Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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8
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What tenets must a person accept to be a Buddhist?
I'm curious what minimal tenets a person must accept in order to be considered a Buddhist. As an example of the type of answer I'm looking for, I'll give you the minimal tenets of Christianity as I know them. A person must... - Accept that there is only one God and that Jesus, his son, walked the Ea...
I'm curious what minimal tenets a person must accept in order to be considered a Buddhist.
As an example of the type of answer I'm looking for, I'll give you the minimal tenets of Christianity as I know them. A person must...
- Accept that there is only one God and that Jesus, his son, walked the Earth for some time in order to be a model for his followers.
- Accept Jesus/God as their lord and savior.
- Recognize that they are born in a state of sin, and that acceptance of Jesus/God is the one and only way to attain a happy eternal life.
Is there a similar set of statements that can be made about Buddhism?
Chris Mueller
(827 rep)
Sep 11, 2014, 06:22 PM
• Last activity: Sep 12, 2014, 12:16 PM
11
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5
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Isn't Buddhist insight practice more scientific than the so-called scientific method?
All enlightened beings since the first Arahant have confirmed the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path to be true through their own experience. So there is a community of Ariya Sangha who accept them to be the truth. Isn't this better than the peer review evaluation used in the "Scientific...
All enlightened beings since the first Arahant have confirmed the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path to be true through their own experience. So there is a community of Ariya Sangha who accept them to be the truth. Isn't this better than the peer review evaluation used in the "Scientific Method"? Many findings that were previously accepted under the scientific method as scientific knowledge have since been rejected, but no enlightened being has ever changed his mind to say that the four noble truths or the noble eightfold path are false.
Sankha Kulathantille
(25804 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 06:11 PM
• Last activity: Sep 12, 2014, 12:11 PM
6
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4
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Is curiosity, for non Dhamma subjects, a bad thing?
Curiosity can lead to desire (for knowing something), attachment and therefore suffering. Also, questions based on pure curiosity were left unaswered by the Buddha On the other hand, curiosity is what makes us evolve, so is it good or bad? How should one sees it?
Curiosity can lead to desire (for knowing something), attachment and therefore suffering. Also, questions based on pure curiosity were left unaswered by the Buddha
On the other hand, curiosity is what makes us evolve, so is it good or bad? How should one sees it?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 10, 2014, 08:40 PM
• Last activity: Sep 12, 2014, 01:15 AM
5
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2
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Interacting with monks in Thailand
I'm planning to visit Thailand, so I would like to know some simple local "rules" to interact with monks respecting Theravada tradition, I want to avoid behaving like a tourist that (not intentionaly) breaks the protocols, also I want to maximize the experience there, so I will list some specific to...
I'm planning to visit Thailand, so I would like to know some simple local "rules" to interact with monks respecting Theravada tradition, I want to avoid behaving like a tourist that (not intentionaly) breaks the protocols, also I want to maximize the experience there, so I will list some specific topics:
- How to approach to do dana? Can I offer to buy food for them or should I just give the food?
- How to interact in temples or centres, can a lay person start a conversation or would it be distracting therefore not a good idea?
- Should one bend or prostate to the monks? Or make the gesture with the hands (similar to praying)? In what occasions?
- Any specific advise for women when interacting with Bikkhus? Not touching them? I assume they should avoid some revealing clothes as well.
- Any other specific advise?
Many thanks!
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 11, 2014, 02:18 PM
• Last activity: Sep 11, 2014, 11:05 PM
3
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2
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Does pasteurization count as cooking in prep of juices for after noon?
If I were to have, lets say, a V8 after noon, and it was not cooked... but was pasteurized (heated at a high temp which is considered by the food industry to not be a temperature sufficient to cause it to actually cook... like just under the boiling point)... would this be in keeping with the 6th pr...
If I were to have, lets say, a V8 after noon, and it was not cooked... but was pasteurized (heated at a high temp which is considered by the food industry to not be a temperature sufficient to cause it to actually cook... like just under the boiling point)... would this be in keeping with the 6th precept as a daily practice. Like during 7pm tea for example.
I am obviously running under the notion that raw pulp-free vegetable or fruit juice is 100% allowable which was told to me by a monk.
A Nonimous
(836 rep)
Sep 9, 2014, 12:29 AM
• Last activity: Sep 11, 2014, 01:49 PM
5
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1
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Modern and original versions of Chan and Seon
According to the answer to [this question](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/3061/modern-zen-vs-seon-chan-and-traditional-zen) there is a clear distinction between the traditional Zen practised in Japan until 19th century and its modern version invented by Suzuki. Is there such a clear di...
According to the answer to [this question](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/3061/modern-zen-vs-seon-chan-and-traditional-zen) there is a clear distinction between the traditional Zen practised in Japan until 19th century and its modern version invented by Suzuki. Is there such a clear distinction within Korean Seon and Chinese Chan? If not, which version of Zen do they correspond to?
kami
(2732 rep)
Sep 2, 2014, 02:58 PM
• Last activity: Sep 11, 2014, 12:41 AM
5
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3
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771
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I have some people coming over who practice Buddhism, what should I know?
