Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
10
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2
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How To Keep Loving Without Reward?
Changes can easily come about in all of us, even those we love and trust. When this happens, how do we keep loving them without expecting anything?
Changes can easily come about in all of us, even those we love and trust.
When this happens, how do we keep loving them without expecting anything?
sherly
(961 rep)
Oct 1, 2014, 11:35 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2014, 02:33 AM
2
votes
1
answers
137
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Pursuit of raising children ok?
Is the pursuit of having children to raise and teach good morals unwholsome or wholsome?
Is the pursuit of having children to raise and teach good morals unwholsome or wholsome?
Jeff Brown
(21 rep)
Oct 1, 2014, 06:05 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2014, 01:12 AM
6
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3
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1709
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Is Nirvana eternal?
In the book, _What the Buddha Taught_, Walpola Rahula writes on page 65, _"It is the vague feeling 'I AM' that creates the idea of self which has no corresponding reality, and to see this truth is to realize Nirvana, which is not very easy."_ I understand this to mean that 'Nirvana' is "seeing a par...
In the book, _What the Buddha Taught_, Walpola Rahula writes on page 65, _"It is the vague feeling 'I AM' that creates the idea of self which has no corresponding reality, and to see this truth is to realize Nirvana, which is not very easy."_
I understand this to mean that 'Nirvana' is "seeing a particular truth". Therefore it seems reasonable to conclude that not seeing this truth is to not achieve Nirvana, and that losing sight of this truth is to lose Nirvana.
So, is Nirvana an attitude or capacity or insight that can be lost, or is it a solid destination or eternal achievement as some claim/hope?
user809
Oct 1, 2014, 03:28 AM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2014, 12:42 PM
6
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5
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Are there reliable accounts of Buddhists who have remembered past lives?
Although the vast majority of people will not remember past lives, are there reliable accounts of people who have? Specifically are there accounts of Buddhists who have remembered past lives and whose experience can be (even partially) verified in some independent way? Or do people with past life me...
Although the vast majority of people will not remember past lives, are there reliable accounts of people who have? Specifically are there accounts of Buddhists who have remembered past lives and whose experience can be (even partially) verified in some independent way? Or do people with past life memories generally come from other religions and traditions such as Hinduism?
I appreciate that reliable is a very ambiguous term. If possible could people perhaps note the quality of the evidence when answering. Is it anecdotal, statistical significant etc...?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Sep 13, 2014, 09:44 AM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2014, 11:42 PM
4
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1
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1142
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What is the story where some of the Buddha's followers commit suicide?
There is a Buddhist story when some monks (or followers of the Buddha) misinterpret what the Buddha is saying and commit suicide. Does anyone know anymore details about the story and where it comes from? I think it is in the Pali Canon.
There is a Buddhist story when some monks (or followers of the Buddha) misinterpret what the Buddha is saying and commit suicide. Does anyone know anymore details about the story and where it comes from? I think it is in the Pali Canon.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Sep 29, 2014, 06:23 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2014, 08:31 PM
3
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3
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Buddhist view on out of body experience (OBE)
Wikipedia defines [this](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out-of-body_experience) as, > An out-of-body experience (OBE or sometimes OOBE) is an experience > that typically involves a sensation of floating outside one's body > and, in some cases, perceiving one's physical body from a place > outside one'...
Wikipedia defines [this](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out-of-body_experience) as,
> An out-of-body experience (OBE or sometimes OOBE) is an experience
> that typically involves a sensation of floating outside one's body
> and, in some cases, perceiving one's physical body from a place
> outside one's body.
There are numerous studies on people having this type of experience, and I remember Ven. Yuttadhammo once said he also experienced this when he was young.
I think interpretations like astral body projection do not quite adhere with Buddhism.
Are there possible explanations on this from the Buddhist perspective with regards to Five Aggregates?
dmsp
(4313 rep)
Sep 29, 2014, 01:28 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2014, 06:34 PM
2
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2
answers
146
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"Plunging" or Challenging Yourself in a New Enviornment
On television I recently heard about a technique related to Buddhism called "plunging," where "you go somewhere completely unfamiliar, somewhere that has nothing to do with your usual way of thinking." The context of the quote involves a Zen monk who lived among the homeless for a time. As a student...
On television I recently heard about a technique related to Buddhism called "plunging," where "you go somewhere completely unfamiliar, somewhere that has nothing to do with your usual way of thinking." The context of the quote involves a Zen monk who lived among the homeless for a time. As a student of Zen Buddhism this idea interests me a lot, but I couldn't find any reference to it on the internet or in my books. Is there a better name for it and is this a real concept or was this just made up for the show?
charlie
(123 rep)
Sep 28, 2014, 07:49 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2014, 06:13 AM
3
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2
answers
1460
views
What are the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism?
Hinduism is similar to Buddhism, but both are different. Many people think that Buddhism is derived from Hinduism, so it is similar to Hinduism. What are the differences between Hinduism & Buddhism?
