Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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5
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If the law of Karma is a natural law like Newton's law?
Can we write an equation for it? at least in principle because I know that there are lots of variables involved. but if it really is a part of nature then why not?
Can we write an equation for it? at least in principle because I know that there are lots of variables involved. but if it really is a part of nature then why not?
user17755
(485 rep)
Nov 20, 2014, 03:58 AM
• Last activity: Jan 18, 2015, 01:25 PM
7
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2
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Is suspending judgement a way to avoid wrong view?
I came to this question from a comment made on an answer to a question about belief in rebirth. The comment read: "A view that rebirth does not exist is a wrong view. You cannot realize Nibbana with this wrong view." Now I wanted to reply that suspending judgement is a form of avoiding wrong view, b...
I came to this question from a comment made on an answer to a question about belief in rebirth. The comment read:
"A view that rebirth does not exist is a wrong view. You cannot realize Nibbana with this wrong view."
Now I wanted to reply that suspending judgement is a form of avoiding wrong view, but then I realized I'm not really sure; which bothered me. I suspend judgement about a lot of things even to the point of whether Buddhist enlightenment is real. So is suspending judgement proper, or does one on the Buddhist path eventually have to make choice?
DirkM
(1555 rep)
Jul 18, 2014, 11:15 AM
• Last activity: Jan 18, 2015, 11:09 AM
3
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1
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How can I work with doubt and existential concerns?
After a 'bad trip' a big hindrance of mine is doubt and the idea that all is just a dream that we have no control over. This brings up terrifying ideas, concepts and images for me. That this may all just be nonsense, even buddhism. I'm aware these are concepts and mental activities, but the panic th...
After a 'bad trip' a big hindrance of mine is doubt and the idea that all is just a dream that we have no control over. This brings up terrifying ideas, concepts and images for me. That this may all just be nonsense, even buddhism. I'm aware these are concepts and mental activities, but the panic that they bring on can really deter me and interfere with my practice.
I fear that the Dhamma may just be a temporary fabrication of this reality that I'm in etc. The fact that I suffer and endure loneliness allows my mind to go astray. I'm not a member of any sangha and I dont get any support to continue to practice. I've suffered with misery most my life and this fact brings up many fatalistic fears. I'm wondering how I can try to start overcoming this and progress in the practice.
Thanks
Buddhah
(41 rep)
Jul 15, 2014, 10:44 PM
• Last activity: Jan 18, 2015, 11:04 AM
5
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1
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Significance of Three Customs Involving String
I've noticed three different customs involving string at Theravada temple service. If by chance anyone is familiar with the significance of any of these; it would be nice to know. The service is not in my native language so I miss a lot of nuances and end up forgetting to ask when I have a chance. 1...
I've noticed three different customs involving string at Theravada temple service. If by chance anyone is familiar with the significance of any of these; it would be nice to know. The service is not in my native language so I miss a lot of nuances and end up forgetting to ask when I have a chance.
1. The monks sit up on a raised area and occasionally seem to be winding string around various objects creating a web like display. What does this signify?
2. At times long pieces of string are sent through the group of lay followers and everyone tries to hold a piece of the string. What does this mean?
3. At the end of the service people sometimes line up to receive a small string bracelet and a blessing from a monk. Is this just a nice gesture or does it have a particular meaning? Does anyone know what the blessing is for?
Thanks for any insights. :)
user143
Jan 17, 2015, 07:35 PM
• Last activity: Jan 18, 2015, 08:24 AM
2
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1
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What is the exact meaning of catuparisa (catu-parisa)?
The Buddha mentioned *catuparisa* (*catu-parisa)*. What did he exactly meant with this word?
The Buddha mentioned *catuparisa* (*catu-parisa)*. What did he exactly meant with this word?
Guy Eugène Dubois
(2382 rep)
Jan 16, 2015, 02:26 PM
• Last activity: Jan 16, 2015, 09:52 PM
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3
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Amisa pooja for Buddha
I know that we can make great Karma by offering Flowers,candles,incense,food,robes and other things for the Buddha statue thinking as if the Buddha is alive. But whenever I do offer these things my mind says "The Buddha is not there to receive this.And this is not the proper way to pay respect for t...
