Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
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Is nirvana just a checkpoint in an eternal journey?
Life in this world has been amazing. I was amazed by this world growing up travelling to amazing places seeing hills, mountains and what not. Then the tech boom that got me addicted. And the amazing food the world offers, I could go on. When I discovered Buddhism, I just couldn't believe that nirvan...
Life in this world has been amazing. I was amazed by this world growing up travelling to amazing places seeing hills, mountains and what not. Then the tech boom that got me addicted. And the amazing food the world offers, I could go on. When I discovered Buddhism, I just couldn't believe that nirvana is the ending to all this journey in this vast universe.
While I now have been transformed a lot studying the Buddhism stuffs, and a bit bored of the current world, somehow deep I am expecting more from the universe. I just can't believe nirvana is the end of it all.
Is it possible that nirvana is just a temporary resting point in the eternal dance of the universe?
A bit speculative but would love to get some perspectives from the wise ones.
user16308
May 20, 2023, 01:41 PM
• Last activity: Sep 10, 2023, 10:23 AM
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4
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Relaxation vs Laziness
In karniyametta sutta, Lord Buddha advised us to be relaxed and not to cling to the work. How can I recognise relaxation from laziness ?
In karniyametta sutta, Lord Buddha advised us to be relaxed and not to cling to the work.
How can I recognise relaxation from laziness ?
Dum
(725 rep)
Mar 29, 2020, 05:04 AM
• Last activity: Sep 9, 2023, 09:30 PM
2
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3
answers
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Identification with form
I have a pretty strong identification with body. I have listened to many Buddhist talks which tell me the body is not self. While I understand this on an intellectual level, I still can feel shame or embarrassment about this body. Does anyone know of any meditations or practical ways to uproot this?...
I have a pretty strong identification with body. I have listened to many Buddhist talks which tell me the body is not self. While I understand this on an intellectual level, I still can feel shame or embarrassment about this body.
Does anyone know of any meditations or practical ways to uproot this?
:)
Deep scarcity
(61 rep)
Sep 9, 2023, 05:05 AM
• Last activity: Sep 9, 2023, 12:28 PM
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7
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Why has the "3rd precept" of the 5 precepts been interpreted as being so permissive?
It seems to me that according to one interpretation of the "3rd precept" of the 5 precepts one could even engage in various sexual acts with a vast number of prostitutes nonstop and that still wouldn't be considered as breaking the "3rd precept". (I am doubtful of it being possible to attain stream-...
It seems to me that according to one interpretation of the "3rd precept" of the 5 precepts one could even engage in various sexual acts with a vast number of prostitutes nonstop and that still wouldn't be considered as breaking the "3rd precept". (I am doubtful of it being possible to attain stream-entry with that indulgent behavior therefore I believe the Buddha did not teach that as being a way to attain stream-entry.)
Why has the "3rd precept" of the 5 precepts been interpreted as being so permissive?
I find it concerning how the "3rd precept" of the 5 precepts has been interpreted as being so permissive.
Angus
(544 rep)
Sep 19, 2019, 08:08 PM
• Last activity: Sep 9, 2023, 07:07 AM
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11
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The Third Precept and Prostitution
For a Buddhist who is single, do occasional "visits" to the brothel break the observing of the Third Precept? In other words, the Third Precept is perfectly "intact" when one engages in such activity (from the words of a venerable [here][1] )? [1]: http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=22572#p...
For a Buddhist who is single, do occasional "visits" to the brothel break the observing of the Third Precept? In other words, the Third Precept is perfectly "intact" when one engages in such activity (from the words of a venerable here )?
santa100
(9787 rep)
Dec 29, 2014, 07:06 PM
• Last activity: Sep 9, 2023, 07:06 AM
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what is memesis from a buddhist perspective?
What is the Buddhist view regarding [mimesis][1]? Mimesis is imitation of nature. How might a Buddhist explain it? > At first glance, mimesis seems to be a stylizing of reality in which > the ordinary features of our world are brought into focus by a certain > exaggeration, the relationship of the i...