Hinduism is similar to Buddhism, but both are different.
Many people think that Buddhism is derived from Hinduism, so it is similar to Hinduism.
What are the differences between Hinduism & Buddhism?
Mohit
(133 rep)
Sep 28, 2014, 11:52 AM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2014, 11:54 PM
-1
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3
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Mixing Buddhism with other religions
The predominant opinion of people with a lot of experience with practising Buddhism seems to be that there are [irreconcilable gaps between Buddhism and Christianity](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Buddhism_and_Christianity) and that it makes no sense to be a Buddhist and a Christian at...
The predominant opinion of people with a lot of experience with practising Buddhism seems to be that there are [irreconcilable gaps between Buddhism and Christianity](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Buddhism_and_Christianity) and that it makes no sense to be a Buddhist and a Christian at the same time. On the other hand, they don't seem to have a problem with mixing Buddhism with Hinduism, Bön, Shinto, Taoism, Confucianism and Chinese folk religion.
Are there objective differences between these all these religions on the one hand and Christianity on the other that make Christianity much more irreconcilable with Buddhism?
EDIT: It seems that many answerers didn't understand my question. Let me say it again. I'm **not** asking: "Is it possible to reconcile Buddhism with Christianity?". This is what I **am** asking:
Are there objective differences between Hinduism, Bön, Shinto, Taoism, Confucianism and Chinese folk religion on the one hand and Christianity on the other that make Christianity much more irreconcilable with Buddhism?
kami
(2732 rep)
Sep 5, 2014, 03:45 PM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2014, 11:49 PM
7
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3
answers
417
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What can go wrong in Mindfulness Therapy as used in Clinics?
I just stumbled across the article [Mindfulness therapy comes at a high price for some, say experts][1]. Even when mindfulness is practiced correctly, side effects may occur, like feeling lost or disconnected from the world. What could be the cause of the side effects? Do these techniques deviate a...
I just stumbled across the article Mindfulness therapy comes at a high price for some, say experts . Even when mindfulness is practiced correctly, side effects may occur, like feeling lost or disconnected from the world. What could be the cause of the side effects? Do these techniques deviate a lot from the Suttas or orthodox practice? Do the staff have the necessary training and awareness required to give meditation advice (Kammaṭṭhāna )? Can something be wrong with how the clinic administers the training / teaching?
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Sep 11, 2014, 07:22 AM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2014, 11:46 PM
6
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6
answers
980
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Is the force of Kamma like a God for Buddhists?
We know Buddhism doesn't have a creator God like most religions, however there is the law of Kamma, a law we cannot see and also we cannot prove, in other words, a law that requires faith and cannot be measured like gravity or electromagnetism. Once a Theravada senior monk said that: "Buddhists shou...
We know Buddhism doesn't have a creator God like most religions, however there is the law of Kamma, a law we cannot see and also we cannot prove, in other words, a law that requires faith and cannot be measured like gravity or electromagnetism.
Once a Theravada senior monk said that: "Buddhists should not say they don't believe in God, because they believe in the laws of nature and Kamma, it works like a God, a higher force, only not a creator God, not a being we pray to"
So, Is kamma "like" a god?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 4, 2014, 05:29 PM
• Last activity: Sep 27, 2014, 04:26 PM
3
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1
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458
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What was the reason behind Colonel Henry Steel Olcott and Anagarika Dharmapala split
Though the two of the worked together in the early years I have heard there was a split between them later on. When did this split happen? What was the cause? What is the implication and aftermath of it?
Though the two of the worked together in the early years I have heard there was a split between them later on.
When did this split happen? What was the cause? What is the implication and aftermath of it?
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Sep 27, 2014, 07:31 AM
• Last activity: Sep 27, 2014, 10:08 AM
2
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1
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226
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Where did Nanavira Thera deviate from the commentaries
I came across that the Ven. sir (http://www.nanavira.org) interpreted the Dependent Origination without the traditional 3 lifetime interpretation. Are there other places he deviated? What are they and what was his interpretation? How are the others who hold similar view?
I came across that the Ven. sir (http://www.nanavira.org) interpreted the Dependent Origination without the traditional 3 lifetime interpretation.
Are there other places he deviated? What are they and what was his interpretation? How are the others who hold similar view?
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Sep 26, 2014, 11:14 AM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2014, 02:56 PM
3
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1
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192
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Were there earlier western monks before Bhikkhu Ananda Metteyya (Charles Henry Allan Bennett)
Looking at the Bio of Ven. Nyanatiloka who was regarded as one of the earliest monks. I came across that he had met Bhikkhu Ananda Metteyya (Charles Henry Allan Bennett) who was also a Western monk before him. I am curious to know who were the earliest Western monks? How did they get their convictio...
Looking at the Bio of Ven. Nyanatiloka who was regarded as one of the earliest monks. I came across that he had met Bhikkhu Ananda Metteyya (Charles Henry Allan Bennett) who was also a Western monk before him.
