Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
2
votes
1
answers
610
views
How does Buddhism define abortion?
Abortion is a much-debated topic, and religion frequently plays a role in any such discussion. How does abortion fit into Buddhist faith? Is it considered negative karma by definition, or perhaps negative karma, depending upon the situation (e.g. in a family that cannot afford to properly support an...
Abortion is a much-debated topic, and religion frequently plays a role in any such discussion.
How does abortion fit into Buddhist faith?
Is it considered negative karma by definition, or perhaps negative karma, depending upon the situation (e.g. in a family that cannot afford to properly support and raise a new child, or in the case of an abortion to save the life of the mother)?
Are there definitions of when human life begins tied with Buddhism?
Beofett
(311 rep)
Jul 14, 2014, 06:04 PM
• Last activity: Feb 19, 2015, 09:01 AM
6
votes
2
answers
1034
views
Euthanasia for animals
Killing and harming are against the first precept. I understand that an important part of the practice is being mindful at the time of death, but do animals have this capacity? Would it be better to end their suffering if they are dying anyway? I saw an animal suffering on the way home and this came...
Killing and harming are against the first precept. I understand that an important part of the practice is being mindful at the time of death, but do animals have this capacity? Would it be better to end their suffering if they are dying anyway? I saw an animal suffering on the way home and this came to mind.
MFS
(551 rep)
Aug 22, 2014, 01:17 AM
• Last activity: Feb 19, 2015, 08:59 AM
8
votes
3
answers
363
views
Is it okay to leave your suffering family behind when you have an instinct to attain Nirvana?
I see my society cherishing and nourishing their respected beloved ones and living at their best. I've tried to do that but I have many unanswered questions. How can I help myself to attain Nirvana when I have doubts about leaving my suffering family behind?
I see my society cherishing and nourishing their respected beloved ones and living at their best. I've tried to do that but I have many unanswered questions. How can I help myself to attain Nirvana when I have doubts about leaving my suffering family behind?
jitin
(1512 rep)
Jan 8, 2015, 07:16 AM
• Last activity: Feb 18, 2015, 10:21 PM
2
votes
2
answers
141
views
As a Buddhist lay-follower is there a need and good form to do good deeds?
As I've started to consider myself a lay-Buddhist for at least five years now, I've had an inclination to do good. But I've found it difficult to give it proper form. I've found that politics are not the way for me, to much based on ego's and manipulation. But even doing just volunteer work or a foo...
As I've started to consider myself a lay-Buddhist for at least five years now, I've had an inclination to do good. But I've found it difficult to give it proper form.
I've found that politics are not the way for me, to much based on ego's and manipulation. But even doing just volunteer work or a food bank or help for refugees I've felt part of political machinations and power games.
Maybe this question is to much about opinion, but I was wondering:
- Is there a need to good deeds as a lay-Buddhist?
- What is are proper way of doing so, avoiding just giving money, or becoming to political?
DirkM
(1555 rep)
Feb 7, 2015, 11:39 PM
• Last activity: Feb 18, 2015, 08:17 PM
3
votes
3
answers
713
views
Noumenon and "mind only"
according to wikipedia anyway: > The noumenon (/ˈnɒuːmɨnɒn/) is a posited object or event that is known > (if at all) without the use of the senses. I know that the term is used in Buddhism, at least after its sinification. Often noumenon seems to mean reality itself, the buddha nature. Avoiding tha...
according to wikipedia anyway:
> The noumenon (/ˈnɒuːmɨnɒn/) is a posited object or event that is known
> (if at all) without the use of the senses.
I know that the term is used in Buddhism, at least after its sinification. Often noumenon seems to mean reality itself, the buddha nature.
Avoiding that last gloss, may I ask if the "noumenon" is "mind"?
And whether extinction, be that impermanence, nirvana or final nirvana, is noumenally real?
user2512
Feb 18, 2015, 06:51 AM
• Last activity: Feb 18, 2015, 06:42 PM
4
votes
3
answers
295
views
Life testament, illness and Buddhism
I would like to ask a question about ones *last will* and how buddhism views that. In Denmark where i live we have an option called a "life testament". In here there are 2 options that will be taken into account if one becomes severely ill or are about to die. 1. Does one want life-prolonging treatm...