What is the Buddhist view regarding mimesis ? Mimesis is imitation of nature. How might a Buddhist explain it?
> At first glance, mimesis seems to be a stylizing of reality in which
> the ordinary features of our world are brought into focus by a certain
> exaggeration, the relationship of the imitation to the object it
> imitates being something like the relationship of dancing to walking.
> Imitation always involves selecting something from the continuum of
> experience, thus giving boundaries to what really has no beginning or
> end.
The wiki page also says "presentation of the self", so maybe it refers to formality in public. Perhaps it has many meanings. The feeling of catharsis comes about as a result. This seems more like fiction (drama), although the philosopher is quoted "drama is imitation of action". Regardless, I am primarily trying to understand the role of mimesis in *regular* life. Is it just faking and self-deception?
āḷasu bhikhārī
(1 rep)
Jul 20, 2023, 03:07 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 02:15 PM
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2
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Brahmcharyavas : starting, ending
**Last question**:- "Bramchariyavas has started" -> "ब्रह्मचर्यवास शुरू हुआ"। Did this "occur" to anyone in past and the same has been mentioned in books? What are the surrounding indications for the same occurence? I am open to any religion for its discussion but if outside Buddhism then it must be...
**Last question**:-
"Bramchariyavas has started" -> "ब्रह्मचर्यवास शुरू हुआ"।
Did this "occur" to anyone in past and the same has been mentioned in books? What are the surrounding indications for the same occurence?
I am open to any religion for its discussion but if outside Buddhism then it must be accompanied with proper explanation of this statement, work left to be done, resolutions done to move further, path leading to this statement etc.
This might have occurred with few other things like images/world etc. indicating few other things, that's fine but this statement is must, as it is, without any beginning and ending with word "started".
I have read only,
"bramchariyavas has been completed, what needed to be done has been done"
Wonderer
(57 rep)
Mar 1, 2023, 04:00 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 10:16 AM
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What is considered lying in Buddhist (five) precepts?
This precept is often translated as harsh speech or false speech. The meaning of this precept is often understood as not to tell lie. But how are we supposed to define "lie" in Buddhist context particularly fourth precept? An example: One student got kicked out from a University because of unaccepta...
This precept is often translated as harsh speech or false speech. The meaning of this precept is often understood as not to tell lie. But how are we supposed to define "lie" in Buddhist context particularly fourth precept?
An example:
One student got kicked out from a University because of unacceptable conducts. Someone knows this and is asked by his friend what has happened to that student.
Instead of telling his friend that student got kicked out, his answer is, that student probably already moved to other University.
The truth is, the student has committed unacceptable conducts therefore the student got kicked out.
There are many cases in life because of security reason, sensitive information, privacy, etc. we say another thing when we are asked. But is this the same as telling lie e.g. harmful food is said/declared as healthy food, counterfeit product is answered as genuine product? Is being honest the same as having wisdom?
B1100
(1201 rep)
Oct 3, 2015, 06:31 AM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 09:38 AM
6
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5
answers
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Eating meat and buying meat
Buddha said to his disciples (monks), meat can be eaten if they are not seen, heard or suspected to have been killed on purpose for a monk. Eating meat is different from killing animal, it's clear. Lay people on the other side do not obtain meat like monks do, lay people buy meat. The money then goe...
Buddha said to his disciples (monks), meat can be eaten if they are not seen, heard or suspected to have been killed on purpose for a monk. Eating meat is different from killing animal, it's clear.
Lay people on the other side do not obtain meat like monks do, lay people buy meat. The money then goes to meat seller and abattoir. Is this the same as "Causing another to kill"?
B1100
(1201 rep)
Apr 16, 2016, 09:20 AM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 08:32 AM
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2
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Vipassana meditation in day to day life
During meditation practice have seen thinking stops ,then for 2 or 3 minutes no thinking. What have experienced?is it the pure mind?
