Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
2
votes
2
answers
106
views
Will parents full of Dhamma attract good minds for their babies?
Is it more likely that a mind with more positive Kamma and closer to the Dhamma will reborn as a son of a couple that follows the Dhmma? Is there like an attraction due to the Dhamma? There is a story that Buddha once told a couple that if they have the same religion, similar dana and sila they may...
Is it more likely that a mind with more positive Kamma and closer to the Dhamma will reborn as a son of a couple that follows the Dhmma? Is there like an attraction due to the Dhamma?
There is a story that Buddha once told a couple that if they have the same religion, similar dana and sila they may meet again in the next life.
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 6, 2014, 04:00 PM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 07:13 PM
3
votes
3
answers
679
views
What is the appropriate use for the term bhante?
I've noticed on the site that quite a few people address [Yuttadhammo][1] as bhante. I'm aware that this means teacher. However in my sangha (Triratna Buddhist Community) the term is used differently. People only ever us bhante when speaking about the founder of the movement and even then it's only...
I've noticed on the site that quite a few people address Yuttadhammo as bhante. I'm aware that this means teacher. However in my sangha (Triratna Buddhist Community) the term is used differently. People only ever us bhante when speaking about the founder of the movement and even then it's only really people who have a more personal relationship or at least a very strong attachment to his teachings. For instance I wouldn't use the term - not that anyone would have a problem if i did - it just wouldn't seem appropriate. So the usage of the term on this site seems very casual.
I'm not asking for any validation that my sangha is using the term correctly - we probably aren't. It's just that how I would use it and how it's used on the site seem different and I'm wondering on the most appropriate usage for the term. Is it a casual term of address? Does it signify respect? Should it be only used for people with a personal relationship to the teacher?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Mar 28, 2015, 11:51 AM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 05:55 PM
6
votes
1
answers
1005
views
Did Buddha go through the stages of sotapanna/sakadagami/anagami before his enlightenment?
Did Buddha go through the stages of sotapanna/sakadagami/anagami before his enlightenment? Or did he go straight from a normal person to an arahant and a Buddha during the night of his enlightenment?
Did Buddha go through the stages of sotapanna/sakadagami/anagami before his enlightenment? Or did he go straight from a normal person to an arahant and a Buddha during the night of his enlightenment?
fxam
(991 rep)
Mar 29, 2015, 02:34 AM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 04:14 PM
6
votes
1
answers
1388
views
How does one Practice Sila?
There are many techniques to practice meditation but how exactly do you practice **Sila**? Are there any methods or techniques mentioned in the Suttas or by Buddhist Teachers to practice Sila. Exactly what are you doing when you say you are "practicing sila"?
There are many techniques to practice meditation but how exactly do you practice **Sila**?
Are there any methods or techniques mentioned in the Suttas or by Buddhist Teachers to practice Sila. Exactly what are you doing when you say you are "practicing sila"?
Orion
(3162 rep)
Jan 30, 2015, 08:29 AM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 10:47 AM
6
votes
5
answers
286
views
Is there a Connection between Sila and Fear?
Is there a connection between Sila and fear? I find fear to be the main reason I practice sila. I would like to practice Sila out of loving kindness and a compassionate heart but I'm more worried about the consequences of my actions then being compassionate.And i don't know if this is selfish reason...
Is there a connection between Sila and fear? I find fear to be the main reason I practice sila. I would like to practice Sila out of loving kindness and a compassionate heart but I'm more worried about the consequences of my actions then being compassionate.And i don't know if this is selfish reason to practice sila but I'm really not keeping the precepts because I care very deeply about others or want to be Mother Theresa but because for some reason I never seem to get away with anything.And I always seem to get the results of my actions right away that I feel like I don't have a choice but lead some kind of moral life.Basically i feel like someone on parole.My question is:
- Is it selfish to practice sila because you want to save your own skin? Or should it only be practiced out of compassion for others?
- Is there a connection between fear and sila?
