Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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How do ethics work in Shin Buddhism?
"Even the good person attains birth in the Pure Land, how much more so the evil person." I think I understand the reasoning here-- if practice isn't effective, then the evil person, who doesn't practice or I suppose, do anything good, isn't planning on getting to the Pure Land by his own means, he's...
"Even the good person attains birth in the Pure Land, how much more so the evil person."
I think I understand the reasoning here-- if practice isn't effective, then the evil person, who doesn't practice or I suppose, do anything good, isn't planning on getting to the Pure Land by his own means, he's going to have to rely on someone else to get him there.
So, after this, if one's goal is to get to the pure land, what is the rationalization for ethical behavior?
(Let me emphasize I'm not trying to imply a suitable reason for being ethical isn't there, I just haven't gone in depth far enough into Shin Buddhism to know what the answer is, and I find it bemusing)
MatthewMartin
(7221 rep)
Jul 2, 2014, 12:44 AM
• Last activity: Jul 6, 2014, 08:55 PM
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2
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Does anyone know of any good Asubha sites?
Does anyone know of any good Asubha sites? Am interested in suitable objects for contemplation for the overcoming of lust.
Does anyone know of any good Asubha sites? Am interested in suitable objects for contemplation for the overcoming of lust.
peterdac
(172 rep)
Jul 5, 2014, 10:23 AM
• Last activity: Jul 6, 2014, 04:38 PM
5
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In modern times what percentage of monks are female?
In the question https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/4 we learn that woman have been becoming monks for a long time. In modern times (*circa 2014 CE*) what percentage of monks are female?
In the question https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/4 we learn that woman have been becoming monks for a long time. In modern times (*circa 2014 CE*) what percentage of monks are female?
James Jenkins
(898 rep)
Jul 2, 2014, 02:43 AM
• Last activity: Jul 6, 2014, 07:12 AM
5
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What is the origin and purpose of the alms bowl used by monastics?
How did this practice originate and what is the meaning/purpose for it's use?
How did this practice originate and what is the meaning/purpose for it's use?
Sāmaṇera Jayantha
(2048 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 12:27 PM
• Last activity: Jul 5, 2014, 06:08 PM
5
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Which of the following statements about Nibbana/Nirvana are true?
- A) Nibbana is the destruction of the defilements. - B) Nibbana is merely the destruction of defilements. - C) Nibbana is an existing reality that is subjected to the mind totally free of defilements. - D) Nibbana is an existing reality that destroys the defilements in the mind as a result of being...
- A) Nibbana is the destruction of the defilements.
- B) Nibbana is merely the destruction of defilements.
- C) Nibbana is an existing reality that is subjected to the mind totally free of defilements.
- D) Nibbana is an existing reality that destroys the defilements in the mind as a result of being the object of Samma Samadhi(Right Concentration)
- E) Nibbana is an existing reality that is subjected the mind free of certain defilements.
- F) Nibbana is an existing reality that is subjected to the mind when the defilements are subdued.
Nibbana is said to be uncaused. So it should be already existing, even before the defilements are removed. That makes the statement 'B' invalid in my opinion.
Sankha Kulathantille
(25804 rep)
Jul 3, 2014, 08:19 PM
• Last activity: Jul 5, 2014, 06:06 PM
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The hidden cycle: dying, death, rebirth
I am looking for an explanation for my wife about what happens during the dying-death-rebirth cycle according to Buddhist teachings as well as any background readings we can locate. I was explaining the mourning period after the death of a loved one being based on the average time before rebirth (49...
I am looking for an explanation for my wife about what happens during the dying-death-rebirth cycle according to Buddhist teachings as well as any background readings we can locate.
I was explaining the mourning period after the death of a loved one being based on the average time before rebirth (49 days in Vietnamese tradition), and she had made reference to some reading she had been doing that mentioned the phases that must be passed before a rebirth takes place.
I also recall a teaching by Thich Nguyen Tang that explained the 6 possible states in which a person can be reborn (heaven, human life, asura, hungry ghost, animal, hell).
Is there a unified explanation that exists between the various traditions?
FOSSMandala
(13 rep)
Jun 26, 2014, 10:21 PM
• Last activity: Jul 5, 2014, 12:33 PM
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What are Buddha-fields and Dharma-fields in Buddhism? What roles do they play in various lineages?
Recently, I heard the terms Buddha-fields and Dharma-fields. It was explained as a place to do good deeds for gaining good karma. However, I'm not sure about the explanation or what it means. What are Buddha-fields and Dharma-fields? What role do they play in Buddhism?
Recently, I heard the terms Buddha-fields and Dharma-fields. It was explained as a place to do good deeds for gaining good karma. However, I'm not sure about the explanation or what it means. What are Buddha-fields and Dharma-fields? What role do they play in Buddhism?
