Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
4
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2
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If I can't tell if I'm lying to myself because I am yet to gain insight or clarity, am I truly lying?
There are moments of clarity that I have experienced in which I finally but truly gain a sense of knowledge and comprehension about ...something.... In those moments it is like I have changed at a cellular level and that which I understood before no longer made sense. Assumptions upon which I had ba...
There are moments of clarity that I have experienced in which I finally but truly gain a sense of knowledge and comprehension about ...something.... In those moments it is like I have changed at a cellular level and that which I understood before no longer made sense. Assumptions upon which I had based decisions, attitudes etc. have been adjusted somehow and the fabric of my life is different. In my new state of clarity it is like I had been deceiving myself about [whatever] and the cloud of confusion imposed by being embedded in that particular delusion has lifted.
So my question is ... Does this mean that before I gained some sense of insight I was deceiving or lying to myself and others? Sometimes it feels like it, so profound is the clarifying moment.
drcrpsych
(123 rep)
Jun 14, 2015, 08:53 PM
• Last activity: Aug 5, 2015, 04:15 PM
1
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1
answers
201
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Is there a distinction between "ego identity" and "craving/hating"?
I'm confused. What is the distinction between craving/hating (desire/aversion) and "ego"? I am inclined to believe that ego, i.e. one's false sense of an independent separate eternal self, learns and developes craving/aversion, beginning during childhood. Perhaps there is no distinction, and the que...
I'm confused. What is the distinction between craving/hating (desire/aversion) and "ego"? I am inclined to believe that ego, i.e. one's false sense of an independent separate eternal self, learns and developes craving/aversion, beginning during childhood. Perhaps there is no distinction, and the query is really a matter of semantics. Might "ego" be the noun that represents the verbs "craving and hating"; or, might the ego represent a broader condition than craving and hating? The word "ego" brings to mind "I me mine" identity, which might include "craving/hating".
PaPa
(1005 rep)
Aug 5, 2015, 12:45 PM
• Last activity: Aug 5, 2015, 01:41 PM
3
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2
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450
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What is a headman?
In many suttas in the Pali canon, the term headman is used; for example [Yodhajiva Sutta][1]. What is the Buddha referring to when he calls his visitors "headman"? Thank you. [1]:http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn42/sn42.003.than.html
In many suttas in the Pali canon, the term headman is used; for example Yodhajiva Sutta . What is the Buddha referring to when he calls his visitors "headman"? Thank you.
user143
Aug 3, 2015, 04:12 PM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2015, 04:36 PM
3
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1
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151
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What is "vital formations"?
In [this](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/8282/382) answer by @yuttadhammo, he quotes a section of the Visuddhimagga: > After reciting the Pātimokkha, it seems, on the Uposatha day of the full moon, one of the two elders who were brothers went to his own dwelling place surrounded by the Communi...
In [this](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/8282/382) answer by @yuttadhammo, he quotes a section of the Visuddhimagga:
> After reciting the Pātimokkha, it seems,
on the Uposatha day of the full moon, one of the two elders who were brothers
went to his own dwelling place surrounded by the Community of Bhikkhus. As
he stood on the walk looking at the moonlight he calculated his own vital
formations, and he said to the Community of Bhikkhus, “In what way have you
seen bhikkhus attaining Nibbāna up till now?” Some answered, “Till now we
have seen them attain Nibbāna sitting in their seats.” Others answered, “We
have seen them sitting cross-legged in the air.” The elder said, “I shall now
show you one attaining Nibbāna while walking.” He then drew a line on the
walk, saying, “I shall go from this end of the walk to the other end and return;
when I reach this line I shall attain Nibbāna.” So saying, he stepped on to the
walk and went to the far end. On his return he attained Nibbāna in the same
moment in which he stepped on the line.
>-- Vism. VIII.244 (Nyanamoli, trans)
I'm echoing @Parag's inquiry, from the comments, here: what is meant by "vital formations" above?
user382
Aug 3, 2015, 03:01 PM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2015, 03:51 PM
3
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5
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Will I be considered a real Buddhist if I take refuge alone?
I see myself as a Buddhist and I would like to take refuge. Can I do it alone ? Will I be considered a real Buddhist ? Please excuse my mistakes, English is not my first language.