Thanks
Orion
(3162 rep)
Mar 25, 2015, 11:49 PM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 10:47 AM
3
votes
3
answers
116
views
Buddhist practice in Singapore
Which are the major sects of Buddhism in Singapore? Which are these sects' main temples in Singapore?
Which are the major sects of Buddhism in Singapore? Which are these sects' main temples in Singapore?
Tilman Borgers
(153 rep)
Feb 23, 2015, 04:23 PM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 10:03 AM
2
votes
4
answers
813
views
Is there any Proof of No-Rebirth?
Is there proof that rebirth does not exist?That it is not real?
Is there proof that rebirth does not exist?That it is not real?
Orion
(3162 rep)
Mar 4, 2015, 01:00 AM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 09:32 AM
9
votes
7
answers
10038
views
Isn't enlightenment the ultimate death?
Is it true that after you reach enlightenment you simply vanish into the vast space of existence, and you simply cease to exist? Kind of like, when you have not attained to enlightenment you keep on returning and being reincarnated, but if you reach enlightenment and stop being reborn don't you just...
Is it true that after you reach enlightenment you simply vanish into the vast space of existence, and you simply cease to exist?
Kind of like, when you have not attained to enlightenment you keep on returning and being reincarnated, but if you reach enlightenment and stop being reborn don't you just cease your existence and die forever?
If I remember correct the Buddha did not know what happens to an enlightened person after his death, or am I wrong?
George
(91 rep)
Mar 20, 2015, 02:02 PM
• Last activity: Mar 29, 2015, 09:27 AM
5
votes
1
answers
220
views
Money to monasteries
Is it right for a monastery or a temple to take money donations, having donation boxes and selling a lot of different things to worship or get luck from? Or shouldn't a monastery use money just like the monks? I feel if I want to give to a monastery is better to give food to the monks, give the thin...
Is it right for a monastery or a temple to take money donations, having donation boxes and selling a lot of different things to worship or get luck from?
Or shouldn't a monastery use money just like the monks?
I feel if I want to give to a monastery is better to give food to the monks, give the things they need not the money so they can get it themself.
Drebay
(53 rep)
Oct 13, 2014, 06:43 AM
• Last activity: Mar 28, 2015, 04:53 PM
6
votes
1
answers
145
views
Does anybody know the composition of the 6th council and how the delegates were chosen?
Nyanatiloka and Nyanaponika were the only Western born monks to attend the 6th Council. I am curious to know the composition of the 6th council and how the delegates were chosen. [Wikipedia says][1]: > The council was attended by 2,500 monastics from eight Theravada Buddhist countries. Clearly there...
Nyanatiloka and Nyanaponika were the only Western born monks to attend the 6th Council. I am curious to know the composition of the 6th council and how the delegates were chosen.
Wikipedia says :
> The council was attended by 2,500 monastics from eight Theravada Buddhist countries.
Clearly there would have been more countries involved than the 8 Buddhist countries. Also the delegates from countries which were not predominantly Buddhist sponsored by a Buddhist country they lived in. Also how come Nanamoli Bhikkhu and Ven. Ñāṇavīra Thera did not make it as delegates?
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Sep 26, 2014, 07:31 AM
• Last activity: Mar 28, 2015, 02:47 PM
3
votes
2
answers
482
views
What significance does the dragon hold within Buddhism?
What significance does the mythical dragon hold within Buddhism and why, where does it originate within Buddhism?
What significance does the mythical dragon hold within Buddhism and why, where does it originate within Buddhism?
eliyah
(481 rep)
Dec 20, 2014, 09:27 AM
• Last activity: Mar 28, 2015, 12:32 PM
2
votes
3
answers
412
views
What is Tantric Theravadan Buddhism?
I read somewhere that there are a number of Tantric Theravadan Buddhists practicing in Cambodia. What is Tantric Theravda and what are it's distinguishing practices? Can it be said to be a vajrayana practice? Does it use visualisations practices and if so what sort of things are visualised? How is i...
