Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Suggestions for Buddhist themed crafts and activities for children
I organise an afternoon where we invite parents and children to out my [local Buddhist centre][1]. I put on some craft type activity for the children and then we do a mini reflection and a story. The adults eat cake. Previously I have been shamelessly inspired (i.e. pinched) the ideas for crafts fro...
I organise an afternoon where we invite parents and children to out my local Buddhist centre . I put on some craft type activity for the children and then we do a mini reflection and a story. The adults eat cake. Previously I have been shamelessly inspired (i.e. pinched) the ideas for crafts from the local Methodist church (my wife used to go to their family afternoon). But I would really like some crafts and/or activity that are themed around Buddhist practice and or texts and stories.
The children are between 1 and about 7 years old but some older ones did attend last time and it was particularly challenging to think of something for them. I think they got bored. I don't mind spending money on materials - I do that anyway in the spirit of contribution to the centre.
Many thanks for any all ideas
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jul 18, 2015, 04:15 PM
• Last activity: Jul 24, 2015, 01:50 PM
4
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2
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706
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Is appana samadhi the same as magga/phala?
In this [video](https://youtu.be/7gIRPTAj_L4?t=4m22s) by Sayadaw U Nandasiri, if I am understanding him correctly, he equates appana samadhi and magga/phala enlightenment. Is this correct? I had understood momentary, access, and absorption to be referring to jhana. Do they also refer to magga/phala?...
In this [video](https://youtu.be/7gIRPTAj_L4?t=4m22s) by Sayadaw U Nandasiri, if I am understanding him correctly, he equates appana samadhi and magga/phala enlightenment. Is this correct? I had understood momentary, access, and absorption to be referring to jhana. Do they also refer to magga/phala? Or are they one in the same?
user70
(1815 rep)
Jul 23, 2015, 05:45 PM
• Last activity: Jul 24, 2015, 12:06 PM
9
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5
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Why should we stop the Samsara?
Throughout the holy texts it is implied that the reader is looking for a way to stop the cycle. Why should the reader want to stop the cycle?
Throughout the holy texts it is implied that the reader is looking for a way to stop the cycle.
Why should the reader want to stop the cycle?
Denis Gorbachev
(193 rep)
Jul 20, 2015, 06:56 PM
• Last activity: Jul 24, 2015, 05:21 AM
5
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2
answers
319
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Body's response to meditation
I have been practising Vipassana meditation for some years now. Please advise me: why on my in-breath do my toes contract, and most times relax on my out-breath? Sometimes my toes stay contracted for quite a few in- and out-breaths, then my toes relax. My toes' contracting usually starts over half-w...
I have been practising Vipassana meditation for some years now.
Please advise me: why on my in-breath do my toes contract, and most times relax on my out-breath?
Sometimes my toes stay contracted for quite a few in- and out-breaths, then my toes relax. My toes' contracting usually starts over half-way through my 45 minute meditation.
MALIK SHABAZZ
(51 rep)
Jul 23, 2015, 01:04 PM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2015, 09:31 PM
6
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5
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How to discipline self to practice meditation everyday?
It's very hard for me to discipline myself to practice meditation every day. Every time I decide I am going to meditate every day no matter what, after a few days I cannot not keep it up. Sometimes it is due to lack of time, but mostly it is because of laziness. I am not sure how I can get over it a...
It's very hard for me to discipline myself to practice meditation every day. Every time I decide I am going to meditate every day no matter what, after a few days I cannot not keep it up. Sometimes it is due to lack of time, but mostly it is because of laziness.
I am not sure how I can get over it and keep practicing. What should I do?
user5141540
(63 rep)
Jul 22, 2015, 02:12 AM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2015, 07:43 PM
4
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2
answers
2073
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Is Tantrayana the same as Vajrayana?
