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What is the significance of Commentaries (Atthakatha) to the Suttas? In some traditions commentaries are inherent in the daily sermons and books written by monks. But I've noticed that most of the commentaries are not available digitally in English compared to the Suttas and most people don't use commentaries as refere...	Commentaries are just further explanation of meaning and details of the Suttas. Otherwise they can be useful to get and idea of the social customs, background or event leading to the preaching.
Mindfulness in Everyday Activity I have been practicing meditation, reading and listening to Buddhist teachings and I undertake the five precepts for about year now. This is the first time that I actually ask a question about my practice. I meditate every morning and then during my daily activities I try to be mindful ...	The reason to practice mindfulness is to overcome the opposite mind of forgetfulness. To add to the other answers, best is to be always be mindful of the sensations in your body and perhaps if possible the length of your breathing and the sensations around the mouth
Is it possible to experience powerful sensations, such as orgasm, without getting attached to it? I used orgasm as an example because it is usually the strongest sensation one can feel due to everything involved and all the chemistry released in the body. Also, I would say that sexual activity and drinking are probabl...	If you can orgasm without it feeling good then, yes. You can very well feel anything without getting attached to it,
Was the London Buddhist Society the first Western Sangha? Christmas Humphreys founded the London Buddhist society in 1924. Would this have been the first sangha in the West? Wikipedia says of it The Buddhist Society of London is one of the oldest Buddhist organisations outside Asia So were there other groups of ...	There was an organization founded in 1903 in Germany :
Is curiosity, for non Dhamma subjects, a bad thing? Curiosity can lead to desire (for knowing something), attachment and therefore suffering. Also, questions based on pure curiosity were left unaswered by the Buddha On the other hand, curiosity is what makes us evolve, so is it good or bad? How should one sees it? <Q>...	Both are a type of curiosity, but the first is intellectual curiosity that could be helpful or harmful.
What can go wrong in Mindfulness Therapy as used in Clinics? I just stumbled across the article Mindfulness therapy comes at a high price for some, say experts . Even when mindfulness is practiced correctly, side effects may occur, like feeling lost or disconnected from the world. What could be the cause of the side e...	Mindfulness certainly is good for anyone, but meditation can be harming.
Signlessness seems to be contradictory to Buddhism Signlessness is a concept that I was taught about Buddhism in a college course on Buddhism. It was defined as "not taking omens to have meaning, whether the omen was good or bad does not matter." But in the same course I learned the mystical means by which the new Dal...	The notion of signlessness is related to aniketa-cārī (usually translated as "wandering without a home" but having a broader meaning in Mahayana) -- the practice of "non-abiding", or not settling on any single conceptual, metaphysical, or philosophical base. To quote Wikipedia , Signlessness refers to the fact that phe...
Is lying at a job interview breaking a precept? Since lying is not really directed at a person, can it still be harmful? I have had multiple jobs before when the companies I worked for had no issues lying to me(on a organizational level) I can see how lying(when done successfully) can make myself believe I am somethi...	Also spin doctering / white lies with a intention to deceive is not fine.
How does Buddhism explain the creation of everything (universe) How does Buddhism explain the creation of everything (universe). Did Buddhism faithfuls believe that universe had always been here and forever, and everything runs by cause-and-effect? Did Buddha have any power of any kind to influence the universe, or it...	Buddhism does have an aspect of cosmology , creation and evolution of life on earth .
Mental note of thoughts during the day During daily activities it is ok to do a mental note when thoughts arise saying "thinking thinking" just in like the sitting meditation? I try to label every physical and mental phenomena during the day and nothing strange with that but with thinking it seems that sometimes I bloc...	The point is not in mechanically identifying consecutive thoughts, but rather in 1) setting up your subconscious intent ("alarm clock"), so that the "noticing" after "the getting carried away" happens by itself, but also 2) learning to let go (of an "important" thought) and come back to breathing.
Is there any buddhist explanation for deja vu? I'm not sure we will find that in the pali canon (per haps in Abidhamma?), but is there any thera/senior bikkhu that wrote about it? Is it related to past lifes or any special power of the mind? <Q> The psychology of C. G. Jung who wrote a preface to Bardo Thodol <S> (T...	As Suminda mentioned, there is probably a psychic power that allows one to see the future.