DharmaEater
(2199 rep)
Jun 24, 2014, 09:46 PM
• Last activity: Jul 5, 2014, 05:33 AM
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Nibbāna in The Progress of Insight
I was wondering if anyone could help to clearly explain the phenomenology of what happens in this passage from Mahasi's [_The Progress of Insight_][1], specifically the bolded section: > 12\. Insight Leading to Emergence > > So, through knowledge of equanimity about formations, which is endowed with...
I was wondering if anyone could help to clearly explain the phenomenology of what happens in this passage from Mahasi's _The Progress of Insight_ , specifically the bolded section:
> 12\. Insight Leading to Emergence
>
> So, through knowledge of equanimity about formations, which is endowed with many virtues, blessings, and powers, he notices the formations as they occur. When this knowledge is mature, having become keen, strong, and lucid, on reaching its culmination point, it will understand any of the formations as being impermanent or painful or without self, just by seeing their dissolution. **Now that act of noticing any one characteristic out of the three, which is still more lucid in its perfect understanding, manifests itself two or three times or more in rapid succession. This is called "insight leading to emergence."**
I am interested in all the phenomenology but I am especially interested in the part that says "two or three times or more in rapid succession". Does this refer to mind moments or what?
Adamokkha
(2620 rep)
Jun 18, 2014, 07:36 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2014, 09:37 PM
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In terms of reliability of understanding reality, how does the scientific method compare with Buddhist insight practice?
*Posted based on a requested edit to [this][1] question* The modern "[scientific method][2]", perhaps as espoused in Karl Popper's "[The Logic of Scientific Discovery][3]", is seen today by many, especially in the West, as the "gold standard" for reliable investigation into the nature of reality. Ho...
*Posted based on a requested edit to this question*
The modern "scientific method ", perhaps as espoused in Karl Popper's "The Logic of Scientific Discovery ", is seen today by many, especially in the West, as the "gold standard" for reliable investigation into the nature of reality. However, Buddhism -- in particular insight practices -- appears to propose an alternate approach to a similar goal. How do these methodologies compare, in terms of approach and reliability?
yuttadhammo
(24268 rep)
Jul 2, 2014, 01:29 AM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2014, 03:36 PM
5
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Does understanding the Visuddhimagga require a knowledge of the Pali Canon?
I quite fancy reading the [Visuddhimagga][1] at some point. I have heard good things about it. However I'm aware that it is a commentary on the Pali Canon and that has put me off starting it. How much of the Pali Canon would one need to read before you could profitably read the Visuddhimagga. All of...
I quite fancy reading the Visuddhimagga at some point. I have heard good things about it. However I'm aware that it is a commentary on the Pali Canon and that has put me off starting it.
How much of the Pali Canon would one need to read before you could profitably read the Visuddhimagga. All of it (daunting), none of it or some. If it is some then which some. What are the parts of the Pali Canon that it would be best to read before the Visuddhimagga?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jul 2, 2014, 02:27 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2014, 01:37 AM
4
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Is it easiest to pursue/attain Nirvana as a human?
Is earth the ideal condition to achieve Nirvana; advanced enough for a being to discover and teach the universal truth of reality but not so advanced that beings won't care enough to strive for it?
Is earth the ideal condition to achieve Nirvana; advanced enough for a being to discover and teach the universal truth of reality but not so advanced that beings won't care enough to strive for it?
user70
(1815 rep)
Jul 2, 2014, 11:07 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2014, 01:14 AM
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Can personal experience generate buddhistic insight outside of meditation?
This is a question formed from an anecdotal experience, if this means that it is unsuitable for this format, I have no problem with it being removed. Specifically, after seeing the news about a mass shooter, shooting out of jealousy; I felt a temporarily release from any jealousy I had myself. Can t...
This is a question formed from an anecdotal experience, if this means that it is unsuitable for this format, I have no problem with it being removed.
Specifically, after seeing the news about a mass shooter, shooting out of jealousy; I felt a temporarily release from any jealousy I had myself. Can this be actual insight according to Theravada sources?
DirkM
(1555 rep)
Jul 1, 2014, 04:32 PM
• Last activity: Jul 2, 2014, 01:50 PM
5
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Jhāna in the different branches of Buddhism
From what I have read it seems the different branches seem to treat the subject quite different. While Mahayana texts seem to avoid directly touching the subject and only describe the effects, the Theravāda tradition seems almost obsessed with Jhāna. Are there really such big differences?
From what I have read it seems the different branches seem to treat the subject quite different. While Mahayana texts seem to avoid directly touching the subject and only describe the effects, the Theravāda tradition seems almost obsessed with Jhāna.
Are there really such big differences?
Dawnkeeper
(472 rep)
Jul 1, 2014, 06:34 PM
• Last activity: Jul 2, 2014, 12:27 AM
5
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What are the 10 Bhumis?
Yes, I checked wikipedia. That article is low quality. These 10 Bhumis are part of the 53 stages of liberation as set out in the Avatamsaka sutra. The 10 Bhumis for me are completely bemusing. In a path of liberation, I'd expect to find a description of what to do, but the titles of the Bhumis seem...