I'm reading a little bit from the Tibetan Buddhist lama [Dhardo Rimpoche][1] at the moment. He keeps referring to Tantrayana not Vajrayana when discussing Buddhist philosophy and practice. It's pretty obvious from context that this is the diamond vehicle i.e. Vajrayana. However I'm not clear whether...
I'm reading a little bit from the Tibetan Buddhist lama Dhardo Rimpoche at the moment. He keeps referring to Tantrayana not Vajrayana when discussing Buddhist philosophy and practice. It's pretty obvious from context that this is the diamond vehicle i.e. Vajrayana. However I'm not clear whether the two terms are the same and interchangeable. Would Tantrayana refer to non Tibetan Vajrayana schools such as Shingon ? Is Tantrayana a subset of Vajrayana or is it a term only used by certain schools? Do they have a different nuances of meaning or are they genuinely exactly the same?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
May 31, 2015, 02:54 PM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2015, 04:33 PM
6
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3
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What is the meaning of 'defiled cognition'?
I have noticed in discussions of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy that the way ordinary folk see things is described as 'defiled cognition'. I would like some pointers on what this means and where to do some reading on the idea. Also is there any cross-cultural equivalent, in Western philosophy or relig...
I have noticed in discussions of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy that the way ordinary folk see things is described as 'defiled cognition'. I would like some pointers on what this means and where to do some reading on the idea.
Also is there any cross-cultural equivalent, in Western philosophy or religion?
Wayfarer
(219 rep)
Jul 21, 2015, 11:18 AM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2015, 11:17 AM
2
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1
answers
520
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Social context of Buddhist rituals
I have a couple of questions about Buddhism rituals. Were Buddhism's rituals performed by a certain social class, or for a particular political end? Also what else was happening in the culture at the time the ritual was created or performed? Did Buddhism's rituals serve to bolster the political inte...
I have a couple of questions about Buddhism rituals. Were Buddhism's rituals performed by a certain social class, or for a particular political end? Also what else was happening in the culture at the time the ritual was created or performed? Did Buddhism's rituals serve to bolster the political interest of the status quo?
SteveMighty
(21 rep)
Jul 21, 2015, 03:54 AM
• Last activity: Jul 22, 2015, 09:39 AM
2
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1
answers
179
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How much merit is lost if we miss chanting for a few days?
If we stop chanting a Mahayana mantra/dharani for a few days how does this effect the gathering of merits? Is it a cumulative effect or multiplicative effect of chanting? Or worse, does missing a chanting session reset the good merit?
If we stop chanting a Mahayana mantra/dharani for a few days how does this effect the gathering of merits?
Is it a cumulative effect or multiplicative effect of chanting?
Or worse, does missing a chanting session reset the good merit?
Med
(5223 rep)
Jul 22, 2015, 04:28 AM
• Last activity: Jul 22, 2015, 06:44 AM
5
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3
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653
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What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
I've always experienced a lot of anxiety. In many ways that was and remains a driving force in my practice. More recently I've experienced more fear. I feel fearful and under threat. They do feel different but I'm still working with them and will be for a long time. In terms of the Buddhist texts an...
I've always experienced a lot of anxiety. In many ways that was and remains a driving force in my practice. More recently I've experienced more fear. I feel fearful and under threat. They do feel different but I'm still working with them and will be for a long time. In terms of the Buddhist texts and psychology what is the difference between fear and anxiety? Are they spoken about as different things? Are there different Pali/Sankrit terms for them? Is there different ways of working with them?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jul 20, 2015, 08:43 PM
• Last activity: Jul 21, 2015, 05:25 PM
3
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3
answers
402
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How is catharsis different to gossiping in Buddhism?
Catharsis is described as `"providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing catharsis"` An [online resource][1] mentions `"The Buddha has thus presented the principles of the catharsis of emotions..."` It is my understanding that gossip is not looked upon favor...
Catharsis is described as
"providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing catharsis"
An online resource mentions "The Buddha has thus presented the principles of the catharsis of emotions..."
