Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
7
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What kind of harm can koan answers cause to one's practice?
In a recent [meta discussion](https://buddhism.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/271/should-we-have-a-policy-not-to-provide-koan-answers) some people expressed the opinion that giving koan answers may be detrimental to one's practice. In what way, exactly? And if it is so, why did many Buddhists publ...
In a recent [meta discussion](https://buddhism.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/271/should-we-have-a-policy-not-to-provide-koan-answers) some people expressed the opinion that giving koan answers may be detrimental to one's practice. In what way, exactly? And if it is so, why did many Buddhists publish koan commentaries for many hundred years?
kami
(2732 rep)
Sep 3, 2014, 09:47 AM
• Last activity: Sep 3, 2014, 02:35 PM
8
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1
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Historically, where do the concepts of Karma, Nirvana, Dharma and Samsara come from?
From a historical perspective where do the concepts of Karma, Nirvana, Dharma and Samsara come from? I'm aware that they predated Buddhism but do they come from the Vedas, Shramanic tradition or somewhere else? I appreciate that Nirvana might have started with Buddhism (maybe?) but this would be bas...
From a historical perspective where do the concepts of Karma, Nirvana, Dharma and Samsara come from? I'm aware that they predated Buddhism but do they come from the Vedas, Shramanic tradition or somewhere else? I appreciate that Nirvana might have started with Buddhism (maybe?) but this would be based on the concept of Moksha which definitely did predate Buddhism.
If possible could people please refer to sources or reasonable authoritative sites with the answers.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Sep 1, 2014, 08:30 PM
• Last activity: Sep 3, 2014, 12:38 PM
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2
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What is the difference between rūpa and Kāyā?
In reading about the 4 Satipatthana or about the 5 Aggregates, it seems the first category of each (form) is sometimes called rūpa and sometimes called Kāyā. Are these just two words for the same concept or are there subtle differences? Thank you.
In reading about the 4 Satipatthana or about the 5 Aggregates, it seems the first category of each (form) is sometimes called rūpa and sometimes called Kāyā. Are these just two words for the same concept or are there subtle differences? Thank you.
user143
Sep 3, 2014, 09:56 AM
• Last activity: Sep 3, 2014, 11:47 AM
5
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1
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When was the Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism marked as separate religions?
Historically Buddhism, Jainism were just the one of the sects of many sects or philosophical schools in ancient times. When was this separation of religions happened and all other vedic and non-vedic sects are clubbed under Hinduism?
Historically Buddhism, Jainism were just the one of the sects of many sects or philosophical schools in ancient times. When was this separation of religions happened and all other vedic and non-vedic sects are clubbed under Hinduism?
gaj
(885 rep)
Sep 2, 2014, 01:35 PM
• Last activity: Sep 2, 2014, 02:53 PM
5
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1
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Distinction between Dharmaguptaka and Mahayana
what's the distinction between Dharmaguptaka and Mahayana? I know that the former is an ordination lineage with specific vinaya as distinct from Theravada ordination, but I don't understand where Mahayana may encompass Dharmaguptaka, or where Dharmaguptaka may encompass Mahayana, or neither. I would...
what's the distinction between Dharmaguptaka and Mahayana? I know that the former is an ordination lineage with specific vinaya as distinct from Theravada ordination, but I don't understand where Mahayana may encompass Dharmaguptaka, or where Dharmaguptaka may encompass Mahayana, or neither.
I would be interested in a Venn-diagram type of answer, and similarly for the same question asked of Mulasarvastivada and Vajrayana.
In the same way, is Theravada both an ordination lineage and a sect?
Is the question valid?
Anthony
(2598 rep)
Sep 1, 2014, 12:04 AM
• Last activity: Sep 2, 2014, 12:04 PM
14
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3
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Did Buddhists ever actively participate in a major violent conflict?
The great "religions of peace" like Christianity and Islam had some quite turbulent events that seem in major conflict with their primary commandments, but still in the name of faith - even "within" (like bloody wars between catholics and protestants). Buddhism shuns all violence, but I'm curious ho...
The great "religions of peace" like Christianity and Islam had some quite turbulent events that seem in major conflict with their primary commandments, but still in the name of faith - even "within" (like bloody wars between catholics and protestants).
Buddhism shuns all violence, but I'm curious how true to this philosophy did the believers remained through ages. Was there ever any major conflict involving violent confrontation, in which Buddhists would fight (violently, not passively) in defense of their religion? Are there any "shameful moments of Buddhism" like there are so many in other major religions?
SF.
(243 rep)
Aug 20, 2014, 10:18 AM
• Last activity: Sep 2, 2014, 05:40 AM
3
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3
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Do all Buddhist schools give dharma names upon ordination?
I was glad to read in [MatthewMartin's answer](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/1565/15) to another question that he'd be interested to know if dharma names are common to all Buddhist groups/schools/sects, or if there are any that don't give monks new names on ordination. This is something I've...
I was glad to read in [MatthewMartin's answer](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/1565/15) to another question that he'd be interested to know if dharma names are common to all Buddhist groups/schools/sects, or if there are any that don't give monks new names on ordination. This is something I've also been curious about.
