Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Is yoga an acceptable form of meditation for a practicing Buddhist?
Yoga is a form of mediation which involves physical exertions as well as inward examination. Is this an acceptable form of meditation for a Buddhist? Are there any sects of Buddhism which focus on meditations which involve physical exertion?
Yoga is a form of mediation which involves physical exertions as well as inward examination. Is this an acceptable form of meditation for a Buddhist? Are there any sects of Buddhism which focus on meditations which involve physical exertion?
Chris Mueller
(827 rep)
Sep 3, 2014, 07:18 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 12:38 PM
3
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1
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Meditation Retreat in India
Are there any good places for meditation retreats in India ? ( Theravada/Vipassana ) Could someone share their personal experience ?
Are there any good places for meditation retreats in India ? ( Theravada/Vipassana ) Could someone share their personal experience ?
Monk
(695 rep)
Sep 5, 2014, 08:39 AM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 12:37 PM
4
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3
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How can one overcome agitation developed by not sitting regularly?
This one is for the lay meditators. Although i think there is a component of sloth and torpor involved in the situation. There are other factors too. At times for me breakage of a sila makes it hard for me to sit. And if this cycle is not broken it can take days to come to mindset to start sitting a...
This one is for the lay meditators.
Although i think there is a component of sloth and torpor involved in the situation. There are other factors too. At times for me breakage of a sila makes it hard for me to sit. And if this cycle is not broken it can take days to come to mindset to start sitting again and to convince myself it's ok to start from scratch.
Does anyone else encounter this problem and how do you deal with it?
user3743672
(1201 rep)
Sep 5, 2014, 10:26 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 12:36 PM
6
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2
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Is Anapanasati considered Samatha?
I'm new to Buddhism, and I have some trouble understanding some core aspects on meditation. Is Anapanasati considered Samatha or Vipassana?
I'm new to Buddhism, and I have some trouble understanding some core aspects on meditation. Is Anapanasati considered Samatha or Vipassana?
Jordy van Ekelen
(1929 rep)
Sep 9, 2014, 08:44 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 12:31 PM
10
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2
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How can I build up to being able to get into the full lotus position?
When I meditate, I usually sit in what is referred to in the United States as Indian style. The problem with this position is twofold: 1) It isn't very stable and 2) after ~15 minutes I find myself straining to keep upright. I have been told that the full lotus position is more stable since the legs...
When I meditate, I usually sit in what is referred to in the United States as Indian style. The problem with this position is twofold: 1) It isn't very stable and 2) after ~15 minutes I find myself straining to keep upright. I have been told that the full lotus position is more stable since the legs are symmetric and both knees are on the ground. I've tried to get myself into the position, but I am not even flexible enough to get into the half lotus position (one foot on the other knee).
My question is: If I am willing to work at it daily; what is the best way to get my legs flexible enough to sit in the full lotus position?
*Picture from "Tanumânasî en Meditacion Loto Padmasana" by Jesús Bonilla (Tanumânasî) - Retiros de yoga. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
*Picture from "Tanumânasî en Meditacion Loto Padmasana" by Jesús Bonilla (Tanumânasî) - Retiros de yoga. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Chris Mueller
(827 rep)
Sep 11, 2014, 07:28 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 12:30 PM
1
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3
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Is it possible for a Buddhist to develop spiritual bypassing? What are the main traps?
How to avoid falling into spiritual bypassing while practicing Buddhism? > Spiritual bypassing, a term first coined by psychologist John Welwood in 1984, > is the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid dealing > with our painful feelings, unresolved wounds, and developmental needs. It is >...
How to avoid falling into spiritual bypassing while practicing Buddhism?
> Spiritual bypassing, a term first coined by psychologist John Welwood in 1984,
> is the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid dealing
> with our painful feelings, unresolved wounds, and developmental needs. It is
> much more common than we might think.
>
> http://realitysandwich.com/74388/spiritual_bypassing/
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 11, 2014, 09:49 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 12:28 PM
3
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1
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Progress in meditation
If one progresses in this lifetime, but doesn't attain enlightenment and doesn't become totally free from suffering, what can happen in future lives?
If one progresses in this lifetime, but doesn't attain enlightenment and doesn't become totally free from suffering, what can happen in future lives?
user2184
Dec 20, 2014, 09:49 AM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 12:27 PM
14
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7
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Can one learn meditation on their own?