I read somewhere that there are a number of Tantric Theravadan Buddhists practicing in Cambodia. What is Tantric Theravda and what are it's distinguishing practices? Can it be said to be a vajrayana practice? Does it use visualisations practices and if so what sort of things are visualised? How is it different to non-tantric Therevadan practice?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Mar 8, 2015, 09:45 AM
• Last activity: Mar 28, 2015, 12:25 PM
6
votes
4
answers
3612
views
How to make a decision based on Buddhist principles?
I have been practicing Buddhism since a child, about twenty years. Throughout my adult life I have been trying to combine my practical life with my Buddhist beliefs. In some situations, however, I am not seeing how Buddhist principles apply to decision making. For example, how do I apply Buddhist id...
I have been practicing Buddhism since a child, about twenty years. Throughout my adult life I have been trying to combine my practical life with my Buddhist beliefs. In some situations, however, I am not seeing how Buddhist principles apply to decision making. For example, how do I apply Buddhist ideals in deciding which college to go to, what profession to do, and what job opportunity to pursue? These are the mundane but unavoidable decisions for the layman. Of course, I'd not pursue a career in military or defense industry due to my beliefs, but there's not always a clear choice between other professions, jobs, etc based on Buddhist beliefs.
Larry Juang
(71 rep)
Jul 14, 2014, 02:52 PM
• Last activity: Mar 28, 2015, 08:44 AM
4
votes
1
answers
135
views
Can you help me identify this English translation of The Gateless Gate?
Over the years, as I have seen various commentaries on koans, I've become aware that the quoted text seems to always derive from one of a very few English translations, but the translation concerned is rarely mentioned. I am no expert on this area of philology and I'm particularly interested in the...
Over the years, as I have seen various commentaries on koans, I've become aware that the quoted text seems to always derive from one of a very few English translations, but the translation concerned is rarely mentioned.
I am no expert on this area of philology and I'm particularly interested in the version which for Hyakujo’s Fox uses the phrasing "fall under the yoke of causation". This was the first translation which I saw, and so somehow canonical to me. I wonder if it is a highly regarded one?
My main interest is in intellectual curiosity, being interested in philology more generally.
Dan
(272 rep)
Mar 12, 2015, 10:21 PM
• Last activity: Mar 27, 2015, 11:33 PM
3
votes
1
answers
272
views
Original reference for 'The essence of all religions is love, compassion and tolerance' by the HH the Dalai Lama
Friends, Does anyone know of the original reference for the saying attributed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama that starts *'The Essence of all religions is love, compasion and tolerance. Kindness is my true religion.'* I would be grateful if the reference includes the translator. As a personal note,...
Friends,
Does anyone know of the original reference for the saying attributed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama that starts *'The Essence of all religions is love, compasion and tolerance. Kindness is my true religion.'* I would be grateful if the reference includes the translator.
As a personal note, as a Christian, I find ths very close to the truth. I expect you know that Jesus said: 'The first commandment is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart ... the second is 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the law and the prophets hang on these two laws.'
Thanks in anticipation,
Richard
Richard
(31 rep)
Mar 27, 2015, 09:59 PM
• Last activity: Mar 27, 2015, 11:04 PM
3
votes
3
answers
1594
views
Is there a commentary for the Dhammapada?
I read somewhere that there was a traditional commentary for the Dhammapada that gave the stories that inspired the Buddha to write the various verses of the text. Does anyone know what that commentary is and is it available on the internet perhaps on something like accesstoinsight or maybe as a pri...
I read somewhere that there was a traditional commentary for the Dhammapada that gave the stories that inspired the Buddha to write the various verses of the text. Does anyone know what that commentary is and is it available on the internet perhaps on something like accesstoinsight or maybe as a printed book?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Mar 26, 2015, 05:44 PM
• Last activity: Mar 27, 2015, 09:22 PM
4
votes
4
answers
758
views
Does "stream enterer" simply mean "devout Buddhist"?