I see myself as a Buddhist and I would like to take refuge. Can I do it alone ? Will I be considered a real Buddhist ? Please excuse my mistakes, English is not my first language.
user4993
(31 rep)
Apr 13, 2015, 03:49 PM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2015, 02:37 PM
10
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4
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What are the differences between "Nirvana" in Buddhism and "Moksha" in Hinduism?
A few days ago, I came across an article on Buddhism primarily about "Nirvana." After I read the article, I started to wonder because "Nirvana" sounds similar to Hinduism's "Moksha." Does anyone know about possible parallels between the two concepts? Are "Moksha" and "Nirvana" essentially the same?...
A few days ago, I came across an article on Buddhism primarily about "Nirvana."
After I read the article, I started to wonder because "Nirvana" sounds similar to Hinduism's "Moksha." Does anyone know about possible parallels between the two concepts? Are "Moksha" and "Nirvana" essentially the same? If they are not similar, what are the differences between the two religious teachings?
The question was already asked on the Hinduism Stack Exchange Site , but it is not currently receiving any positive responses.
Kiran RS
(315 rep)
Jul 10, 2014, 02:11 PM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2015, 11:26 AM
2
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1
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What is the relationship between Tathāgatagarbha and Buddha Nature?
Can someone help me out with the relationship between Tathāgatagarbha and Buddha Nature. The way that Tathāgatagarbha was described to me was it's like someone finding an amazing jewel in a great heap of dung. I take this to be like the natural state of mind been very pure or radiant in some way. My...
Can someone help me out with the relationship between Tathāgatagarbha and Buddha Nature. The way that Tathāgatagarbha was described to me was it's like someone finding an amazing jewel in a great heap of dung. I take this to be like the natural state of mind been very pure or radiant in some way. My understanding of Buddha Nature is similar. So are they related concepts? Do they come from different traditions or is my naive understanding way off?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 1, 2015, 10:22 AM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2015, 08:17 AM
5
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3
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How to talk to a friend about "lack of control" in what happens to her son?
I know a friend, who doesn't practice buddhism, and who is always worried about her young son. She is always concerned about everything that could go wrong, or things which could happen out of her control that she can do nothing about. I've always been one who doesn't worry about the things that are...
I know a friend, who doesn't practice buddhism, and who is always worried about her young son. She is always concerned about everything that could go wrong, or things which could happen out of her control that she can do nothing about.
I've always been one who doesn't worry about the things that are out of my control, but I don't think that simple piece of advice is enough for her to act on it. I'm sure it's something that is "easier said than done".
What advice can be found in buddhism for this situation?
DoubleDouble
(203 rep)
Jul 30, 2015, 05:43 PM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2015, 07:07 AM
8
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3
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312
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A question on morality
As I understand it, we carry out generous and selfless deeds for the purpose of acquiring positive kamma and/or promoting our spiritual quest. However, this seems like a form of greed, one of the three unwholesome roots (I think that's what it is labeled as, unsure). How can moral acts be qualified...
As I understand it, we carry out generous and selfless deeds for the purpose of acquiring positive kamma and/or promoting our spiritual quest. However, this seems like a form of greed, one of the three unwholesome roots (I think that's what it is labeled as, unsure). How can moral acts be qualified as free of greed, when it seems that the motive for morality is ultimately self-gain (greed)?
Ian
(2661 rep)
Aug 1, 2015, 04:08 PM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2015, 11:20 PM
6
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3
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319
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Can I count my contribution to the open source as a dharma?
It is mean, that if I am professional developer and I can help other people for free, can I think, that software development, that is my hobby and profession, in the same time is my [Dharma][1]? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma
It is mean, that if I am professional developer and I can help other people for free, can I think, that software development, that is my hobby and profession, in the same time is my Dharma ?
user1835337
(161 rep)
Jul 31, 2015, 07:56 PM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2015, 06:15 PM
2
votes
2
answers
122
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Controlling your own volitions?
I've come across a contradiction in my practice. In truth you have no control of the mind, things arise and cease based on extremely subtle influences by defilemets at the roots. Yet the dammapada says to be the master and control your mind/volitions. I've also asked this on radio.sirimangalo site b...