I know that we can make great Karma by offering Flowers,candles,incense,food,robes and other things for the Buddha statue thinking as if the Buddha is alive.
But whenever I do offer these things my mind says "The Buddha is not there to receive this.And this is not the proper way to pay respect for the Buddha. The proper way is to try to be mindful and try to be free from the defilement in the mind."
Am I cultivating bad thoughts by thinking this way? What is the proper way to think when we offer these things to the Buddha statue?
user971
(43 rep)
Sep 25, 2014, 02:36 AM
• Last activity: Jan 16, 2015, 09:51 PM
2
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2
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Proper way to give metta
Is it necessary to only feel subtle sensations while giving metta or is it only required to be equanimous while giving metta. I have sometimes felt painful sensations that cannot be 'shaken away' after a sit and find it harder to concentrate on giving metta. So should one only be equanimous and carr...
Is it necessary to only feel subtle sensations while giving metta or is it only required to be equanimous while giving metta.
I have sometimes felt painful sensations that cannot be 'shaken away' after a sit and find it harder to concentrate on giving metta. So should one only be equanimous and carry on with the practice or leave metta bhavana to another time?
What works for you while radiating metta?
user3743672
(1201 rep)
Sep 26, 2014, 11:35 PM
• Last activity: Jan 16, 2015, 09:48 PM
8
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3
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Is going for refuge central to all Buddhist traditions?
In the Triratna community, who I practice with, we see going for refuge to the three jewels as our central practice - the three jewels being the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. In fact the name Triratna means the [three jewels][1]. However the founder of the movement (Sangharakshita) makes the strong...
In the Triratna community, who I practice with, we see going for refuge to the three jewels as our central practice - the three jewels being the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. In fact the name Triratna means the three jewels . However the founder of the movement (Sangharakshita) makes the stronger claim that this is the central act of all Buddhist traditions. The Triratna movement is an explicit attempt to return to that core teaching.
However I'd really be interested in the perspectives of the different Buddhist traditions on that. Does that ring true to people in their own practices. Is going for refuge the central act of Buddhist practice?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Oct 3, 2014, 06:15 PM
• Last activity: Jan 16, 2015, 09:47 PM
3
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3
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Signlessness seems to be contradictory to Buddhism
Signlessness is a concept that I was taught about Buddhism in a college course on Buddhism. It was defined as "not taking omens to have meaning, whether the omen was good or bad does not matter." But in the same course I learned the mystical means by which the new Dali Lama was found. They see lette...
Signlessness is a concept that I was taught about Buddhism in a college course on Buddhism. It was defined as "not taking omens to have meaning, whether the omen was good or bad does not matter."
But in the same course I learned the mystical means by which the new Dali Lama was found. They see letters in sky telling them to go to Ando Province.
Maybe this is right-mindfulness(?): we see things as they truly are in reality and do impose logic onto things were there should not be. Like if I see my lucky number right as I have that really good feeling when I know I am making the right decision. Must I regard seeing my lucky number as just a coincidence and not a sign?
Yoda Bytes
(539 rep)
Sep 12, 2014, 01:24 PM
• Last activity: Jan 16, 2015, 07:15 PM
3
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3
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Which buddhist traditions use silent visual applause, instead of clapping, to show appreciation and what is the origin of this practice?
In sanghas following the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, to show appreciation one does not clap, instead one flaps his/her hands. This silent visual applause is similar to the sign for applauds in American, British, French and possibly other sign languages used by deaf persons. Which other...
In sanghas following the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, to show appreciation one does not clap, instead one flaps his/her hands. This silent visual applause is similar to the sign for applauds in American, British, French and possibly other sign languages used by deaf persons.
Which other buddhist traditions also use silent visual applause to show appreciation? What is the origin of this way of showing appreciation in buddhism, was it borrowed from a sign language, and if so where and when?