Yes, I checked wikipedia. That article is low quality.
These 10 Bhumis are part of the 53 stages of liberation as set out in the Avatamsaka sutra.
The 10 Bhumis for me are completely bemusing. In a path of liberation, I'd expect to find a description of what to do, but the titles of the Bhumis seem to describe results or suggestive adjectives.
MatthewMartin
(7221 rep)
Jul 1, 2014, 12:56 PM
• Last activity: Jul 1, 2014, 03:59 PM
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Popular culture portrayal of Buddha statues
I have seen Buddha statues in western pop culture that portray an obese man as the Buddha. During my experience with Buddhism I have seen many more statues of the Buddha as a slim man, usually with one hand up, palm out. **Two pictures to illustrate:** **Western pop culture portrayal:** 
**More typical eastern portrayal:**
__________________________________________
I seek an explanation as to the reason for the difference in portrayal, if they are even of the same person.
**More typical eastern portrayal:**
__________________________________________
I seek an explanation as to the reason for the difference in portrayal, if they are even of the same person.
Patrick Sebastien
(626 rep)
Jul 1, 2014, 01:55 PM
• Last activity: Jul 1, 2014, 03:40 PM
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What is the difference between learning the Buddhist way and simply learning from life?
What is different about being a Buddhist than an atheist? As far as I can tell, "western" thought is a mix of different philosophical approaches that can be applied to life with a dose of common sense: ethics, rationalization, self, society, abstraction, belief, existence, nature... there's place fo...
What is different about being a Buddhist than an atheist?
As far as I can tell, "western" thought is a mix of different philosophical approaches that can be applied to life with a dose of common sense: ethics, rationalization, self, society, abstraction, belief, existence, nature... there's place for everything in "western" thought, one just needs to look in the right places.
I've heard good things about Buddhism, but everything I've read about until now is just a different way of saying something that I've heard elsewhere. Different words, a different language.
***Does Buddhism recommend itself as the best approach to reach enlightenment, or can this fulfillment be achieved outside of Buddhist schooling?***
Or more subjectively: Why should a person follow Buddhism instead of something else?
Rafael Emshoff
(179 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 09:41 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2014, 07:47 PM
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What are the funeral rites for Tibetan lay Buddhists?
I am mostly interested in how a Tibetan Buddhist funeral is carried out in the West, i.e. in countries where Buddhism is not a leading religion. Are there any particular practices or ceremonies that family and friends should perform?
I am mostly interested in how a Tibetan Buddhist funeral is carried out in the West, i.e. in countries where Buddhism is not a leading religion. Are there any particular practices or ceremonies that family and friends should perform?
Rabbit
(2786 rep)
Jun 30, 2014, 04:50 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2014, 07:08 PM
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3
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Is there an English translation of the Abhidhamma?
I wonder if there is an English version of the Abhidhamma, in its entirety?
I wonder if there is an English version of the Abhidhamma, in its entirety?
FullPeace.org
(1890 rep)
Jun 30, 2014, 07:53 AM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2014, 03:11 PM
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How much should one eat when following the not-eating-after-noon precept?
In my understanding, there are a few ways to follow the not-eating-after-noon precept. Here are what I know of: 1. Two meals per day + juice/sugar water: breakfast and lunch, juice or sugar water for dinner. 2. Two meals per day: breakfast and lunch, nothing but plain water after noon. 3. One meal p...
In my understanding, there are a few ways to follow the not-eating-after-noon precept. Here are what I know of:
1. Two meals per day + juice/sugar water: breakfast and lunch, juice or sugar water for dinner.
2. Two meals per day: breakfast and lunch, nothing but plain water after noon.
3. One meal per day: lunch only. Plain water only before and after lunch.
I am a layperson working in an air-conditioned office. In my experience of method 1, I can do with normal amount of breakfast and lunch. But for method 2, sometimes I need more amount of lunch, say 1.5 times of a normal lunch. Never did try method 3.
I wish those who have experience can share their thought on the appropriate amount of food, and also the ways of following it. I believe Buddha had suggested to have moderate amount of food, but how much is considered as moderate?
fxam
(991 rep)
Jun 27, 2014, 11:50 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2014, 06:50 AM
4
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2
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How do the stages of insight before stream entry relate to the suttas
Are the stages of knowledge before stream entry mentioned in the suttas? How does this correlate with the Visuddhimagga? E.g. sabba-kaya-patisamvedi (in some interpretations) may directly relate to bhanga-ñāṇa.
Are the stages of knowledge before stream entry mentioned in the suttas? How does this correlate with the Visuddhimagga? E.g. sabba-kaya-patisamvedi (in some interpretations) may directly relate to bhanga-ñāṇa.
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 07:41 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 11:18 PM
Showing page 455 of 20 total questions