Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
6
votes
1
answers
123
views
How does someone decide from what direction to approach the twelve-Nidānas?
From what I can gather (from wikipedia) there are four methods: >The Twelve Nidānas are explained in detail in the Visuddhimagga of Buddhaghosa, the central text of the Mahāvihāra commentarial tradition. Buddhaghosa recounts four methods to interpret the Twelve Nidanas: 1. Working from "bottom to to...
From what I can gather (from wikipedia) there are four methods:
>The Twelve Nidānas are explained in detail in the Visuddhimagga of Buddhaghosa, the central text of the Mahāvihāra commentarial tradition. Buddhaghosa recounts four methods to interpret the Twelve Nidanas:
1. Working from "bottom to top",
2. Working from the "middle to the top",
3. Working from "top to bottom",
4. Working from the "middle to the source".
>The first method begins with ignorance and proceeds to sickness, old age, and death. The second method begins with attachment and proceeds to birth. The third method begins with birth and proceeds back to ignorance. The fourth method begins with attachment and proceeds to ignorance.
Given these different approaches, how can an individual decide which they are most suited to follow in order to revert the chain and where in the suttas can each approach be found?
user70
(1815 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 04:04 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 10:11 PM
3
votes
1
answers
203
views
What is the source of these "Lay Bodhisattva Vows"?
Okay, I'm well familiar with the regular Bodhisattva vows from the Brahma Net Sutra. That set of vows is open to both lay and monastic followers. I just found another set on Dharma Realm Buddhist Young Adults and I can't figure out where they come from (which sutra). Full text linked below. It has 6...
Okay, I'm well familiar with the regular Bodhisattva vows from the Brahma Net Sutra. That set of vows is open to both lay and monastic followers.
I just found another set on Dharma Realm Buddhist Young Adults and I can't figure out where they come from (which sutra).
Full text linked below. It has 6 major and 28 minor precepts. It has precepts like, 21st-- pay your taxes and 27th-- don't raise silk worms.
Is this a modern set of precepts or does it have a older origin?
ref:
http://www.drby.net/attachments/035_The%20Bodhisattva%20Precepts%20for%20Laypeople%20-%20English.pdf
(Above PDF came from this link: http://www.drby.net/index.php/Events/Lay-Bodhisattva-Precepts-Transmission.html )
MatthewMartin
(7221 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 01:50 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 05:45 PM
8
votes
2
answers
11649
views
Buddhas of The Ten Directions
What are the Buddhas of the ten directions? What are the applications of this teaching in the Buddhist traditions?
What are the Buddhas of the ten directions? What are the applications of this teaching in the Buddhist traditions?
DharmaEater
(2199 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 05:07 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 03:42 PM
0
votes
2
answers
130
views
How closely related are the concepts of Karma and Pavlovian conditioning?
If I get into a habit of fighting to defend "my self" is it reasonable to say that getting into a fight and getting beat up is karma? How similar is karma to the idiom "you reap what you sow"?
If I get into a habit of fighting to defend "my self" is it reasonable to say that getting into a fight and getting beat up is karma?
How similar is karma to the idiom "you reap what you sow"?
user70
(1815 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 02:47 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 11:37 AM
4
votes
2
answers
121
views
Can the substantiality of phenomena ever be conclusively ruled out through Buddhist practice?
I can see how one can develop, through one's practice, a very high degree of confidence in the truth of emptiness through inferring from the conditioned nature of phenomena, their impermanence, their dependence on a perceiving consciousness, and on the need for memory and intelligence in order to re...
I can see how one can develop, through one's practice, a very high degree of confidence in the truth of emptiness through inferring from the conditioned nature of phenomena, their impermanence, their dependence on a perceiving consciousness, and on the need for memory and intelligence in order to recognize them as existent, but is it possible to ever be 100% certain? Who's to say the Higgs Boson isn't the fundamental, truly existent building block of matter that can never be further reduced, even if quantum physics tells us it's in superposition when not interacting with an observer?
rainbow_light
(181 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 07:46 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 08:56 AM
9
votes
2
answers
947
views
Buddhism in the Middle East
It is said, Buddhist missionaries made it to Alexandria Egypt and else where in the Mediterranean circa 200 BCE. Have any scholars and/or archeologists found any evidence of Buddhism being practiced in the Eastern Mediterranean?
It is said, Buddhist missionaries made it to Alexandria Egypt and else where in the Mediterranean circa 200 BCE. Have any scholars and/or archeologists found any evidence of Buddhism being practiced in the Eastern Mediterranean?
DharmaEater
(2199 rep)
Jun 28, 2014, 10:44 PM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 07:49 AM
8
votes
4
answers
1352
views
What are the Four Immeasurables (aka Four Noble Abodes)?