Panda
(131 rep)
Nov 13, 2014, 01:06 AM
• Last activity: Jan 16, 2015, 07:12 PM
7
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5
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Keeping in mind impermanence, suffering and non-self
If one doesn't know the notion of "impermanence, suffering and non-self", can one see it by one's self? I know that I don't need to "force" myself to see impermanence: but do I need to keep in mind "impermanence, suffering and non-self" when practising? EDIT: How much do i need to keep in mind "impe...
If one doesn't know the notion of "impermanence, suffering and non-self", can one see it by one's self?
I know that I don't need to "force" myself to see impermanence: but do I need to keep in mind "impermanence, suffering and non-self" when practising?
EDIT: How much do i need to keep in mind "impermance..", because if it is to low, one can see it but not realise it, if it is to high, one can intellectualize it.
Krusty
(73 rep)
Nov 16, 2014, 05:03 PM
• Last activity: Jan 16, 2015, 07:07 PM
6
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1
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Does Kwan Yin hold a place in Theravada Buddhism?
Kwan Yin (a.k.a. Guanyin, Avalokiteśvara) is an important figure in Mahayana Buddhism. But I recently noticed a statue of Kwan Yin on the grounds of a local Theravada monastery. I looked up Kwan Yin on Wikipedia and a connection to Theravada Buddhism wasn't clear, but the article did list translatio...
Kwan Yin (a.k.a. Guanyin, Avalokiteśvara) is an important figure in Mahayana Buddhism. But I recently noticed a statue of Kwan Yin on the grounds of a local Theravada monastery. I looked up Kwan Yin on Wikipedia and a connection to Theravada Buddhism wasn't clear, but the article did list translations of her name in Thai and Sinhalese; both areas where Theravada Buddhism is predominant. I also saw mention of a statue of Avalokiteśvara listed in a very old guide to Bodhgaya. Is this figure part of early Buddhism? Or simply beloved by many?
user143
Jan 15, 2015, 02:44 AM
• Last activity: Jan 15, 2015, 04:54 PM
4
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3
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Is it possible to believe (incorrectly) that one is on the path?
Can one work one's way through the whole path as it is described in the Mahayana literature, and then realize: Even though you were being sincere, and the "right" experiences in the literature describe your work, you were actually not on the Buddhist path at all, but merely on an intellectual path w...
Can one work one's way through the whole path as it is described in the Mahayana literature, and then realize: Even though you were being sincere, and the "right" experiences in the literature describe your work, you were actually not on the Buddhist path at all, but merely on an intellectual path without genuine actualization; without "direct seeing".
Can this nevertheless be preparation for the true Mahayana path?
user2512
Jan 13, 2015, 01:32 AM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2015, 08:40 PM
3
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1
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Is the Chinese/Lunar New Year a Buddhist religious holiday?
In the [New Jersey State Board of Education's List of Religious Holidays Permitting Student Absence from School][1], the Chinese/Lunar New Year (Feb 19, 2015) is listed as a "Confucian/Daoist/Buddhist" holiday. I didn't think there was any connection with Buddhism. So is there? [1]: http://www.state...
In the New Jersey State Board of Education's List of Religious Holidays Permitting Student Absence from School , the Chinese/Lunar New Year (Feb 19, 2015) is listed as a "Confucian/Daoist/Buddhist" holiday.
I didn't think there was any connection with Buddhism. So is there?
user3537
Jan 13, 2015, 03:20 PM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2015, 01:31 AM
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1
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Emptiness of emptiness
Is the following idea of mine a good way to practice the emptiness of emptiness in my everyday non meditational etc., life? Does anyone suggest something like this, in any Buddhist tradition? > realizing your past happiness is worthless and that no way of thinking about it has any worth, and being h...
Is the following idea of mine a good way to practice the emptiness of emptiness in my everyday non meditational etc., life?
Does anyone suggest something like this, in any Buddhist tradition?