I am curious to know who were the earliest Western monks? How did they get their conviction (to the extent to ordain) as most countries were strongly Christian or Catholic.
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Sep 26, 2014, 07:22 AM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2014, 02:51 PM
8
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3
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941
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What does a traditional Buddhist wedding look like?
I have been to Christian weddings (American), Jewish weddings, and Hindu weddings, but I have no idea what a traditional Buddhist wedding looks like. I realize that there are probably differences between the different sects of Buddhism, but are there any common cultural threads?
I have been to Christian weddings (American), Jewish weddings, and Hindu weddings, but I have no idea what a traditional Buddhist wedding looks like. I realize that there are probably differences between the different sects of Buddhism, but are there any common cultural threads?
Chris Mueller
(827 rep)
Sep 24, 2014, 02:34 PM
• Last activity: Sep 25, 2014, 05:52 AM
5
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3
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233
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Are the results of positive Kamma good from a Buddhist's perspective or good from a "Samsaric's" perspective?
When making good Kamma, there is a clear Buddhist element on it, for instance: If you give food to a Paccekabuddha you will receive greater benefits, suppoting the Sangha creates more merit than supporting another organized group. However, when receiving the vipaka (consequences) of the good Kamma,...
When making good Kamma, there is a clear Buddhist element on it, for instance: If you give food to a Paccekabuddha you will receive greater benefits, suppoting the Sangha creates more merit than supporting another organized group.
However, when receiving the vipaka (consequences) of the good Kamma, things get confuse... some results of good kamma are wealth and beauty, things that will only make it harder for one to renounce the world, things that essencialy create attachment, so looking from that side, I believe one can argue that the results of good Kamma in the human realm have nothing to do with Buddhism, being born as a humble person, in a poor Buddhist country, not necessarily beautiful, would be a better result from a Buddhist's perspective!
So, are the results of good Kamma something dangerous and misleading? Or did I misunderstood it? Is it dangerous to create a lot of positive Kamma constantly? Any discourse mentioned it and how to deal with it?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 24, 2014, 06:02 PM
• Last activity: Sep 25, 2014, 03:16 AM
3
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5
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283
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Virtue of monk and lay ariya
If there's a monk without any attainment of awakening yet and a layperson with some stage of attainment (say sotapanna, anagami), what does the sutta text say about virtue of them?
If there's a monk without any attainment of awakening yet and a layperson with some stage of attainment (say sotapanna, anagami), what does the sutta text say about virtue of them?
Nyan
(1014 rep)
Sep 23, 2014, 03:53 PM
• Last activity: Sep 24, 2014, 01:46 PM
5
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2
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739
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What is a 'pernicious' wrong belief?
Under six major wrong doings (Abhithanani) in Buddhism, (i. matricide, ii. patricide, iii. the murder of arahants (the Consummate Ones), iv. the shedding of the Buddha's blood, v. causing schism in the Sangha, and vi. pernicious false beliefs (niyata micca ditthi)), > vi. pernicious false beliefs (n...
Under six major wrong doings (Abhithanani) in Buddhism,
(i. matricide, ii. patricide, iii. the murder of arahants (the Consummate Ones), iv. the shedding of the Buddha's blood, v. causing schism in the Sangha, and vi. pernicious false beliefs (niyata micca ditthi)),
> vi. pernicious false beliefs (niyata micca ditthi)
is mentioned in http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.2.01.piya.html .
What is the definition of a pernicious false belief and
why is it considered such a severe offense to be in the same level as other acts?
dmsp
(4313 rep)
Sep 20, 2014, 08:55 AM
• Last activity: Sep 23, 2014, 03:17 PM
2
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1
answers
548
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Queen Mallika story and stream entry
I was wondering about the story of queen Mallika, she seems like someone who entered the stream, nevetheless she went to hell after passing away. Is it possible for someone to be reborn on the awful planes after entering the stream? I thought it was impossible
I was wondering about the story of queen Mallika, she seems like someone who entered the stream, nevetheless she went to hell after passing away.
Is it possible for someone to be reborn on the awful planes after entering the stream? I thought it was impossible
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 22, 2014, 11:37 AM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2014, 03:34 PM
3
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2
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504
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Garu kamma explanation
garu-kamma (weighty karma) - if one has killed one's mother or father, for example. These types of karma outweigh any other possible result; one who has performed these at some time in this life cannot help but go to hell in their next existence. This is a quote from Ven Yuttadhammos answer. My ques...
garu-kamma (weighty karma) - if one has killed one's mother or father, for example. These types of karma outweigh any other possible result; one who has performed these at some time in this life cannot help but go to hell in their next existence.
This is a quote from Ven Yuttadhammos answer.
My question is does garu kamma relate to murder of ones parents or could it also be a reason to shame them which drives them to suicide?
user3743672
(1201 rep)
Sep 22, 2014, 05:10 AM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2014, 06:57 AM
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