I have read about technicalities of stream entry, but just wanted to ask, to see if I understand the "big picture": If we step outside and try to describe it in plain English, is a "stream enterer" simply a "devout Buddhist"? Let me offer an analogy with a more typical use of this word: a devout Cat...
I have read about technicalities of stream entry, but just wanted to ask, to see if I understand the "big picture": If we step outside and try to describe it in plain English, is a "stream enterer" simply a "devout Buddhist"?
Let me offer an analogy with a more typical use of this word: a devout Catholic is a person who practices Catholicism not because of his upbringing/pressure from the society/habits of following the rituals/suspicion that God may exist, but because he **knows** that this is the right thing to do, and he **knows** that God exists (perhaps because of some experience that completely conviced him and left no doubt). So, is a stream enterer, analogously, somebody who **knows** that suffering is the problem, and **knows** that the Buddhist path is the solution (etc.)?
I'm only asking about the concept, and I don't want to get into discussion whether things that a devout of a particular religion knows are may be true or not.
kami
(2732 rep)
Feb 24, 2015, 05:28 PM
• Last activity: Mar 27, 2015, 09:22 PM
1
votes
3
answers
770
views
Can Metta Make you Beautiful?
Omg.Is this true.But what do you mean like inner beauty? Or outer beauty? I'm more interested in outer beauty.Is there any reference in the suttas about being physically beautiful if you practice metta? Thank you
Omg.Is this true.But what do you
mean like inner beauty? Or outer beauty? I'm more interested in outer beauty.Is there any reference in the suttas about being physically beautiful if you practice metta?
Thank you
Orion
(3162 rep)
Mar 26, 2015, 03:56 AM
• Last activity: Mar 26, 2015, 08:17 AM
4
votes
2
answers
167
views
Buddhist views on leadership
During some meditation I need to say several sentences. One of them is *I take refuge in the liberated Sangha*. I noticed that I often forget to say that sentence and virtually never forget the other four. I started to think whether it's a coincidence and came to the conclusion that I have problems...
During some meditation I need to say several sentences. One of them is *I take refuge in the liberated Sangha*. I noticed that I often forget to say that sentence and virtually never forget the other four.
I started to think whether it's a coincidence and came to the conclusion that I have problems with effectively co-operating with people. Up to now, I've been most effective, when I worked alone.
Are there any Buddhist teachings on how one can overcome mental obstacles, which prevent a person from being a good leader (using other people's talents to achieve goals, which benefit some beings and don't harm anyone) ?
Note: By "mental obstacles" I don't mean lack of skills (e. g. inability to estimate the effort of tasks) or obvisous personality defects (e. g. the wish to look better than the others in front of people). It's something much more subtle, which makes me do all the work alone, even though I'm pretty sure that there are people out there, who would gladly help me.
Glory to Russia
(652 rep)
Mar 25, 2015, 05:34 AM
• Last activity: Mar 25, 2015, 08:52 PM
1
votes
3
answers
153
views
How does cause depend on its effect?
This philosophical treatment of [Nagarjuna by Westerhoff][1] talks about how a cause depends on its effect. I think that this point is a stumbling block for me but in my philosophical interpretations of Buddhism *and* of life and death per se. He says: > There are three different ways in which we ca...
This philosophical treatment of Nagarjuna by Westerhoff talks about how a cause depends on its effect.
I think that this point is a stumbling block for me but in my philosophical interpretations of Buddhism *and* of life and death per se.
He says:
> There are three different ways in which we can make sense of
> Nāgārjuna's assertion that the cause depends existentially on the
> effect.
And then proceeds to argue about them (which I cannot make complete sense of).
Is the idea that a conditioned cause must be conditioned by its effect, in the sense of having it as a part?
user2512
Mar 15, 2015, 08:46 PM
• Last activity: Mar 25, 2015, 08:07 AM
Showing page 434 of 20 total questions