In addition, I believe the usual practice is for the teacher to select the name for his newly ordained pupil, which might represent a lesson to learn, or an encouragment, or a trait to focus on during the new monk's future growth. So my question is whether this practice is universal amongst Buddhists, or if there are any schools that follow a different tradition or refrain from dharma names completely,
Dan Hulme
(475 rep)
Jul 1, 2014, 10:38 AM
• Last activity: Sep 1, 2014, 01:20 AM
4
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2
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106
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Are Western Buddhists generally older?
I was listening to the introductory podcast from the Buddhist Geeks series. The guys presenting are of the younger demographic i.e. in their twenties. They felt that this was unusual and most Western Buddhist practioners were older - baby boomer generation. Does anyone have any surveys or statistics...
I was listening to the introductory podcast from the Buddhist Geeks series. The guys presenting are of the younger demographic i.e. in their twenties. They felt that this was unusual and most Western Buddhist practioners were older - baby boomer generation.
Does anyone have any surveys or statistics that analyse self identified Buddhists in the West by age? Do they tend to be older? Or is the age range pretty much similar to the population at large?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 12, 2014, 09:20 AM
• Last activity: Aug 30, 2014, 08:27 AM
4
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2
answers
86
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Overview of Buddhist lists
Is there a book/website that gives an overview of all the Buddhist lists and explains what their elements mean, and shows how the lists are connected to each other?
Is there a book/website that gives an overview of all the Buddhist lists and explains what their elements mean, and shows how the lists are connected to each other?
kami
(2732 rep)
Aug 29, 2014, 07:10 PM
• Last activity: Aug 30, 2014, 04:49 AM
1
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2
answers
256
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Will I keep my memories and experience with each passing incarnation?
I am curious because I have seen documentaries, videos, posts and all kinds of books and literature saying some people are born with knowledge from a past life, I believe I might be such a person as even from a young age I was very knowledgeable about things I've never been exposed to. So you see I'...
I am curious because I have seen documentaries, videos, posts and all kinds of books and literature saying some people are born with knowledge from a past life, I believe I might be such a person as even from a young age I was very knowledgeable about things I've never been exposed to.
So you see I'm just wondering if this is possible and how would it work? because the laws of Physics state no information is ever lost it just keeps on changing form (entropy) just as Buddhists believe You will keep incarnating infinitely until you learn your lesson and reach that higher state of being. So does this mean that in some fundamental way we get to keep what we have experienced and learned over lifetimes?
I ask this question also out of fear for the thought of being in an infinite void when the brain and mind dies and loses its content. Because to have lived a good life just to have your system wiped would be a big anti-climax.
Saul does Code
(113 rep)
Aug 28, 2014, 03:52 AM
• Last activity: Aug 29, 2014, 12:05 PM
9
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2
answers
989
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Does Buddhism have a concept of avatars?
Avatars are a Hindu concept as far as I know, but I have noticed that many of these religions (from places like India) have similar things in common, whether they be symbols, names, beliefs, or whatever. My question is, does Buddhism have a concept of avatars? Or reworded, does Buddhism have a conce...
Avatars are a Hindu concept as far as I know, but I have noticed that many of these religions (from places like India) have similar things in common, whether they be symbols, names, beliefs, or whatever. My question is, does Buddhism have a concept of avatars? Or reworded, does Buddhism have a concept of avatars that is the same as or similar to the concept of avatars in Hinduism?
مجاهد
(437 rep)
Jun 19, 2014, 01:21 PM
• Last activity: Aug 29, 2014, 11:16 AM
5
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2
answers
383
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Attending my first Buddhist Retreat
This weekend I will be attending my first retreat with Zen monks. It is at a camp ground and I will be camping in a tent for the weekend. Does anyone have any advice on attending a retreat for the first time? Is there anything I should expect, or bring that I might not think of? Any advice or experi...
This weekend I will be attending my first retreat with Zen monks. It is at a camp ground and I will be camping in a tent for the weekend. Does anyone have any advice on attending a retreat for the first time? Is there anything I should expect, or bring that I might not think of? Any advice or experiences with retreats and facing monks for the first time will be appreciated.
May you be happy.
Bowing to you.
Thien
(1193 rep)
Aug 28, 2014, 07:07 PM
• Last activity: Aug 29, 2014, 09:13 AM
1
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3
answers
576
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Life before life on earth
Is there any reference in Buddhism about how our life was before life has appeared on this earth? Were we all in heaven or hell realms?
Is there any reference in Buddhism about how our life was before life has appeared on this earth? Were we all in heaven or hell realms?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Aug 27, 2014, 07:55 PM
• Last activity: Aug 29, 2014, 07:18 AM
5
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3
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296
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What is observing the precepts in a Hinayana way or a Mahayana way?
In [Zen Mind, Beginners Mind][1] Shunryu Suzuki says > observing the precepts in a Hinayana way is violating the precepts in > a Mahayana way Can an one give an explanation of way he is getting at here and perhaps a concrete instance of when that might occur. [1]: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...