I would like to ask a question about ones *last will* and how buddhism views that.
In Denmark where i live we have an option called a "life testament". In here there are 2 options that will be taken into account if one becomes severely ill or are about to die.
1. Does one want life-prolonging treatment if one is about to die?
2. Does one want life-prolonging treatment if illness or injury is leaving one behind without the possibility to take care of oneself either physically or mentally?
I was wondering if im breaking any buddhist rules if i answer no to any of those?
I have tried thinking about it but i cannot fully grasp it at the moment.
Lets say i was in a traffic accident and was left as a vegetable. By writing the life testament and answering no to life-prolonging treatment because it would only op hold the life of a vegetable am i then breaking anything?
Is this the desire/craving for non-existence im wandering into here?
Should i just let things be and play out according to my kamma. Im a bit confused.
Help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
May you be happy, peaceful and free from physical and mental suffering.
Harshani
user2424
Feb 17, 2015, 06:10 PM
• Last activity: Feb 18, 2015, 12:02 PM
5
votes
6
answers
1662
views
Is it possible to set goals for the future and be present at the same time?
The future is not always tenable and capricious. Additionaly, if one is in the moment one shouldn’t be thinking about the future. To me, this seems like the two are mutually exclusive: to make goals and to be present. Therefore, is it actually possible to be present but to think about the future at...
The future is not always tenable and capricious. Additionaly, if one is in the moment one shouldn’t be thinking about the future. To me, this seems like the two are mutually exclusive: to make goals and to be present.
Therefore, is it actually possible to be present but to think about the future at the same time? How does one reconcile having goals or making plans for the future?
It seems difficult to not plan for having children, planning a career, etc.
chrisl-921fb74d
(253 rep)
Feb 10, 2015, 05:15 AM
• Last activity: Feb 15, 2015, 05:38 AM
4
votes
2
answers
560
views
What are some examples of Buddhist rulers?
I've been searching about this for a while, I have been looking for historical rulers who based their way of governing off Buddhist principles. But haven't been able to find a lot.
I've been searching about this for a while, I have been looking for historical rulers who based their way of governing off Buddhist principles. But haven't been able to find a lot.
DirkM
(1555 rep)
Jul 14, 2014, 07:09 PM
• Last activity: Feb 14, 2015, 10:53 PM
16
votes
3
answers
1659
views
Can Buddhists be good workplace leaders?
Many people that start to meditate and follow the Dhamma become more tolerant, less attached to reputation, more "easy going" and treat all with loving kindness, this can create an opportunity for people to abuse them, miss deadlines, reduce the quality of the work etc... That said, how should a Bud...
Many people that start to meditate and follow the Dhamma become more tolerant, less attached to reputation, more "easy going" and treat all with loving kindness, this can create an opportunity for people to abuse them, miss deadlines, reduce the quality of the work etc...
That said, how should a Buddhist behave to balance loving kindness with leadership skills that sometimes requires you to be not so "nice" to get the work done, imagine if you have tried loving kindness before but it did not work, only made the person abuse you more and take advantage of your compassion.
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Aug 21, 2014, 05:54 PM
• Last activity: Feb 14, 2015, 10:47 PM
6
votes
3
answers
455
views
So what's the sense of it all?
Perhaps too straightforward question (I know it's too general) but still - when there's the enlightenment why we even exists? If Samsara can be brutal and full of suffering, what's its purpose? To suffer and then enjoy how nice it is to not suffer? Or to have the choice whether to be good or bad? As...
Perhaps too straightforward question (I know it's too general) but still - when there's the enlightenment why we even exists? If Samsara can be brutal and full of suffering, what's its purpose? To suffer and then enjoy how nice it is to not suffer? Or to have the choice whether to be good or bad? As humans we can surely limit the suffering. But how much really?
If there are 6 realms (hell, afflicted spirit, animal, human, asura, and heavenly beings) - what sort of principles could ever decide for such an order? Isn't everything supposed to be going towards the enlightenment? If that is so - what's the sense of having e.g. the hell? To "punish" those who act as evil so they could "taste" their own acting? I'm not really sure if I understand the purpose of going through all of it..