I've come across a contradiction in my practice. In truth you have no control of the mind, things arise and cease based on extremely subtle influences by defilemets at the roots. Yet the dammapada says to be the master and control your mind/volitions.
I've also asked this on radio.sirimangalo site but not sure which you use for monk radio now.
Juan G
(21 rep)
Aug 16, 2014, 06:16 PM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2015, 05:59 PM
3
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1
answers
145
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What is struggle?
I am in sales line profession. Try believe that sales, here in India is at its worst now. Being a medical representative i know how much medicines mean to those who are in need of them. But this corporate/hardcore businessman world do not know about anything. Anything, anyhow, they know is how they...
I am in sales line profession. Try believe that sales, here in India is at its worst now. Being a medical representative i know how much medicines mean to those who are in need of them. But this corporate/hardcore businessman world do not know about anything. Anything, anyhow, they know is how they have to take-out money out of their own society. They pick 8 members of society against remaining 72 members and do everything to go beyond the filth. being in association with them, daily i feel humiliated and harrased. They compel me to thug others, to push sales unneccesarily.
I am all here not by myself but by default. education system here is crap. I am doing this because i do not have support from our government at basic levels or as we (family) do not have so called financial background.
My question is: *How can i left my family supposed to be survived in my absence while i'd be out in search of enlightenment?*
Please respond with everything possible you can express. Thanks and regards.
jitin
(1512 rep)
Jul 29, 2015, 10:42 AM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2015, 02:52 PM
11
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1
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757
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How to "attend to the perception of light"?
In [AN 7.58](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.058.than.html), the Buddha instructed Maha Moggallana on what do to about his nodding: > "But if by doing this you don't shake off your drowsiness, then attend to the perception of light, resolve on the perception of daytime, [dwellin...
In [AN 7.58](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.058.than.html) , the Buddha instructed Maha Moggallana on what do to about his nodding:
> "But if by doing this you don't shake off your drowsiness, then attend to the perception of light, resolve on the perception of daytime, [dwelling] by night as by day, and by day as by night. By means of an awareness thus open & unhampered, develop a brightened mind. It's possible that by doing this you will shake off your drowsiness.
Elsewhere ([AN 4.41](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.041.than.html)) , this same practice is described as one that leads to
knowledge & vision1.
How is this to be understood and practiced in detail? What is meant by "perception of daytime, [dwelling] by night as by day, and by day as by night"?
Is it as simple as imagining light? Are there ancient or modern detailed comments on this practice?
---
1In Bodhi translation, he says the *Manorathapūranī* understand this as divine eye, but in other places it can be insight knowledge or full enlightement.
user382
Aug 1, 2015, 09:30 PM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2015, 02:06 AM
6
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1
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423
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Why I can't think in anything while I'm meditating
Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe that when I'm sitting to improve myself, I have to watch my mind to see what is passing through it, and to figure out the reason for that thought and then let it go sometime. But when I'm sitting, my mind doesn't seem to work the same way as when I am not sitting. I'm...
Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe that when I'm sitting to improve myself, I have to watch my mind to see what is passing through it, and to figure out the reason for that thought and then let it go sometime. But when I'm sitting, my mind doesn't seem to work the same way as when I am not sitting. I'm just there, sitting and watching my respiration without thoughts. And when I get up and go do other things, all of the thoughts and feelings come back.
What am I doing wrong?
who
(61 rep)
Aug 1, 2015, 04:22 PM
• Last activity: Aug 1, 2015, 09:15 PM
4
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2
answers
1759
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Detailed definition of Lokavidu
I've seen this translated as knower of worlds/cosmos and with relation to the senses as what arises, but I still don't have a solid understanding, can someone add clarity?
I've seen this translated as knower of worlds/cosmos and with relation to the senses as what arises, but I still don't have a solid understanding, can someone add clarity?
m2015
(1344 rep)
Jul 31, 2015, 10:52 PM
• Last activity: Aug 1, 2015, 02:26 PM
4
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6
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2500
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Happiness vs. Euphoria from a Buddhist's point of view
Most of people these days will define Happiness as euphoria: A big party with friends, dancing, singing all night (sometimes drinking). From a Buddhist's perspective this is not even close to the true happiness, so how would Buddhism classify this kind of Euphoria? Something good, neutral or bad? Is...