It is my understanding that gossip is not looked upon favorably in Buddhism. I am unsure why though.
Rightly or wrongly, i practice catharsis through open dialogue with others. This may be in relation to others or myself. For example, if i am faced with a challenge which i am aware and mindful gives rise to emotions such as frustration, anger, helplessness, etc, i often discuss these with close family.
Working with a real-world example, currently i am faced with someone who simply does not wish to work with others in a meaningful way nor takes proactive steps to work with others. Often this is seen as being a roadblock of sorts and more than often, there is little trust in working with the person. I have attempted on multiple occasions to work with this person in a way to go beyond the trifles and historical 'negative' experiences which has been less than successful. Now i undertake catharsis by discussing the concept of 'how it blows my mind" that someone is not willing to work in meaningful ways.
Motivated
(1828 rep)
Apr 21, 2015, 06:33 PM
• Last activity: Jul 21, 2015, 04:08 PM
3
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1
answers
294
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Which Buddhist schools give importance to cultivation of Jhanas?
Which schools/lineages in Buddhism give importance to the cultivation of Jhanas before entering Vipassana, and which schools focus entirely on Vipassana?
Which schools/lineages in Buddhism give importance to the cultivation of Jhanas before entering Vipassana, and which schools focus entirely on Vipassana?
Parag
(558 rep)
Mar 14, 2015, 03:45 AM
• Last activity: Jul 21, 2015, 09:19 AM
1
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1
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1127
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How similar or different is Tantric Buddhism from Vijnana Bhairava of Kashmir Shaivism?
Tantra exists in certain traditions of Buddhism (I guess mostly in Tibetan and certain Theravada schools as well). It also exists in Kashmir Shaivism, as explained in the Vijnana Bhairava. Can someone please help me understand how the schools Buddhism and Kashmir Shaivism differ (and are similar) in...
Tantra exists in certain traditions of Buddhism (I guess mostly in Tibetan and certain Theravada schools as well). It also exists in Kashmir Shaivism, as explained in the Vijnana Bhairava.
Can someone please help me understand how the schools Buddhism and Kashmir Shaivism differ (and are similar) in their approaches as well as goals for Tantric practices.
Parag
(558 rep)
Jul 7, 2015, 05:54 AM
• Last activity: Jul 21, 2015, 08:14 AM
2
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1
answers
173
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What are the paṭiccasamuppāda theory and it's products?
Is there any differences in Paṭiccasamuppāda ,Dependent arising and dependent co-arising?
Is there any differences in Paṭiccasamuppāda ,Dependent arising and dependent co-arising?
Shrawaka
(1589 rep)
Jul 20, 2015, 06:01 AM
• Last activity: Jul 21, 2015, 06:09 AM
13
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5
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1112
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Can Buddhism be viewed as a threat to the capitalist way of life?
As capitalism depends on the desire to consume (the more you consume the better), is it fair to say that Buddhism goes against capitalism? Or does anyone thinks that Buddhism can coexist very well with capitalism?
As capitalism depends on the desire to consume (the more you consume the better), is it fair to say that Buddhism goes against capitalism?
Or does anyone thinks that Buddhism can coexist very well with capitalism?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 13, 2014, 11:14 PM
• Last activity: Jul 21, 2015, 01:29 AM
4
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1
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How might Buddha have seen how far the gratification, danger and escape extend?
In "The Connected Discourses" Buddha says > “Bhikkhus, I set out seeking the gratification in form. Whatever > gratification there is in form—that I discovered. I have clearly seen > with wisdom just how far the gratification in form extends. > > “Bhikkhus, I set out seeking the danger in form. What...
In "The Connected Discourses" Buddha says
> “Bhikkhus, I set out seeking the gratification in form. Whatever
> gratification there is in form—that I discovered. I have clearly seen
> with wisdom just how far the gratification in form extends.