My family is helping two people from Nepal to come to the United States to study, and their family will be visiting us temporarily. I was told that their family practices Buddhism, but I find myself somewhat lacking in knowledge on the religion/philosophy/culture that surrounds Buddhism. I don't wis...
My family is helping two people from Nepal to come to the United States to study, and their family will be visiting us temporarily. I was told that their family practices Buddhism, but I find myself somewhat lacking in knowledge on the religion/philosophy/culture that surrounds Buddhism. I don't wish to offend them or to put them into awkward situations, are there any significant things I should know? I've been reading online and I seem to get the impression that Buddhists do not eat beef. But do they eat meat at all?
I have a little statuette of the Buddha that a friend gave to me as a gift once when I was going through a phase with eastern philosophy, due to an inside not quite joke that I share with this friend she had drawn a [geometrical symbol](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesica_piscis) on the belly of the statuette. Would this be something they would find offensive?
To sum up my question: What do I need to know about Buddhism to interact with Buddhists from Nepal in a way that is respectful of their beliefs?
kingsfoil
(151 rep)
Aug 13, 2014, 02:49 PM
• Last activity: Sep 10, 2014, 07:59 PM
6
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2
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Why mara wants to distract
These davas are always against Buddha, his Dhamma and those who are practicing. Since they also exist in planes of existence, why do they bother others trying to liberate themselves? They themselves might become a monk in next life. > These devas enjoy sense pleasures created by others for them. Mar...
These davas are always against Buddha, his Dhamma and those who are practicing.
Since they also exist in planes of existence, why do they bother others trying to liberate themselves? They themselves might become a monk in next life.
> These devas enjoy sense pleasures created by others for them. Mara,
> the personification of delusion and desire, lives here.
Nyan
(1014 rep)
Sep 10, 2014, 06:39 AM
• Last activity: Sep 10, 2014, 12:48 PM
4
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1
answers
218
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Masculine and Feminine Potencies
In several places–for example, in texts around the [Nine Purification Breaths](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1582/nine-purification-breaths-and-channels-in-genderqueer-and-intersex-individuals)–I've seen references to either masculine or feminine "obstacles linked with potencies" that...
In several places–for example, in texts around the [Nine Purification Breaths](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1582/nine-purification-breaths-and-channels-in-genderqueer-and-intersex-individuals)–I 've seen references to either masculine or feminine "obstacles linked with potencies" that are described as being "masculine" or "feminine."
What are the obscurations and "obstacles linked with potencies" that are "masculine" or "feminine" and what are their characteristics?
Hrafn
(1239 rep)
Jul 7, 2014, 02:40 AM
• Last activity: Sep 9, 2014, 11:26 PM
8
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3
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What is the significance of Commentaries (Atthakatha) to the Suttas?
In some traditions commentaries are inherent in the daily sermons and books written by monks. But I've noticed that most of the commentaries are not available digitally in English compared to the Suttas and most people don't use commentaries as reference. Are they not so important or what is the vie...
In some traditions commentaries are inherent in the daily sermons and books written by monks. But I've noticed that most of the commentaries are not available digitally in English compared to the Suttas and most people don't use commentaries as reference.
Are they not so important or what is the view on commentaries?
dmsp
(4313 rep)
Sep 9, 2014, 11:03 AM
• Last activity: Sep 9, 2014, 04:40 PM
4
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1
answers
161
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Who are the Buddhas Yet to Come and what Information do we have about them as per Theravada standpoint?
Who are the Buddha's who have got definite prophecy of Buddhahood? What is the description we have about them, their parents, family, disciples and sasana? What are the sources?
Who are the Buddha's who have got definite prophecy of Buddhahood? What is the description we have about them, their parents, family, disciples and sasana? What are the sources?
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Aug 12, 2014, 05:23 PM
• Last activity: Sep 9, 2014, 12:56 AM
1
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6
answers
233
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Does teaching Buddhism work?
Why did the Buddha bother to teach? Why does anyone teach today? Is there evidence (a charged word) or scriptural support that it really does any good? I read here many things that accord with my experience, but it also seems to "multiply entities" and so we wind up with lots of words when perhaps f...
Why did the Buddha bother to teach? Why does anyone teach today? Is there evidence (a charged word) or scriptural support that it really does any good? I read here many things that accord with my experience, but it also seems to "multiply entities" and so we wind up with lots of words when perhaps fewer would be better. Perhaps it would be more effective to simply have places of teaching, and those who wish to know would go there. A friend was saying to me recently that describing advanced experiences or ideas to family or friends only makes them think that one is deranged, it does not "light the way" for them if they are not looking.
user759
Sep 4, 2014, 12:02 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2014, 08:54 PM
0
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1
answers
145
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Beautiful Balloons for Buddha
Can someone explain the tradition of releasing balloons with candles inside for Buddha? What is the meaning? Is it a Theravada or a Mahayana tradition? When and why people do it?