Most of people these days will define Happiness as euphoria: A big party with friends, dancing, singing all night (sometimes drinking). From a Buddhist's perspective this is not even close to the true happiness, so how would Buddhism classify this kind of Euphoria? Something good, neutral or bad? Is it an addiction? Ignorance?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 4, 2014, 12:01 PM
• Last activity: Jul 31, 2015, 08:26 PM
13
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6
answers
10257
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When meditation goes wrong
Although it has been claimed that meditation does help in several ways, I have read on the Internet that there are cases where psychotic episodes, schizophrenia and suicide tendencies arise after meditation retreats. Where I have read that this has happened is in Goenka's Vipassana retreats, which a...
Although it has been claimed that meditation does help in several ways, I have read on the Internet that there are cases where psychotic episodes, schizophrenia and suicide tendencies arise after meditation retreats.
Where I have read that this has happened is in Goenka's Vipassana retreats, which are 10 days long retreats. In particular, the only way to start at Goenka's retreats is first with a 10 days retreat.
I did one of those retreats without any unhealthy consequences, but I do confess that during the retreat I was kind of 'watching' myself to avoid any unhealthy episode.
- Is there any explanation to this unhealthy responses to meditation retreats?
- Is it clear why this happens?
- Is there any way to minimize chances to get that wrong ?
In articles of Vipassana Research Institute it is kind of stated that the main source of this problems is that meditators have tried 'other traditions'. Is this a credible **scientific** answer?
Some references I found on the web:
- Mental Health and Intensive Meditation Retreats
- Meditation-Induced Psychosis
- For Whom May Participation in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program be Contraindicated?
- Psychiatric Complications of Meditation Practice
- Terrible and Traumatic Experience at Goenka Retreat This one is quite an informal blog. I have found that it is frequently cited.
- The Potential Downside To Vipassana . Again, an informal blog.
user3275957
(483 rep)
Sep 24, 2014, 10:22 PM
• Last activity: Jul 31, 2015, 02:04 PM
5
votes
2
answers
1300
views
Where does utilitarianism sit with Buddhism and vice versa?
My understanding of utilitarianism is that value is the result of an action e.g. which actions provide the most happiness. There appears to be an overlap between Buddhism and utilitarianism however am unsure how these come together or grow apart in the actions we perform as well as the value of the...
My understanding of utilitarianism is that value is the result of an action e.g. which actions provide the most happiness.
There appears to be an overlap between Buddhism and utilitarianism however am unsure how these come together or grow apart in the actions we perform as well as the value of the results.
**EDIT**
The answer posted to the question is a good candidate for the commonalities as well as differences.
Motivated
(1828 rep)
Jul 30, 2015, 07:02 AM
• Last activity: Jul 31, 2015, 11:30 AM
8
votes
5
answers
187
views
Dealing with extreme temperatures
During this current heat wave I've been struggling with heat related discomfort in my sits. (A/C isn't an option at my home) Any advise on dealing specifically with this, I'm sure the people who mediate in the east have it worse.
During this current heat wave I've been struggling with heat related discomfort in my sits. (A/C isn't an option at my home) Any advise on dealing specifically with this, I'm sure the people who mediate in the east have it worse.
m2015
(1344 rep)
Jul 28, 2015, 01:46 AM
• Last activity: Jul 31, 2015, 03:08 AM
6
votes
4
answers
909
views
Right speech in social situations
My boss has a tendency to gossip and speak negatively about his clients when they are not present. Sometimes he speaks to me about these people, and I am unsure of how to respond with regard to right speech. To not respond at all may hurt his feelings and create friction in our workplace. But to eng...
My boss has a tendency to gossip and speak negatively about his clients when they are not present. Sometimes he speaks to me about these people, and I am unsure of how to respond with regard to right speech. To not respond at all may hurt his feelings and create friction in our workplace. But to engage in such a discussion about others surely is wrong speech. How should one go about responding to gossip while maintaining right speech *and* prevent hurt feelings/social awkwardness?
Ian
(2661 rep)
Jul 27, 2015, 04:26 PM
• Last activity: Jul 31, 2015, 02:14 AM
Showing page 410 of 20 total questions