In Zen Mind, Beginners Mind Shunryu Suzuki says
> observing the precepts in a Hinayana way is violating the precepts in
> a Mahayana way
Can an one give an explanation of way he is getting at here and perhaps a concrete instance of when that might occur.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 28, 2014, 07:16 AM
• Last activity: Aug 29, 2014, 03:14 AM
3
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2
answers
538
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Is sloth the same thing as torpor?
When considering the 5 hindrances I always come across the tiredness hindrance translated as sloth and torpor. Since it is always (in my experience) translated as two words does the sloth and torpor hindrance embody two related but distinct phenomena? Is sloth somehow different to torpor? Is the ori...
When considering the 5 hindrances I always come across the tiredness hindrance translated as sloth and torpor. Since it is always (in my experience) translated as two words does the sloth and torpor hindrance embody two related but distinct phenomena? Is sloth somehow different to torpor? Is the original Pali two terms or is it just one concept that is just always translated as the two words - sloth and torpor.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 17, 2014, 06:07 PM
• Last activity: Aug 28, 2014, 02:48 PM
0
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2
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116
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Evolution of a Buddha vs. Anatta
Based on the lifestory of Shakyamuni Buddha, one can see that there is an evolution, from disciple to boddhisatva until the Buddhahood stage... like a path his mind was following, but we know minds just go around samsara up and down, nothing except seeds of kamma goes along with the mind, no such th...
Based on the lifestory of Shakyamuni Buddha, one can see that there is an evolution, from disciple to boddhisatva until the Buddhahood stage... like a path his mind was following, but we know minds just go around samsara up and down, nothing except seeds of kamma goes along with the mind, no such thing as a soul. So how can one relate that to Anatta?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Aug 26, 2014, 12:46 AM
• Last activity: Aug 28, 2014, 02:34 PM
2
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4
answers
1156
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Does Buddhism teach an apocalyptic cosmology?
I've noticed in several places about a coming of another Buddha in the future and a kind of apocalyptic teaching about space and time. Does Buddhism have an apocalyptic cosmology of space and time? Will Maitreya Buddha usher in a cosmological transformation of the universe?
I've noticed in several places about a coming of another Buddha in the future and a kind of apocalyptic teaching about space and time.
Does Buddhism have an apocalyptic cosmology of space and time? Will Maitreya Buddha usher in a cosmological transformation of the universe?
DharmaEater
(2199 rep)
Jul 28, 2014, 03:15 PM
• Last activity: Aug 28, 2014, 08:28 AM
2
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4
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Can Right View be interpreted as scientific fervor?
The first in the eightfold path talks about having a right view of things. Or as wikipedia puts it, > The purpose of right view is to clear one's path of the majority of > confusion, misunderstanding, and deluded thinking. It is a means to > gain right understanding of reality. Right view should be...
The first in the eightfold path talks about having a right view of things. Or as wikipedia puts it,
> The purpose of right view is to clear one's path of the majority of
> confusion, misunderstanding, and deluded thinking. It is a means to
> gain right understanding of reality. Right view should be held with a
> flexible, open mind, without clinging to that view as a dogmatic
> position. In this way, right view becomes a route to
> liberation rather than an obstacle.
Isn't the purest way to interpret reality the way of science ? Can I interpret the first of the eightfold path as scientific fervor ?
I don't think things like rebirth would gel well with a scientific view point. Also since there is no scientific evidence to rebirth, would believing in it make my belief dogmatic or narrow minded maybe ?
Aditya
(287 rep)
Aug 25, 2014, 09:52 PM
• Last activity: Aug 28, 2014, 01:27 AM
5
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2
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249
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Performing magic breaking the fourth precept(lying)?
Magic used to be a great passion of mine. Performing card tricks etc. Im thinking of picking it up again, but what ive been thinking is if the performance of a trick constitutes breaking the fourth precept(lying)? For exampe saying: "Now the coin is in my hand" even though the hand is empty, then ma...
Magic used to be a great passion of mine. Performing card tricks etc. Im thinking of picking it up again, but what ive been thinking is if the performance of a trick constitutes breaking the fourth precept(lying)?
For exampe saying: "Now the coin is in my hand" even though the hand is empty, then making it dissapear.(Perhaps a bad example but you get the point).
Will doing magic for the purpose of entertainment create any negative karma due to the lying and deceptions?
From what ive understood its all about intent. So if the intent is to entertain is it okay?
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this.
Truthseeker
(51 rep)
Aug 27, 2014, 06:54 AM
• Last activity: Aug 27, 2014, 01:07 PM
5
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6
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695
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Does the "nature" of a person move with her to the next life?
Imagine a person that is very calm, generous, doesn't like to harm others etc. If this person gets a rebirth in the human realm will he/she develop the same characteristcs? The point is that Kamma and the last mental state can go on, but according to Anatta I'm not sure about the rest.
Imagine a person that is very calm, generous, doesn't like to harm others etc. If this person gets a rebirth in the human realm will he/she develop the same characteristcs?
The point is that Kamma and the last mental state can go on, but according to Anatta I'm not sure about the rest.
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Aug 25, 2014, 12:11 PM
• Last activity: Aug 26, 2014, 11:19 AM
Showing page 451 of 20 total questions