I believe it was Erwin Schroedinger who expressed an interesting idea that the total number of all minds in the universe is one. Just one mind. Split into different lives in different time and space. If that's the case I only wonder why would the same mind ever "start" this. Most likely it's only my limited point of view. Seems like never-ending fight between good and evil. Does the Buddhism somehow grasp such let's say - more (perhaps too much) general questions?
Ivan Sivak
(253 rep)
Jan 18, 2015, 08:37 PM
• Last activity: Feb 13, 2015, 08:59 PM
3
votes
4
answers
181
views
How is the new intelligence equation practically (freedom) related to Buddhism?
[This][1] 10 minute TED video by Alex Wissner talks about a new theory of intelligence, which defines intelligence as > intelligence is a force ... that acts so as to maximize future freedom of action How is this related to goal of Buddhism? By this definition is Buddhist practice very intelligent?...
This 10 minute TED video by Alex Wissner talks about a new theory of intelligence, which defines intelligence as
> intelligence is a force ... that acts so as to maximize future freedom of action
How is this related to goal of Buddhism? By this definition is Buddhist practice very intelligent?
Med
(5223 rep)
Feb 4, 2015, 03:50 AM
• Last activity: Feb 13, 2015, 03:47 PM
2
votes
2
answers
104
views
The importance of NOW
Why this (and only *this*) moment is the exclusive possibility to see things as they really are?
Why this (and only *this*) moment is the exclusive possibility to see things as they really are?
Guy Eugène Dubois
(2382 rep)
Feb 12, 2015, 08:05 PM
• Last activity: Feb 13, 2015, 09:30 AM
3
votes
4
answers
1412
views
Which text does the four sights story come from?
One of the most famous stories of the Buddha is that of the four sights in which the Buddha sees old age, sickness death and a monk for the first time. However I read that this story doesn't actually occur in the Pali Canon. Can anyone give the reference for the text or texts that this story does oc...
One of the most famous stories of the Buddha is that of the four sights in which the Buddha sees old age, sickness death and a monk for the first time. However I read that this story doesn't actually occur in the Pali Canon. Can anyone give the reference for the text or texts that this story does occur in.
Also since it doesn't appear in the Pali Canon is it reasonable to suppose that it might have less historical accuracy then other events in the Pali Canon. After all if it had of occurred wouldn't the Buddha have told Ananda at some point who would have then recounted when the storied were been collected after the Buddha's death. This is of a side point really - and probably unnecessarily contraversial.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Feb 11, 2015, 06:23 PM
• Last activity: Feb 12, 2015, 12:41 AM
2
votes
2
answers
675
views
How did bells become a part of Buddhist ritual?
Bells seem to be pervasive throughout Buddhist ritual. I get the impression that many monasteries ring a large bell in the morning, and other monasteries still ring regular bells throughout the day to encourage mindfulness. Most meditation apps on smartphones have a bell-ringing sound. **Where did t...
Bells seem to be pervasive throughout Buddhist ritual. I get the impression that many monasteries ring a large bell in the morning, and other monasteries still ring regular bells throughout the day to encourage mindfulness. Most meditation apps on smartphones have a bell-ringing sound.
**Where did this come from? What other usage do bells have in Buddhist ritual? Are there references to bells in canonical texts?**
Answers from all sects appreciated.
Anthony
(2598 rep)
Feb 11, 2015, 05:02 AM
• Last activity: Feb 11, 2015, 11:44 AM
8
votes
3
answers
399
views
Details when practice vipassana
I have a few questions: * How far do i need to be mindful? In the Satipatthana Vipassana by Mahasi, he said: "On meeting with a person in the imagination, it should be noted as "meeting, meeting", can i just say "imagine, imagine"? * If i taste something, i always want to "deconstruct" the aliment (...
I have a few questions:
* How far do i need to be mindful? In the Satipatthana Vipassana by Mahasi, he said: "On meeting with a person in the imagination, it should be noted as "meeting, meeting", can i just say "imagine, imagine"?
* If i taste something, i always want to "deconstruct" the aliment (it's sweet, salty, sour ...), it is a good thing to do (for Vipassana meditation)? Or I need just to say "tasting, tasting"
Do I need to be mindful of details? (I'm a thinking of my mother, cat...)
