Sample Header Ad - 728x90

Buddhism

Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice

Latest Questions

0 votes
3 answers
162 views
How many types of conditions are there?
In Buddhist teachings, phenomena are said to be conditioned and impermanent. Could you explain the various types of conditions that are recognized in Buddhism, and how they contribute to the cycle of samsara and the development of individual experience? What are some of the types of conditions in th...
In Buddhist teachings, phenomena are said to be conditioned and impermanent. Could you explain the various types of conditions that are recognized in Buddhism, and how they contribute to the cycle of samsara and the development of individual experience? What are some of the types of conditions in the Abhidhammas or even modern understanding. Answers could include perhaps a physical condition, mental condition, conditioned by absences or so on.
SacrificialEquation (2535 rep)
Nov 6, 2023, 11:18 AM • Last activity: Sep 5, 2025, 05:06 AM
2 votes
8 answers
369 views
Can Buddhism be fundamentalist?
Is it fundamentalism if Buddhists believe Buddha's path is the only path, and that all other spiritual traditions or sects are false? And if so, does it exist much in Buddhism? By fundamentalism, I mean a person believing that their path is the only path, for them and others who believe like them. I...
Is it fundamentalism if Buddhists believe Buddha's path is the only path, and that all other spiritual traditions or sects are false? And if so, does it exist much in Buddhism? By fundamentalism, I mean a person believing that their path is the only path, for them and others who believe like them. I.e. can a Buddhist see another spiritual tradition as valid, even if it is not Buddhism? Such as an agnostic or a mystic from that tradition?
Brendan Darrer (273 rep)
Nov 14, 2018, 01:51 AM • Last activity: Sep 4, 2025, 09:11 PM
0 votes
2 answers
59 views
What is the most important thing or idea about Buddhism?
What is the most important thing or idea about Buddhism? "The Buddha dealt with that which is most important", compared to the other spiritual traditions, according Rupert Sheldrake. So, what is most important in Buddhism?
What is the most important thing or idea about Buddhism? "The Buddha dealt with that which is most important", compared to the other spiritual traditions, according Rupert Sheldrake. So, what is most important in Buddhism?
Brendan Darrer (273 rep)
Sep 3, 2025, 10:11 AM • Last activity: Sep 4, 2025, 09:09 PM
1 votes
1 answers
82 views
Is there a relationship between asava and sankharoti?
Is there a relationship there? [sankharoti][1] [asavas][2] [1]: https://suttacentral.net/define/sa%E1%B9%85kharoti?lang=en [2]: https://suttacentral.net/define/%C4%81sava?lang=en
Is there a relationship there? sankharoti asavas
nacre (1 rep)
Sep 1, 2025, 11:26 AM • Last activity: Sep 4, 2025, 12:21 PM
1 votes
0 answers
24 views
How five spiritual faculties were balanced?
Temporarily blockage of sexual excitement, give knowledge there's no permanent soul,body and mind consciousness are impermanent. Arising and cease. Sankara and upadana were impermanent. Does this understanding is wisdom?while doing walking meditation without hearing external sounds and thinking coul...
Temporarily blockage of sexual excitement, give knowledge there's no permanent soul,body and mind consciousness are impermanent. Arising and cease. Sankara and upadana were impermanent. Does this understanding is wisdom?while doing walking meditation without hearing external sounds and thinking could follow the walking? Is this enough to balance the five spiritual faculties and free from rebith in lower realms?
Buddhika (21 rep)
Sep 4, 2025, 11:31 AM
1 votes
1 answers
96 views
Anatta contemplation is about a clear understanding of egolessness. Does this insight come from Dhammanupassana?
So far as I understand the terminology, there are two levels of knowledge: 1. "conceptual knowledge" like "man" and "woman" 2. "ultimate reality" like the five khandas The importance of understanding Anatta or Anatman (egolessness) as the "ultimate reality" is explained in Access to Insight article...