Can I learn Vipassana meditation or other Buddhist meditation techniques like Shamatha on my own using books and online videos? This is because it is sometimes hard to find good genuine teachers. Or do I definitely need to seek a teacher?
Can I learn Vipassana meditation or other Buddhist meditation techniques like Shamatha on my own using books and online videos?
This is because it is sometimes hard to find good genuine teachers.
Or do I definitely need to seek a teacher?
Bharat
(1090 rep)
Jul 16, 2014, 01:47 AM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 08:56 AM
7
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5
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How to judge progress in vipassana
In samatha one can judge their progress through the progression of jhana, is there a concrete/measurable way to judge progress in vipassana?
In samatha one can judge their progress through the progression of jhana, is there a concrete/measurable way to judge progress in vipassana?
MFS
(551 rep)
Sep 12, 2014, 09:46 AM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 08:53 AM
6
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9
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Is it useful to practice intoxicated?
I am aware that drinking is against the fifth precept, but there are certain occasions where I can enjoy a few drinks (few times a month). I read a lot that it is not recommended to meditate _purposely_ on any drug - but what if I did take a few drinks, should I still meditate (e.g. Vipassana) or sh...
I am aware that drinking is against the fifth precept, but there are certain occasions where I can enjoy a few drinks (few times a month). I read a lot that it is not recommended to meditate _purposely_ on any drug - but what if I did take a few drinks, should I still meditate (e.g. Vipassana) or should I skip it?
Jordy van Ekelen
(1929 rep)
Sep 15, 2014, 08:47 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 08:52 AM
1
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1
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Different ways one can understand / realise the Dhamma?
I have heard in a Dhamma talk in which different ways of understanding / realising the Dhamma was discussed. One way that was mentioned was meditation. I am wondering which Suttas this has been referenced from. Up to then my understanding was Vippasana / meditation was the one and only way. With reg...
I have heard in a Dhamma talk in which different ways of understanding / realising the Dhamma was discussed. One way that was mentioned was meditation. I am wondering which Suttas this has been referenced from. Up to then my understanding was Vippasana / meditation was the one and only way.
With regard to the other ways, how does the understanding / realisation happen?
This was sometime back so I cannot remember the exact content.
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Sep 16, 2014, 05:07 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 08:51 AM
5
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2
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Is there a specific practice that leads to a "rainbow body"
First of all is the "rainbow body" almost similar in the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism? Then the above question. Thanks
First of all is the "rainbow body" almost similar in the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism? Then the above question.
Thanks
Samadhi
(3406 rep)
May 29, 2015, 04:29 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 08:15 AM
4
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1
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What are all the bhawana (meditation) methods in Buddhism?
There are two types of meditations described as "Samatha" and "Vipassana" I have heard that there are several types of samatha bhawana (40 kamatahan). Can you please elaborate this based on Theravada Buddhism
There are two types of meditations described as "Samatha" and "Vipassana"
I have heard that there are several types of samatha bhawana (40 kamatahan). Can you please elaborate this based on Theravada Buddhism
nimala9
(367 rep)
Sep 21, 2014, 12:54 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2015, 02:26 AM
3
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1
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Where does the Buddha compare the Dharma to leaves on a tree?
There is a story in the Pali Canon where the Buddha compares the Dharma to leaves on a tree. If I can give a very approximate quote to what I remember > The dharma that I have taught is just a handful of leaves. The Dharma > is actually all the leaves in all the trees So the point been that there is...
There is a story in the Pali Canon where the Buddha compares the Dharma to leaves on a tree. If I can give a very approximate quote to what I remember
> The dharma that I have taught is just a handful of leaves. The Dharma
> is actually all the leaves in all the trees
So the point been that there is a lot more to the Dharma then what the Buddha is teaching at that point. Can anyone give the exact reference for that story - I'm fairly certain it is from the Pali Canon.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
May 29, 2015, 10:22 AM
• Last activity: May 29, 2015, 10:42 AM
5
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2
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The arising of arrogance
I'd like to share a situation that happened to me and brought me a question about this arising of arrogance. I was driving and another driver got mad at me for a not-so-correct maneuver I did. At first I felt a bit uncomfortable for making him angry, but quickly I felt more compassion for the fact t...
I'd like to share a situation that happened to me and brought me a question about this arising of arrogance.
I was driving and another driver got mad at me for a not-so-correct maneuver I did. At first I felt a bit uncomfortable for making him angry, but quickly I felt more compassion for the fact that he was feeling anger than any other un wholesome state of mind.
