is asked: ‘Through what condition is there clinging?’ one should say: ‘With craving as condition there is clinging.’’ So the cause of attachment is desire. However, m...
The MahaNidana Sutta says
> “Ānanda, if one is asked: ‘Is clinging due to a specific condition?’ one should say: ‘It is.’ If one is asked: ‘Through what condition is there clinging?’ one should say: ‘With craving as condition there is clinging.’’
So the cause of attachment is desire. However, my question is
***Can desire without the attachment still lead to suffering?***
user5380
(866 rep)
Aug 23, 2015, 06:08 PM
• Last activity: Aug 24, 2015, 12:35 PM
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Significance of Bhikkhus uncovering their right shoulder
Often in the suttas one finds Bhikkhus who approach the Buddha reverentially uncover their right shoulder as a mark of respect. What is the significance of this practice? Is it cultural or is there a deeper significance? One example from the [Ratnakuta sutra][1] > At that time, Venerable Mahāmaudgal...
Often in the suttas one finds Bhikkhus who approach the Buddha reverentially uncover their right shoulder as a mark of respect. What is the significance of this practice? Is it cultural or is there a deeper significance?
One example from the Ratnakuta sutra
> At that time, Venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana then arose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, and bowed with his head at the Buddha’s feet.
Elsewhere in the sutra,
> Perceiving Sumati Bodhisattva’s extraordinary intention, good roots, and sovereign authority, each bhikṣu uncovered his upper robe. They gave an offering to the Tathāgata by developing a great vow, saying...
Buddho
(7501 rep)
Aug 24, 2015, 06:41 AM
• Last activity: Aug 24, 2015, 11:31 AM
2
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The cognitive process: the stage of investigating consciousness
When practicing insight meditation and when observing mental formations arising then sometimes shortly after another mental formation arises caused by the first mental formation. An example could be a memory that arises then shortly after another memory arises that is closely related to the first on...
When practicing insight meditation and when observing mental formations arising then sometimes shortly after another mental formation arises caused by the first mental formation.
An example could be a memory that arises then shortly after another memory arises that is closely related to the first one. The second memory is clearly caused by the first one since its similar in appearance and "acts" like a continuation of the first memory.
This picture is from Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma by *Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi*. The picture can be found in the chapter *"Compendium of the cognitive process"*, at p. 155. It shows the different stages in the process of cognition.
I was wondering about at what stage in the *cognitive process* it happens that an object is compared/coupled to previous experiences?
My best guess is that it might be in the stage of *"investigating consciousness"*.
Lanka
I was wondering about at what stage in the *cognitive process* it happens that an object is compared/coupled to previous experiences?
My best guess is that it might be in the stage of *"investigating consciousness"*.
Lanka
user2424
Mar 24, 2015, 03:09 PM
• Last activity: Aug 24, 2015, 01:01 AM
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How to determine Chithasikas in Naama?
We know that there are combinations of Cetasikas that are used to identify different Cittas. I want to know how to determine Cetasikas in a naama who is having the udaya waya gana (or steps ahead like [bhanga khana][1]). If we consider one naama, there are multiple cetasikas in different amounts.If...
We know that there are combinations of Cetasikas that are used to identify different Cittas. I want to know how to determine Cetasikas in a naama who is having the udaya waya gana (or steps ahead like bhanga khana ). If we consider one naama, there are multiple cetasikas in different amounts.If a person can see naama with their meditation power, how they ditermine what are the Cetasikas in one naama and what are the amounts were there.
As a example, lets suppose that the meditator had a "somanassa sahagatha Khana(Gana) sampayuthha asankarika" citta (This is having 17 naama). How to determine what are the cetasikas were at each of 17 naama, out of 52 cetasikas? We know there must be Aloba, Adosa and Amoha cetasikas in naamas at previously mentioned citta, but how to determine the amount or the power of these cetasikas?
I think it must be a really tough exercise and very tricky one to the meditator.
I would like to know the strategy in step by step. I need abidhamma expert's answer.
Gurusinghe
(619 rep)
Aug 21, 2015, 01:07 AM
• Last activity: Aug 24, 2015, 12:12 AM
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Consciousness in Nibbana
In the Abhidhamma, it makes mention to 89 and 121 states of consciousness. It says there are four ultimate realities namely 1. Consciousness 2. Mental Factors 3. Matter 4. Nibbana. The first three are conditioned, nirvana is unconditioned. According the Abhidhamma, It states that persons who've atta...
In the Abhidhamma, it makes mention to 89 and 121 states of consciousness. It says there are four ultimate realities namely
1. Consciousness
2. Mental Factors
3. Matter
4. Nibbana.
The first three are conditioned, nirvana is unconditioned.
According the Abhidhamma, It states that persons who've attained nirvana no longer have consciousness. What does this mean exactly?
In the Mundane, sense-sphere, rootless consciousness, it says that “body consciousness, accompanied by pain” is the result of unwholesome karma. Does this mean that enlightened beings such as a Buddha or an arahant don't feel pain when they touch something hot?
user5380
(866 rep)
Jul 30, 2015, 06:07 AM
• Last activity: Aug 23, 2015, 03:49 PM
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Differences of Ultimate Realities in different traditions
In Theravada Abhidhamma Pitaka there are four Ultimate Realities (paramattha dhammaa) mentioned, 1. Citta 2. Cetasika 3. Rupa 4. Nibbana Is there any variations in these realities in other traditions of Buddhism?
In Theravada Abhidhamma Pitaka there are four Ultimate Realities (paramattha dhammaa) mentioned,
1. Citta
2. Cetasika
3. Rupa
4. Nibbana
Is there any variations in these realities in other traditions of Buddhism?
Nalaka526
(689 rep)
Jun 20, 2014, 07:52 PM
• Last activity: Aug 23, 2015, 03:09 PM
Showing page 406 of 20 total questions