So far as I understand the terminology, there are two levels of knowledge: 1. "conceptual knowledge" like "man" and "woman" 2. "ultimate reality" like the five khandas The importance of understanding Anatta or Anatman (egolessness) as the "ultimate reality" is explained in Access to Insight article on Egolessness: - [The Three Basic Facts of Existence III. Egolessness (Anatta)](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/various/wheel202.html) Anatta contemplation is about a clear understanding of egolessness. Does this insight come from Dhammanupassana (contemplation on the teachings of the Buddha)? As an example of this question, how do these two fit together: - “There is no doer, but only the doing” - The yogi should just note “seeing, seeing”.
Ronald Min (11 rep)
Jul 25, 2025, 04:24 AM • Last activity: Sep 4, 2025, 05:05 AM
1 votes
3 answers
261 views
What word is the concentration of Buddha?
What was that word about a Buddha's concentration? Is not easy to remember, thank you..[So you might remember...
What was that word about a Buddha's concentration? Is not easy to remember, thank you..[So you might remember...
nacre (1 rep)
Sep 1, 2025, 05:15 PM • Last activity: Sep 4, 2025, 12:27 AM
3 votes
4 answers
8451 views
A Creation Story in Buddhism?
Some major religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism have a *Creation Story*, which describes how God created the universe. These stories describe how a deity created the earth and then the first man and woman, who are regarded as the father and mother of all mankind. Does Buddhism also have a...
Some major religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism have a *Creation Story*, which describes how God created the universe. These stories describe how a deity created the earth and then the first man and woman, who are regarded as the father and mother of all mankind. Does Buddhism also have a similar *Creation Story*?
Mawia (781 rep)
Jul 15, 2014, 01:19 PM • Last activity: Sep 3, 2025, 03:12 PM
1 votes
1 answers
70 views
Which translation of AN 3.76 is correct?
I read the [following](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/53819/what-are-the-major-deviations-from-the-buddha-s-original-teachings-in-later-budd#comment88883_53821) on the internet: > `new scholarly Western fads particularly created by the Australian > Ajahn Brahm/Sujato sect and also embr...
I read the [following](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/53819/what-are-the-major-deviations-from-the-buddha-s-original-teachings-in-later-budd#comment88883_53821) on the internet: > `new scholarly Western fads particularly created by the Australian > Ajahn Brahm/Sujato sect and also embraced by American Bhikkhu Bodhi.` > There's no need to insult and smear the Sangha. Have some integrity, > your answers referenced the translation works by these reputable > scholars, yet at the same time you insinuate and display contempt at > them Below is two translations of AN 3.76 by Sujato. The 1st is how I recall the translation was for a number of years: enter image description here Repeat of the above, otherwise click on the above to expand: enter image description here The 2nd translation by Sujato below is what I surprisingly read for the first time, just now. My impression is Sujato recently changed his translation, including replacing the translation of "**re**birth" with "**re**generation". enter image description here Next is Thanissaro: > Ananda, if there were no **kamma ripening** in the sensuality-property, would sensuality-becoming be discerned? Thus **kamma** is the field, consciousness the seed, and craving the > moisture. The consciousness of living beings hindered by ignorance & > fettered by craving is established in/tuned to a lower property. Thus > there is the production of renewed becoming in the future. Next is Bhikkhu Bodhi: enter image description here Which translation of AN 3.76 is correct and what are the implications of these translation variations?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu (46906 rep)
Sep 1, 2025, 11:57 AM • Last activity: Sep 2, 2025, 10:25 AM
1 votes
2 answers
40 views
What is "regeneration" in Buddha's Teaching?
I read the following former multi-year translation by Sujato on the internet, about "reincarnation": [![enter image description here][1]][1] Today, for the first time, I read a new translation by Sujato, using the word "regeneration" instead of "reincarnation": [![enter image description here][2]][2...