Also known as the Four Noble Dwellings or the Buddhist Virtues or the Brahmaviharas. Where in the Pali Canon are these described?
Also known as the Four Noble Dwellings or the Buddhist Virtues or the Brahmaviharas. Where in the Pali Canon are these described?
user50
Jun 26, 2014, 06:29 PM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 01:09 AM
5
votes
1
answers
195
views
What does enlightenment actually entail in Shugendo?
We already have some questions about enlightenment, but this is going to be a bit more... esoteric. What I would like to know is what enlightenment entails in [Shugendo][1], which is a particularly syncretic variety of Japanese Buddhism. What with Shugendo being strongly syncretized with the native...
We already have some questions about enlightenment, but this is going to be a bit more... esoteric. What I would like to know is what enlightenment entails in Shugendo , which is a particularly syncretic variety of Japanese Buddhism.
What with Shugendo being strongly syncretized with the native animistic practices of Japan (i.e. Shinto), it appears that the notion of enlightenment has somehow become intertwined with the idea of _kami_ (spirits/deities). Specifically, it appears (from some basic reading) that a practitioner of Shugendo (a _shugenja_) attains enlightenment when he "becomes one" with the _kami_ in some sense. This is quite unlike many other varieties of Buddhism - after all, in most cases, there are no _kami_ to begin with!
In any case, this is all very vague, so I was hoping somebody could clear this up for me - what, exactly, does enlightenment entail in Shugendo?
senshin
(814 rep)
Jun 22, 2014, 03:21 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 01:07 AM
7
votes
5
answers
1217
views
Why do monastics in certain Buddhist traditions take new names?
In the Theravada tradition, and perhaps others, monastics take a new name when becoming bhikkhus/bhikkhunis. Where does this tradition come from, and what is its significance? Others don't - what's the difference?
In the Theravada tradition, and perhaps others, monastics take a new name when becoming bhikkhus/bhikkhunis. Where does this tradition come from, and what is its significance? Others don't - what's the difference?
FullPeace.org
(1890 rep)
Jun 27, 2014, 06:05 PM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2014, 12:54 AM
4
votes
1
answers
262
views
What is the equivalent scientific term for samsedaja? What kind of beings on earth are born from samsedaja?
Are there any beings on earth that are samsedaja (born or arisen from moisture)? Are bacteria samsedaja?
Are there any beings on earth that are samsedaja (born or arisen from moisture)? Are bacteria samsedaja?
fxam
(991 rep)
Jun 28, 2014, 02:52 AM
• Last activity: Jun 28, 2014, 11:48 PM
5
votes
1
answers
283
views
What is a Vajrasattva?
I recently heard the term Vajrasattva and wondered if that is another term for a Bodhisattva? How does the Vajrasattva path differ from the path of a Bodhisattva?
I recently heard the term Vajrasattva and wondered if that is another term for a Bodhisattva? How does the Vajrasattva path differ from the path of a Bodhisattva?
DharmaEater
(2199 rep)
Jun 28, 2014, 06:00 PM
• Last activity: Jun 28, 2014, 06:56 PM
15
votes
2
answers
1291
views
Why are Jhanas controversial?
I have heard that some teachers do not teach the Jhanas, others do. Yuttadhammo [mentions][1] the *great debate* about Jhanas. What is the controversy about? Whether they are useful towards realizing Nibbana/Nirvana? Is the debate relevant to all Buddhist traditions, only some, or are traditions spl...
I have heard that some teachers do not teach the Jhanas, others do. Yuttadhammo mentions the *great debate* about Jhanas. What is the controversy about? Whether they are useful towards realizing Nibbana/Nirvana? Is the debate relevant to all Buddhist traditions, only some, or are traditions split up in their views about Jhanas?
FullPeace.org
(1890 rep)
Jun 27, 2014, 08:52 AM
• Last activity: Jun 27, 2014, 07:31 PM
7
votes
2
answers
20880
views
What would one encounter at a Buddhist temple service?
With the understanding that there are many different traditions and cultures within Buddhism, I wonder if it is possible to describe what a newcomer might encounter if they went to a temple service and also what might be some handy things to know about before going. For example, what is considered a...
With the understanding that there are many different traditions and cultures within Buddhism, I wonder if it is possible to describe what a newcomer might encounter if they went to a temple service and also what might be some handy things to know about before going.
For example, what is considered appropriate attire? Should one bring an offering and if so, what type? What occurs during the service? Chanting? Meditation? How long does a service usually last? Other than common courtesy, are there things that would be important to know to show proper respect?