Until a bit of arrogance arose, when a thought appeared: I was able to feel in peace even though the situation, while he let that unrest him and feel anger.
Is that arising of this kind of *arrogance* usual? How could I meditate upon it or think about the causes and consequences of it? The problem I have is that I *do* feel sometimes like I'm in a *better* path to happiness (that is buddhism) than others but that makes this arrogance appear.
Masclins
(245 rep)
May 29, 2015, 07:07 AM
• Last activity: May 29, 2015, 09:47 AM
4
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3
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The time between kalpas
When a world system has gone through devolution and is in statis, before the next evolution, where are all the beings from that world system? I've read some of them are born into brahman realms, but surely not all of the trillions of different beings alive on earth are born there during this time? S...
When a world system has gone through devolution and is in statis, before the next evolution, where are all the beings from that world system? I've read some of them are born into brahman realms, but surely not all of the trillions of different beings alive on earth are born there during this time? So what happens to them while there are no lower realms to be born into?
Ryan
(816 rep)
May 28, 2015, 07:01 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2015, 05:30 AM
3
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3
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Taking care of perineum
How can one take care of the [perineum][1] [1]: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perineum Does anyone have any knowledge about this part of the body being affected by excessive sitting in meditation. I have had medical help, removal of cysts, haemorrhoids and general stiffness over my course of medita...
How can one take care of the perineum
Does anyone have any knowledge about this part of the body being affected by excessive sitting in meditation. I have had medical help, removal of cysts, haemorrhoids and general stiffness over my course of meditative life.
Is this a normal problem with meditators and if yes how can one take care of this?
About me:
I am male, late 20s(fairly young to be having problems in that region?), sit cross legged (no lotus or half lotus), use a simple block, have had a history of stomach ailments since 12 (appendicitis, liver repair, bad digestive system), currently simple wholesome diet with no meat, eggs, do not drink/smoke.
user3743672
(1201 rep)
Sep 23, 2014, 02:46 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2015, 01:53 AM
10
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5
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Can I meditate while lying on my back?
Is lying flat on my back an acceptable meditation posture? Why or why not?
Is lying flat on my back an acceptable meditation posture? Why or why not?
Chris Mueller
(827 rep)
Sep 17, 2014, 02:42 PM
• Last activity: May 28, 2015, 05:52 PM
4
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1
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Meditation to control anxiety and hyperactivity?
I have recently taken up meditation to help with becoming more spiritual in general, but I am also interested in using meditation to improve my general well being. When I am stressed and even after that (which is quite often) I tend to feel uneasy and restless in my feet and back then I get worried...
I have recently taken up meditation to help with becoming more spiritual in general, but I am also interested in using meditation to improve my general well being.
When I am stressed and even after that (which is quite often) I tend to feel uneasy and restless in my feet and back then I get worried about my general health etc. Sympytoms only persist when I am not doing anything
How do I meditate to calm myself down and help in alliviating the spasms and restlessness due to my stress/anxiety/inability to concentrate?
Thank you and peace!
ARK96
(103 rep)
Sep 22, 2014, 05:34 PM
• Last activity: May 28, 2015, 05:49 PM
7
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Where is the story that Buddha was worried about a monk who meditated with a straight back?
I'm trying to find a story in the Pali canon (or maybe not) reportedly told by Ajahn Brahm that goes like this (copied from [here][1]): > Buddha was wandering along with Ananda when they came across a monk > sitting under a tree in meditation. The monk was sat on the ground > with a straight back, h...
I'm trying to find a story in the Pali canon (or maybe not) reportedly told by Ajahn Brahm that goes like this (copied from here ):
> Buddha was wandering along with Ananda when they came across a monk
> sitting under a tree in meditation. The monk was sat on the ground
> with a straight back, his hands were folded, and his head and neck at
> just the right angle. He was deep in meditation and had been for some
> time. The Buddha turned to Ananda and said “I’m worried about that
> monk.”
>
> A few minutes later they came across another monk sitting under a tree
> in meditation. He was on a comfy cushion, his back was bent forward
> and he’d fallen asleep. Every now and then he’d wake up only to nod
> off again. He was even snoring. The Buddha turned to Ananda and said
> “this monk I’m not worried about at all, he’s doing just fine.”
I've been googling around but found nothing.
fxam
(991 rep)
Sep 28, 2014, 12:59 PM
• Last activity: May 28, 2015, 05:47 PM
Showing page 423 of 20 total questions