I read the following former multi-year translation by Sujato on the internet, about "reincarnation": enter image description here Today, for the first time, I read a new translation by Sujato, using the word "regeneration" instead of "reincarnation": enter image description here What does the term "regeneration" mean in Buddha's teaching? Please also provide some other examples if possible?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu (46906 rep)
Sep 1, 2025, 12:21 PM • Last activity: Sep 2, 2025, 03:44 AM
4 votes
3 answers
180 views
What are the major deviations from the Buddha’s original teachings in later Buddhist traditions, and how can a lay follower avoid them?
Buddhism has developed into many schools and traditions since the time of the Buddha, each with its own interpretations, practices, and philosophical systems. While this diversity is valuable in some respects, it also raises the concern that certain ideas or practices may have strayed from what the...
Buddhism has developed into many schools and traditions since the time of the Buddha, each with its own interpretations, practices, and philosophical systems. While this diversity is valuable in some respects, it also raises the concern that certain ideas or practices may have strayed from what the Buddha himself originally taught. This raises the question of what counts as a significant deviation from the original doctrines of Dhamma and how such differences can be identified. I would also like to know how a lay follower can recognize these divergences in a clear and practical way, and how one might remain faithful to the spirit of the Buddha’s message without falling into sectarian arguments.
user31447
Aug 29, 2025, 11:01 AM • Last activity: Sep 1, 2025, 11:36 AM
2 votes
4 answers
125 views
To what extent are lay people discouraged from detachment and encouraged to be sensual?
A lay person that reaches arahatship/Nibbana is said to either take up robe within 7 days or die, since that state of detachment makes household duties unbearable. Dhammapada 155-156 warns the lay youth of regret in old age from failure to accrue wealth. It feels a bit like Buddhism is gatekeeping t...
A lay person that reaches arahatship/Nibbana is said to either take up robe within 7 days or die, since that state of detachment makes household duties unbearable. Dhammapada 155-156 warns the lay youth of regret in old age from failure to accrue wealth. It feels a bit like Buddhism is gatekeeping the holy life, shoving the lay person out the door and telling them to just "do your lay stuff, like uh, have sex or something", which feels a bit disheartening. To what extent does Buddhism discourage the lay person from seeking liberation from suffering, and just encouraging them to participate in the rat race?
Gondola Spärde (409 rep)
Aug 27, 2025, 03:29 PM • Last activity: Aug 29, 2025, 01:43 AM
0 votes
1 answers
41 views
What source explains Buddha's reasons for Moggallan's violent death?
What is the source of the Buddha telling his disciples about why Maha Moggallan had died. Moggallan died in the laps of the Buddha? Is it so?
What is the source of the Buddha telling his disciples about why Maha Moggallan had died. Moggallan died in the laps of the Buddha? Is it so?
Rajratna Adsul (1 rep)
Aug 27, 2025, 03:30 PM • Last activity: Aug 27, 2025, 09:02 PM
11 votes
16 answers
15714 views
What is required to achieve Nirvana in Buddhism?
Nirvana is considered by many religions the pinnacle to strive for. What do I need to do to achieve Nirvana? Are there different perceptions of the requirements held by different sects?
Nirvana is considered by many religions the pinnacle to strive for. What do I need to do to achieve Nirvana? Are there different perceptions of the requirements held by different sects?
James Jenkins (898 rep)
Jun 18, 2014, 10:46 AM • Last activity: Aug 27, 2025, 01:31 PM
2 votes
3 answers
218 views
Is it beneficial to focus on 4 requirements in material lay life
If we centered our efforts in life around having and keeping 4 requirements (sufficient food for survival, clothing to cover shame etc), and otherwise practiced the Dhamma, would that be beneficial for reaching Nibbana? So, when going to work, instead of thinking about getting promoted or earning a...
If we centered our efforts in life around having and keeping 4 requirements (sufficient food for survival, clothing to cover shame etc), and otherwise practiced the Dhamma, would that be beneficial for reaching Nibbana? So, when going to work, instead of thinking about getting promoted or earning a raise, we just saw it as due effort for minimal secluded shelter and minimal food necessary to survive.
Gondola Spärde (409 rep)
Aug 26, 2025, 12:57 PM • Last activity: Aug 27, 2025, 01:13 PM
2 votes
1 answers
278 views
Did Buddha teach Ananda not to respond?