Thanks and also it would be helpful if tradition/country might be noted along with any descriptions.
user143
Jun 25, 2014, 12:24 AM
• Last activity: Jun 27, 2014, 05:20 PM
6
votes
1
answers
5482
views
What are the twelve aspects of the Four Noble Truths?
For each of the Four Noble Truths, there are three aspects. The three aspects for each Noble Truth follows a pattern of Recognition (understanding it), Encouragement (what is to be done), and Realization (what has been done). Please elaborate on the twelve aspects - are they the same in all traditio...
For each of the Four Noble Truths, there are three aspects. The three aspects for each Noble Truth follows a pattern of Recognition (understanding it), Encouragement (what is to be done), and Realization (what has been done).
Please elaborate on the twelve aspects - are they the same in all traditions? In what ways are they helpful towards realizing the Path?
FullPeace.org
(1890 rep)
Jun 27, 2014, 08:45 AM
• Last activity: Jun 27, 2014, 11:19 AM
7
votes
6
answers
694
views
So many Buddhist schools!
Why does Buddhism have so many variations, like Zen, Nembutsu, True world, Nichiren Buddhism, etc.? Why is Buddhist philosophy not uniform?
Why does Buddhism have so many variations, like Zen, Nembutsu, True world, Nichiren Buddhism, etc.? Why is Buddhist philosophy not uniform?
user274
(71 rep)
Jun 26, 2014, 05:50 AM
• Last activity: Jun 27, 2014, 05:48 AM
3
votes
1
answers
491
views
Where are the Eight Worldly Winds and how to deal with them described?
To refresh your memory, the Eight Worldly Winds are: 1. Pleasure 1. Pain 1. Praise 1. Blame 1. Gain 1. Loss 1. Fame 1. Ill-repute
To refresh your memory, the Eight Worldly Winds are:
1. Pleasure
1. Pain
1. Praise
1. Blame
1. Gain
1. Loss
1. Fame
1. Ill-repute
user50
Jun 27, 2014, 02:31 AM
• Last activity: Jun 27, 2014, 02:59 AM
5
votes
1
answers
241
views
What are the Five Precepts?
And where are they found in the Pali Canon? I realize that this is a Straw Man question for the group but I would like to raise our visibility on the Web and perhaps start our community wiki.
And where are they found in the Pali Canon? I realize that this is a Straw Man question for the group but I would like to raise our visibility on the Web and perhaps start our community wiki.
user50
Jun 26, 2014, 03:14 PM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2014, 03:37 PM
6
votes
4
answers
5841
views
What is the difference between a Bodhisatta and a Bodhisattva?
Lots of Buddhist words have two different spellings (kamma/karma) because one is the Pali version and the other is the Sanskrit version; but the meaning is the same. My understanding of Bodhisatta and Bodhisattva though, is that they have different meanings. Can anyone elaborate?
Lots of Buddhist words have two different spellings (kamma/karma) because one is the Pali version and the other is the Sanskrit version; but the meaning is the same. My understanding of Bodhisatta and Bodhisattva though, is that they have different meanings. Can anyone elaborate?
user143
Jun 25, 2014, 01:19 PM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2014, 12:24 PM
9
votes
1
answers
325
views
Can a military career be ethical?
There are military generals as lay people and stream enterers in the suttas. And there is no clear prohibition to a military career. There are some suttas that criticize the karma of soldiers on the battlefield. My question is, since being a military general is acceptable livelihood, what should he...
There are military generals as lay people and stream enterers in the suttas. And there is no clear prohibition to a military career. There are some suttas that criticize the karma of soldiers on the battlefield.
My question is, since being a military general is acceptable livelihood, what should he do? Could he planning for war, making war, or just sit there and do nothing since both of those actions could lead to indirect killing?
If he does nothing, that can lead to catastrophic results and even more people maybe get killed. Is that right livelihood if other people rely on him and he has the responsibility to use military force to protect people?
user2174870
(345 rep)
Jun 26, 2014, 03:49 AM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2014, 12:23 PM
11
votes
1
answers
666
views
How is semchen (sentient being) defined?
Semchen is typically defined as a sentient being. What does this mean? What is sentience? This question about [killing bacteria][1] indicates bacteria are not sentient, but I distinctly remember a guru say dust mites are sentient. Am I imposing my evolution-based viewpoint onto a ladder of sentience...
Semchen is typically defined as a sentient being. What does this mean? What is sentience?
This question about killing bacteria indicates bacteria are not sentient, but I distinctly remember a guru say dust mites are sentient. Am I imposing my evolution-based viewpoint onto a ladder of sentience?
Richard Morgan
(273 rep)
Jun 25, 2014, 11:51 AM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2014, 10:05 AM
Showing page 456 of 20 total questions