>
> “Bhikkhus, I set out seeking the danger in form. Whatever danger there is in form—that I discovered. I have clearly seen with wisdom
> just how far the danger in form extends.
>
“Bhikkhus, I set out seeking the escape from form. Whatever escape there is from form—that I discovered. I have clearly seen with
> wisdom just how far the escape from form extends.
How might he have seen how far the gratification, danger and escape extend? Did he elaborate on this any where else?
ramana_k
(245 rep)
Jul 20, 2015, 03:26 AM
• Last activity: Jul 20, 2015, 01:53 PM
5
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2
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591
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Why the emptiness brings fear in to our mind?
Time to time , feeling emptiness, do not see any value in goodness and badness. Some time, getting the question what is happiness, everything seems to be happiness, everything seems to be annoying. Feeling like to cry some times. But at the end, feeling some kind of fear in my mind whenever i get fe...
Time to time , feeling emptiness, do not see any value in goodness and badness. Some time, getting the question what is happiness, everything seems to be happiness, everything seems to be annoying. Feeling like to cry some times. But at the end, feeling some kind of fear in my mind whenever i get feel the mentioned above.
What is the practice, or what is that have to be done to understand or overcome this fear?
Whoami
(151 rep)
Jul 20, 2015, 10:35 AM
• Last activity: Jul 20, 2015, 12:53 PM
4
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3
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Is it right to teach other people?
Everyone of us is unique, with different percepts, respective back ground & nature. although Way of living can be equally beneficial to everyone, inhaling & exhaling peace of mind, together. So many religions, text, even our history tell us about us. All these teach us while a few people get elevate...
Everyone of us is unique, with different percepts, respective back ground & nature. although Way of living can be equally beneficial to everyone, inhaling & exhaling peace of mind, together. So many religions, text, even our history tell us about us. All these teach us while a few people get elevated level and again start teaching us.
I've learned a lot from them but the best i learn and adapt that comes within and stay within me IS ACTUALLY RESULT OF MY ABILITY TO BEND MY THINKING. My question is just this simple - is it right to share my thinking with others or not? Aren't we are becoming more dependent on others?
jitin
(1512 rep)
Jul 14, 2015, 05:51 AM
• Last activity: Jul 19, 2015, 11:42 PM
5
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4
answers
491
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Dispelling anger
When anger swells up and rears its head I wish to be rid of it quickly. For a moment of anger is said to burn a mountain of merit. In my personal practice I have gotten quite adapt at controlling my negative emotions and dealing with them appropriately. Patience is something I used to not know at al...
When anger swells up and rears its head I wish to be rid of it quickly.
For a moment of anger is said to burn a mountain of merit.
In my personal practice I have gotten quite adapt at controlling my negative emotions and dealing with them appropriately. Patience is something I used to not know at all.
Now I know patience well, and am able to keep my cool when things go sour.
Lately though, even though I keep my cool, I can feel anger inside myself. It is not controlling my actions, but it is present, and I can feel it in my pulse, and in my body temperature when I breathe.
I'd like to know if there are any practices related to this sort of anger. One that is not outwardly visible, but is present nonetheless.
hellyale
(2543 rep)
Jul 18, 2015, 07:20 AM
• Last activity: Jul 19, 2015, 08:31 PM
5
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5
answers
428
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Suggestions for when practice has plateaued
Over the past few months I've been experiencing a lot of personal issues and as a result, my practice seems to not only have plateaued but also digressed. Sitting for an hour has become incredibly difficult physically and mentally. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to to return to the beginner...
Over the past few months I've been experiencing a lot of personal issues and as a result, my practice seems to not only have plateaued but also digressed. Sitting for an hour has become incredibly difficult physically and mentally. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to to return to the beginner's mind, or how to rid the mind of distractions?
m2015
(1344 rep)
Jul 18, 2015, 11:39 AM
• Last activity: Jul 18, 2015, 04:44 PM
Showing page 412 of 20 total questions