I'm looking for the discourse where Buddha supposedly gave advice to Ananda about how to deal with the public during mediation/concentration, eg. someone walks up, while he is in jhana, etc.. Does he say, 'just ignore them'? Or how might he have phrased it? thanks.
I'm looking for the discourse where Buddha supposedly gave advice to Ananda about how to deal with the public during mediation/concentration, eg. someone walks up, while he is in jhana, etc.. Does he say, 'just ignore them'? Or how might he have phrased it? thanks.
nacre (1 rep)
Aug 25, 2025, 02:46 PM • Last activity: Aug 25, 2025, 07:25 PM
1 votes
2 answers
101 views
How do Buddhist logicians justify the reliability of inference if all entities are momentary and lack enduring substance?
In Nyāya epistemology, pramāṇas (means of valid knowledge) include perception, inference, comparison, and testimony. Since Buddhist thought often restricts ultimate reality to momentary dharmas (kṣaṇikavāda) and denies enduring substances, how do Buddhist logicians account for the reliability of inf...
In Nyāya epistemology, pramāṇas (means of valid knowledge) include perception, inference, comparison, and testimony. Since Buddhist thought often restricts ultimate reality to momentary dharmas (kṣaṇikavāda) and denies enduring substances, how do Buddhist logicians account for the reliability of inference across time, given that the subject and predicate cease to exist in the very next moment?
MAITREYA (59 rep)
Aug 22, 2025, 04:03 PM • Last activity: Aug 25, 2025, 05:24 PM
2 votes
2 answers
139 views
Difference between contemplation and thought
On the one hand, we're told in Buddhism to "stop thinking", "do not think about thinking", and such things, by monks and laymen. As an example, I remember a monk describing how when he first started, his teacher would shout at monks (a simple HEY! or HO!) he suspected are deep in thought, to wake th...
On the one hand, we're told in Buddhism to "stop thinking", "do not think about thinking", and such things, by monks and laymen. As an example, I remember a monk describing how when he first started, his teacher would shout at monks (a simple HEY! or HO!) he suspected are deep in thought, to wake them up. On the other, there's such a thing as "contemplation of death". One is to sit and think about death. What's the difference between *thoughts* and *contemplation* in the eyes of someone who would espouse anti-thought advice?
reign (398 rep)
Aug 20, 2025, 07:23 PM • Last activity: Aug 24, 2025, 06:58 PM
1 votes
1 answers
58 views
Meditation practice
How can our meditation practice, change the way we relate to everyday challenges? For example, more space between stimulus and response: Instead of reacting immediately, meditation can train our awareness so we can pause, breathe, and choose how to respond. A challenge becomes less of an automatic t...
How can our meditation practice, change the way we relate to everyday challenges? For example, more space between stimulus and response: Instead of reacting immediately, meditation can train our awareness so we can pause, breathe, and choose how to respond. A challenge becomes less of an automatic trigger and more of an opportunity for skillful action...
Brendan Darrer (273 rep)
Aug 22, 2025, 03:07 PM • Last activity: Aug 23, 2025, 11:30 PM
1 votes
2 answers
118 views
Can we ignore sense doors through meditation?
In the process of reading a book, we need only the mind and the eyes. There is no need of ears and tongue. In the process of hearing *Dhamma*,there may no need of eyes. Are there any meditation practice to ignore senses completely for a period of time ? (I'm looking for a specific meditation practic...
In the process of reading a book, we need only the mind and the eyes. There is no need of ears and tongue. In the process of hearing *Dhamma*,there may no need of eyes. Are there any meditation practice to ignore senses completely for a period of time ? (I'm looking for a specific meditation practice designed to achieve this, I know that we can achieve a similar result by doing Ānāpāna/breathing exercises,but may take much time )
Dum (725 rep)
Mar 25, 2020, 02:57 AM • Last activity: Aug 22, 2025, 11:27 PM
Showing page 6 of 20 total questions