Difference between neutral Karma and no Karma I've read an article that mentioned something like neutral Karma, and it seems it is no more/less than no Karma. Does anything differentiate neutral Karma from no Karma? <Q> To the best of my knowledge, there is no such thing as neutral karma. <S> As you rightly surmise, ...	It's also called "neutral" because it has no karmic potency unlike mundane wholesome karma.
Can I meditate while lying on my back? Is lying flat on my back an acceptable meditation posture? Why or why not? <Q> You can, but it's not recommended. <S> Many people come to meditation with the notion that it is a relaxation exercise. <S> With that preconception, it's no surprise that so many wonder why we just...	One can meditate in any posture, but meditating lying down can be challenging because it is easy to fall asleep. To meditate properly (from a Buddhist standpoint), it is very important for the body to be in an upright and invigorated position.
Do monks not have responsibility towards parents and family? In this age, getting enlightened is not sought after by many as in Buddhas era. So I assume it must be harder for parents to accept such a decision. But monks who decide to ordain also have responsibility towards parents. How does that fit into ethics of Budd...	Generally speaking, a monk need concern him or herself with practical responsibilities towards fellow monastics (including teachers and preceptors) and lay disciples. : there's a modern view which says, Parents have a responsibility towards their children Children do not have a similar (parental) responsibility towards...
Can a buddhist enjoy life - what are the limitations and restrictions I see many people telling that buddhism restricts the happiness of "gihi" (non clergy) life. What do you think? Does teaching in buddhism ask people to always think of uncertainty? <Q> Welcome to Buddhism. <S> SE! <S> Anyone who says that is misrep...	Buddhism teaches that happiness can be divided into three categories: Sensual happiness which is the least happiness, happiness based on concentration which is better, and the happiness of Nibbana, which is the supreme happiness.
Is stream entry an unmistakeable experience? I've heard stream entry described as a turning about in the deepest seat of consciousness. I've also read other accounts that make me think that there is something about the experience that is unmistakable. Is that true? If one were to attain stream entry would one know it w...	The true stream entry is unmistakable, What makes it unmistakable is the fact that in order to attain it, you have to run out of other options.
Taking care of perineum How can one take care of the perineum Does anyone have any knowledge about this part of the body being affected by excessive sitting in meditation. I have had medical help, removal of cysts, haemorrhoids and general stiffness over my course of meditative life. Is this a normal problem with m...	I would very much consider adding walking meditation to your practice, both to potentially help your lower body issues and perhaps strengthen them at the same time. Make sure your cushion or wooden block is slightly slope downward.
What does a traditional Buddhist wedding look like? I have been to Christian weddings (American), Jewish weddings, and Hindu weddings, but I have no idea what a traditional Buddhist wedding looks like. I realize that there are probably differences between the different sects of Buddhism, but are there any common cultu...	Here in Sri Lanka, the couple go to a Buddhist temple to get the blessings before or after the marriage ceremony.
Amisa pooja for Buddha I know that we can make great Karma by offering Flowers,candles,incense,food,robes and other things for the Buddha statue thinking as if the Buddha is alive. But whenever I do offer these things my mind says "The Buddha is not there to receive this.And this is not the proper way to pay respect fo...	In brief, before giving have a joyous mind, have a mind that is bright and clear during the offering, and be pleased with the offering once you have made it. The proper way is to try to be mindful and try to be free from the defilement in the mind. The best way is to do do Puja to the triple get is through the practice...
Do lay Buddhists ever wear distinguishing clothing or jewellery? I'm aware that Buddhist monastic communities often wear robes that distinguish them and visibly mark them out as Buddhists. Do lay Buddhist ever do the same thing? Is there any jewellery or clothing that lay Buddhists wear to mark them out as Buddhists - ...	Lay buddhists in their everyday life are not prescribed any distinguishing clothing etc.
Can Buddhism help me escape the difficulties in my life? I am tired of the rat race, working a job I hate to buy things that I don't need. I am tired of technology and the grasp it has on everybody in the western world. Is there a feasible way, within Buddhist practice, for the average westerner to escape it all in e...	If you meditate for a decent amount of time in the morning before work, maybe you will find some peace before going in.