Can someone explain the tradition of releasing balloons with candles inside for Buddha? What is the meaning? Is it a Theravada or a Mahayana tradition? When and why people do it?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 6, 2014, 03:02 AM
• Last activity: Sep 7, 2014, 08:32 AM
6
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3
answers
377
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Is there anything like "positive suffering" for Buddhists?
In some religions, suffering is seen as a positive thing, some people even see it as a necessary step for growing, however in Buddhism suffering is seen as something that should be avoid or eliminated, we don't invite suffering, we want peace and there is nothing wrong with it. So, is there anything...
In some religions, suffering is seen as a positive thing, some people even see it as a necessary step for growing, however in Buddhism suffering is seen as something that should be avoid or eliminated, we don't invite suffering, we want peace and there is nothing wrong with it.
So, is there anything like a positive and necessary suffering in Buddhism?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Aug 26, 2014, 06:17 PM
• Last activity: Sep 7, 2014, 01:45 AM
1
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2
answers
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Is it right, according to the Vinaya, to charge for Dhamma classes? (I'm not talking about donations, but a fixed amount per class one has to pay)
There is a Buddhist Centre close to me that charges circa USD8.00 for Dhamma talks, in one hand I don't like the idea of any religion charging people because poor people will not be able to participate, but on the other hand things are expensive here and they need to pay the bills, my country is not...
There is a Buddhist Centre close to me that charges circa USD8.00 for Dhamma talks, in one hand I don't like the idea of any religion charging people because poor people will not be able to participate, but on the other hand things are expensive here and they need to pay the bills, my country is not Buddhist at all so running a centre here only on donations must be very hard.
So, from a Vianaya and Buddhist ethics standpoint, is that allowed?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 5, 2014, 12:12 PM
• Last activity: Sep 6, 2014, 03:37 PM
1
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2
answers
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Might immediate retaliation or reaction inhibit future bad kamma?
If someone hits you and you even the score, purely to HELP them avoid future bad kamma (like if your intention is purely that... you want to neutralize their bad kamma... not an excuse, no anger at all, general concern): - Would it neutralize the bad kamma for the other individual? - Despite necessa...
If someone hits you and you even the score, purely to HELP them avoid future bad kamma (like if your intention is purely that... you want to neutralize their bad kamma... not an excuse, no anger at all, general concern):
- Would it neutralize the bad kamma for the other individual?
- Despite necessary force to subdue the assailant and keep things [even steven](http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/even-steven) ... would it still be good kamma based on intention?
A Nonimous
(836 rep)
Sep 6, 2014, 05:37 AM
• Last activity: Sep 6, 2014, 01:01 PM
1
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2
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205
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First Buddhist text translated into a Western language
As a follow-up to [another question](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/3235/what-was-the-first-buddhist-text-to-be-translated-into-english): What was the first Buddhist text to be translated into a Western language? (That probably means French or Latin, but other options are also possible...
As a follow-up to [another question](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/3235/what-was-the-first-buddhist-text-to-be-translated-into-english) :
What was the first Buddhist text to be translated into a Western language? (That probably means French or Latin, but other options are also possible)
When was it translated and by whom? Was it reasonably available to those interested and did it have much of an impact within academic circles and perhaps to the wider culture?
kami
(2732 rep)
Sep 5, 2014, 02:58 PM
• Last activity: Sep 5, 2014, 09:42 PM
5
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2
answers
534
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What is the Distinction Between Knowledge of The Path and the Fruit?
It is said that this happens in close proximity. So it is always referenced together. What happens when you get the knowledge and how do to transition to the Fruit? What happens just before the knowledge of the path?
It is said that this happens in close proximity. So it is always referenced together. What happens when you get the knowledge and how do to transition to the Fruit? What happens just before the knowledge of the path?
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Sep 4, 2014, 10:28 AM
• Last activity: Sep 4, 2014, 06:32 PM
7
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3
answers
643
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How to deal with criticism?
How should one properly handle cases of insults, criticism and discrimination, according to the Buddhist teachings?
How should one properly handle cases of insults, criticism and discrimination, according to the Buddhist teachings?
Jordy van Ekelen
(1929 rep)
Sep 3, 2014, 09:22 AM
• Last activity: Sep 4, 2014, 01:20 PM
3
votes
4
answers
247
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Are there Buddhist traditions without monks?
Are there any traditions without an associated monastic community or even where the monastic element is significantly minimised. I practice with the [Triratna Buddhist community][1] and the [blurring of the monastic and lay elements][2] is a particular feature. I was wondering if we are very peculia...
Are there any traditions without an associated monastic community or even where the monastic element is significantly minimised. I practice with the Triratna Buddhist community and the blurring of the monastic and lay elements is a particular feature. I was wondering if we are very peculiar in that or if there are other traditions, modern or historic, where that also would be the case.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Sep 4, 2014, 09:22 AM
• Last activity: Sep 4, 2014, 12:02 PM
Showing page 450 of 20 total questions