> realizing your past happiness is worthless and that no way of thinking about it has any worth, and being happy about that
user2512
Jan 13, 2015, 12:08 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2015, 10:48 PM
4
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1
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Wheel turning king runs the country without stick or sword, what does it mean?
In Nikaya, it is said that wheel turning king runs the country without using stick or sword, since that term is quite abstract, what does it mean? Some of my interpretations: 1/ Without waging war, since stick and sword are the symbol of weapon. But then what is the role of military, or how can he p...
In Nikaya, it is said that wheel turning king runs the country without using stick or sword, since that term is quite abstract, what does it mean?
Some of my interpretations:
1/ Without waging war, since stick and sword are the symbol of weapon. But then what is the role of military, or how can he protect his people when needed?
2/ Runs the country without punishment. I don't see this as an realistic option, as even the sangha has offenses for monks, and managing the world without punishment is impossible.
3/ Without violent punishment. For example, jail is not violent but torture, beating or cutting hand of robber are violence. I see this as the most realistic interpretation, but I am not sure.
So what does it mean? Reference in Nikaya is appreciated.
user2174870
(345 rep)
Jan 13, 2015, 02:50 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2015, 04:23 PM
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What is the term for not believing in cause and effect after death?
Is it just "annihilationism"? Whatever it is called, has is always been a heresy or wrong view? I can't see how it must be annihilationism, because the budha answers that this dogma is wrong on the grounds that we already lack a self. Unless, that is, there is no empirical self.
Is it just "annihilationism"? Whatever it is called, has is always been a heresy or wrong view?
I can't see how it must be annihilationism, because the budha answers that this dogma is wrong on the grounds that we already lack a self. Unless, that is, there is no empirical self.
user2512
Jan 13, 2015, 06:15 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2015, 11:06 AM
2
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2
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Question about mind control
How to develop strong mind?, how to overcome lust which comes to mind again and again?, I have tried meditating but failed.
How to develop strong mind?,
how to overcome lust which comes to mind again and again?,
I have tried meditating but failed.
Rushikesh
(61 rep)
Jan 12, 2015, 09:00 AM
• Last activity: Jan 12, 2015, 07:04 PM
5
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2
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Buddha's tooth, ashes, footprints and other marks
There are many places that claim to have a part of the Buddha, a tooth, ashes, a footprint (sri pada) etc. I would like to know, according to Theravada tradition (but I accept answers from other traditions), what is recognizable as being true? What is left on earth from the Buddha?
There are many places that claim to have a part of the Buddha, a tooth, ashes, a footprint (sri pada) etc.
I would like to know, according to Theravada tradition (but I accept answers from other traditions), what is recognizable as being true? What is left on earth from the Buddha?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Nov 17, 2014, 01:31 AM
• Last activity: Jan 12, 2015, 09:01 AM
3
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5
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Why can't a Buddha's power just save us already? Like Jesus
I am a faithful believer in the Buddha's teachings and I even believe in the [iddhi][1] powers they all had and that show up in our day as well. I also believe in the various Bodhisattvas and Buddha's even within Taoism and contemplate and marvel at them every day, their mysteriousness, hard work an...
I am a faithful believer in the Buddha's teachings and I even believe in the iddhi powers they all had and that show up in our day as well. I also believe in the various Bodhisattvas and Buddha's even within Taoism and contemplate and marvel at them every day, their mysteriousness, hard work and wisdom. Some of the scriptures have some astounding excerpts though of millions of bodhisattvas and deities...
Which is why I wonder why, if we are:
1. a bundle of skandhas with no central core;
2. quite subject to cause and effect;
3. crying for saving;
4. individuals the omnisicient, omnipresent, omnipotent (iddhis ) buddhas and bodhisattvas have vowed to save from actual suffering and also awaken;
Then why don't the billions of bodhisattvas and buddhas just make manifestation bodies and march across the universe and pacify and awaken everything as the first Buddha vow states?
What is your opinion on this matter?
Med
(5223 rep)
Jan 11, 2015, 05:55 AM
• Last activity: Jan 12, 2015, 06:37 AM
Showing page 441 of 20 total questions