Sorry for my English. o/
Krusty
(83 rep)
Oct 6, 2014, 11:09 AM
• Last activity: Feb 10, 2015, 08:35 PM
2
votes
1
answers
191
views
Lay meditation in Korean Zen
Have there been reform movements in 20th century Korean Buddhism that put more emphasis on meditation practice than traditional Korean Buddhism did, and that, in particular, also encouraged meditation by lay people? Put differently, I wonder whether Korean Buddhism has had a reform movement similar...
Have there been reform movements in 20th century Korean Buddhism that put more emphasis on meditation practice than traditional Korean Buddhism did, and that, in particular, also encouraged meditation by lay people? Put differently, I wonder whether Korean Buddhism has had a reform movement similar to, say, the reform movement of Mahasi Saydaw in Burma (that, in turn, was important to the development of Vipassana meditation as practiced by many in the US).
Tilman Borgers
(153 rep)
Feb 8, 2015, 02:36 PM
• Last activity: Feb 9, 2015, 08:31 PM
2
votes
2
answers
1583
views
What does Buddhism say about intentionally killing dangerous insects and beings?
Recently I got into a long debate with some people on Reddit about killing pestilent, poisonous insects. [Feel free to read it][1]. There are some interesting scientific findings. Whatever the word is for people who go over-board with their compassion/ahimsa trip... I think they are doing that, cons...
Recently I got into a long debate with some people on Reddit about killing pestilent, poisonous insects. Feel free to read it . There are some interesting scientific findings.
Whatever the word is for people who go over-board with their compassion/ahimsa trip... I think they are doing that, considering it was a poisonous spider (about to give birth to 100 more) I dispatched.
**So what does Buddhism say about *intentionally* killing dangerous (poisonous) and/or pestilent insects?**
Specifically dangerous insects in one's personal and community environment.
Surely, the suttas, aimed towards forest-dwellers, must have some guidelines on harmful insects and animals.
Med
(5223 rep)
Feb 9, 2015, 02:38 AM
• Last activity: Feb 9, 2015, 10:50 AM
4
votes
3
answers
285
views
buddha and the fear?
Fear is something that can hold us back in inaction. Fear is something that i have in me regarding my presence and purpose of existence. Apart from my social life, apart from whatever i can do for my family i have an instinct to have much more potential in me. But fear of loosing my present keep me...
Fear is something that can hold us back in inaction. Fear is something that i have in me regarding my presence and purpose of existence. Apart from my social life, apart from whatever i can do for my family i have an instinct to have much more potential in me. But fear of loosing my present keep me in inaction and i am unable to step forward to my purpose (meaning of my existence). So many doubts and real life barriers are also here. I want to know at what point buddha overcome his (level) fear ? And how it feels to be fearless (completely) ?
jitin
(1512 rep)
Feb 7, 2015, 05:17 AM
• Last activity: Feb 8, 2015, 05:00 AM
2
votes
2
answers
138
views
How do I practice Buddhism to attain peace of mind and know the inner self?
I am distracted by the surroundings and at times lose my presence. I think deep down on the perspectives like meaning of life, purpose of life, focus on the one who really are, but get distracted many times.
I am distracted by the surroundings and at times lose my presence. I think deep down on the perspectives like meaning of life, purpose of life, focus on the one who really are, but get distracted many times.
kernal42
(123 rep)
Feb 7, 2015, 09:01 AM
• Last activity: Feb 7, 2015, 03:03 PM
3
votes
3
answers
2971
views
In Buddhism Can Devas do Something For Us?
My mother is a christian woman but has strong traditional roots in voodooism and ancestral worship.My question is,Is it possible for human beings to invoke a deva/gods/territorial spirits(nagas etc) to do our bidding? In a Buddhist context Can a Deva help a human being? Is there such a story in the...
My mother is a christian woman but has strong traditional roots in voodooism and ancestral worship.My question is,Is it possible for human beings to invoke a deva/gods/territorial spirits(nagas etc) to do our bidding? In a Buddhist context Can a Deva help a human being? Is there such a story in the suttas.Why would a Deva help a human being? According to my mother a particular deva helps us because he was our family/relative/ancestor.Is this compatible with Buddhist Beliefs?
Orion
(3162 rep)
Feb 3, 2015, 10:21 PM
• Last activity: Feb 5, 2015, 10:35 PM
Showing page 438 of 20 total questions