During meditation practice have seen thinking stops ,then for 2 or 3 minutes no thinking. What have experienced?is it the pure mind?
Buddhika Kitsiri
(517 rep)
May 5, 2022, 03:46 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 08:07 AM
7
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3
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Does Theravada believe in feeding food to hungry ghosts?
Certain Buddhist schools perform rituals to offer food to hungry ghosts. And I've heard and read stories that psychic mediums at the rituals saw hungry ghosts came eating the food. Some also reported that they saw Buddha and Bodhisattas accompany the hungry ghosts. I really wonder and would like to...
Certain Buddhist schools perform rituals to offer food to hungry ghosts. And I've heard and read stories that psychic mediums at the rituals saw hungry ghosts came eating the food. Some also reported that they saw Buddha and Bodhisattas accompany the hungry ghosts.
I really wonder and would like to know if Theravada believes in these.
fxam
(991 rep)
Jun 28, 2014, 02:51 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 07:01 AM
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2
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Belief in Ghost and spirits
If Buddhists don't believe that we have a soul then why do some believe in ghosts or spirits? this seems contradictory.
If Buddhists don't believe that we have a soul then why do some believe in ghosts or spirits? this seems contradictory.
Arturia
(2760 rep)
Jul 7, 2017, 11:51 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 06:57 AM
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9
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Does the fifth precept ban smoking?
The fifth precept started off as a ban on the drinking of alcohol. It has since been expanded to ban the use of intoxicants. Is tobacco also forbidden under the fifth precept?
The fifth precept started off as a ban on the drinking of alcohol. It has since been expanded to ban the use of intoxicants. Is tobacco also forbidden under the fifth precept?
anon
Jan 15, 2016, 05:03 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 06:45 AM
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Does the second precept only apply to theft?
Considering the second precept > Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi. which I am most familiar with its translation as > I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given Does this precept only apply to cases of theft or can it be extended into more intangible possessions...
Considering the second precept
> Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
which I am most familiar with its translation as
> I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given
Does this precept only apply to cases of theft or can it be extended into more intangible possessions such as someones time or energy? Considering the answers around the illegal download question it does seem as if there are interpretation in which it is only theft. I'd particularly like to know interpretations from different schools and the differences (or not) between them.
For this can we take the definition of theft as provided by wikipedia
> theft is the taking of another person's property without that
> person's permission or consent with the intent to deprive the rightful
> owner of it.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 24, 2014, 05:19 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 06:04 AM
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3
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Is my reason for not gambling justified?
I don't gamble because I worry that I might win. The problem is that by winning I am exhausting my quota of good karma/luck for non-essential material procession (like iphone or money) without which I could still live a respectable life. Is this line of reasoning valid in Buddhism.
I don't gamble because I worry that I might win. The problem is that by winning I am exhausting my quota of good karma/luck for non-essential material procession (like iphone or money) without which I could still live a respectable life. Is this line of reasoning valid in Buddhism.
Manish Kumar Singh
(11 rep)
Apr 19, 2023, 02:20 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 05:43 AM
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Is assault against the first precept?
The first precept states > I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing. So does this mean that punching someone in the nose isn't actually against the first precept and the five precepts generally. It really feels like it should be.
The first precept states
> I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing.
So does this mean that punching someone in the nose isn't actually against the first precept and the five precepts generally. It really feels like it should be.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Aug 23, 2014, 05:09 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 02:30 AM
2
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2
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temple policy for babies/young kids
are there any policies for bringing very young kids (14 month) to a temple/pagoda (stroller, clothes etc)? We
are there any policies for bringing very young kids (14 month) to a temple/pagoda (stroller, clothes etc)? We
user21384
(21 rep)
Aug 15, 2021, 03:08 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 02:16 AM
2
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3
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Have the copies of original Tipitaka written in Aluvihara Sri Lanka now been lost?
Have the copies of original Tipitaka written in Aluvihara Sri Lanka now been lost? It appears that the Tipitaka used in Sri Lanka an import from Thailand or Myanmar. I ask because in this essay, [The original Alu Vihara manuscript does not exist](https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/the-original-alu...
Have the copies of original Tipitaka written in Aluvihara Sri Lanka now been lost?
It appears that the Tipitaka used in Sri Lanka an import from Thailand or Myanmar.
I ask because in this essay, [The original Alu Vihara manuscript does not exist](https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/the-original-alu-vihara-manuscript-does-not-exist/13026) , Ven. Sujato writes,
> The original text copied 2,000 years has long vanished in the mists of history. Manuscripts in Sri Lanka generally do not last longer than a few hundred years, and presumably it would have been re-copied multiple times. The Alu Vihara, it seems, remained a center for preserving manuscripts. Sadly, though, the old library was destroyed, along with any manuscripts, during the Matale rebellion of 1848 4. So we shall never know exactly what was in it at that time.
>
> We do know, however, that the Sri Lankan Sangha requested that manuscripts be imported from Myanmar and Thailand during the colonial period ...
>
> ... Despite all this, it is a common belief among Sri Lankans that the Alu Vihara original Tipitaka still exists.
... and later, presumably referring to a deleted post,
> Just in case anyone is wondering, the above post is exactly the kind of conspiracy theory I am trying to dispel.
---
So -- are "copies of the original" lost? What is the "[evidence](https://www.google.com/search?q=define%3Aevidence) " on that subject?
SarathW
(5685 rep)
Jun 13, 2019, 08:34 AM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 02:06 AM
3
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4
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2551
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Sexual misconduct, what is it
What is it? Is sex just for pleasure with your partner breaking a precept? Eg with a condom. And is being circumcised bad over personal preferences/ (hygiene,aesthetic)? is oral and anal sex bad? Is masturbation bad? And is circumcising your sons bad?
What is it? Is sex just for pleasure with your partner breaking a precept? Eg with a condom. And is being circumcised bad over personal preferences/ (hygiene,aesthetic)? is oral and anal sex bad? Is masturbation bad? And is circumcising your sons bad?
Xxx
(31 rep)
Jul 22, 2016, 11:05 AM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 01:48 AM
1
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4
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727
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Buddha's view on sexuality
In contemporary society (apart from religion) sex is mostly seen as something pleasurable, which is done even without considering childbearing. As far as I can see, Buddha taught extensively to lay people how to treat each other friendly & compassionately, but omitted the bodily intimacy aspect of i...
In contemporary society (apart from religion) sex is mostly seen as something pleasurable, which is done even without considering childbearing.
As far as I can see, Buddha taught extensively to lay people how to treat each other friendly & compassionately, but omitted the bodily intimacy aspect of it.
It's largely sensual desire that binds human couples together, and I am not merely referring to appearance, but also the craving to be touched etc. (as it's always correctly pointed out in the suttas: Pleasant feelings at the 5 sense doors)
Q1: Did the Buddha remain silent on these matters because of a specific reason?
Q1.1Was the Buddha even concerned about sexual objectification & did he suggested perhaps sexual repression?
Dhammapda 242 states:
>Unchastity is the taint in a woman
Q2: Could it be that a majority of Buddha's teaching are timeless, but few are open for change, due to different societal context etc.? (e.g., 3rd precept)
Q3: In the above quote, isn't it a bit biased to state that it's ONLY a woman's taint? Why not a man? Why focus overly on women?
Back in those days, there were probably fixed gender roles, but I believe society should progress & should rather acknowledge individuality even among the genders. It seems that the Buddha is over-generalizing, or did the miss the boat?
F2TF
(11 rep)
Dec 23, 2019, 01:22 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2023, 01:34 AM
Showing page 63 of 20 total questions