What is the symbol sometimes depicted on images of the Buddha which looks like a swastika? I often look up images of the Buddha online to use as desktop backgrounds for pc or phone. I've seen quite a few images that show a symbol that looks like a swastika on the Buddha's chest. What is the meaning of this symbol? <Q> ...	In my understanding, this is a reference to the message of positive constructive attitude inherent in Buddhist philosophy: taking on the universe with all its inherent problems, and winning (remember Buddha is often referred to as "Victor" in texts).
Meditation and Mouth breathing Some meditation techniques use the nostrils as a point of concentration, others only mention that we should breathe via the nose. Many people have problems with that and can only breath through their mouths. Is this a problem for meditation? How serious is it? <Q> Here are some of the re...	If one gets stuffy nose, it should be ok to breathe thru the mouth for a while because the "location" is not as important as the awareness/mindfulness of the in-out breaths "brushing" the point of contact.
Living worried about the future and reaching mindfulness I'm going through a lot. It's very easy to be lost in thoughts and worries about the near future, and that leads me to a life of unhappiness. I also feel guilty when I fell happy, because I feel I should be worried. For me it's very hard to accept the idea that ...	You can have a goal in the future, as long as you fully accept 1) where you are now, what you have now, exactly and completely, and 2) that despite your efforts the future may still end up Buddhism doesn't advocate the acceptance of impermanence, so much as the realization that it is the truth; once you realize it for ...
How to use meditation to boost logical thinking (or avoiding suffering with unrational scenario) Sometimes I catch my mind wandering and mixing up all the worst case scenarios for the future. Currently I have a problem that will, most likely, have a small or medium impact on my life, however my mind has proven to have...	Meditation is more about perceiving that there is no sense to imagine too far, or to get excessively concerned with thoughts. Instead of thinking too far away and producing suffering, try to do something practical.
A question about sitting, movement and mindfulness I have had bad posture for most of my life. I find that if I do not sit quite straight during sitting meditation, my body leans forward putting weight on my legs which becomes quite painful. However, when I sit straight, my "sitting bones" become painful. So, I tend to...	This sort of rocking is most likely a defence mechanism; if you are consciously instigating it, then it is simply a reaction to the unpleasant stimuli. Also, if it is painful for your body to sit on the floor or on a cushion, I would recommend that you try meditating while seated in a chair and see if that is less pain...
Is going for refuge central to all Buddhist traditions? In the Triratna community, who I practice with, we see going for refuge to the three jewels as our central practice - the three jewels being the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. In fact the name Triratna means the three jewels . However the founder of the movement ...	In every single branch of Buddhism I have looked into, going for refuge is seen as the defining feature of what makes you a Buddhist.
How to keep balance in the thin line between non attachment to reputation and "not caring about anything" One of the main problems I had to deal with, when I started to meditate and study the Dhamma, was the consequence of giving up attachment to reputation and pride. Of course this is an extremelly positive thing to ...	The right fix, in my personal opinion, would be to respond as best as you can when people tell you such things.
How to Know the Knowing of Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta Anicca , dukkha , anatta . I've listened to plenty of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis talk about these characteristics at length. Take for example anicca. I am asking the same thing about dukkha and anatta. Suppose one has not yet seen for oneself how all phenomena are impe...	In my experience, it is seeing all implications , top to bottom, is what makes all the difference in the world.
Which buddhist traditions are typically viewed as most liberal? Yes it is asking for opinions, which i will investigate further on my own. opinions would be helpful in this particular circumstance. <Q> For some (unspecified) definitions of "liberal", might Soka Gakkai International (SGI) be among the "most liberal"?F...	Based on what I have seen I would say New Kadampa was the most liberal as they claim to have "a modern Buddhism for a modern world", however I choosed to go with Theravada for many reasons
Sleep, references to the buddha and other arhats I have heard on various occasions that the Buddha slept very little. I was wondering if there is any theory out there that explains this. I was also looking for some specific reference in the literature that can attest to this. My question doesn't refer specifically to ...	This sleepiness is caused by your mental impurities, which would be driven out by the practice of Vipassana, and which therefore try to stop you from meditating.
Is turning off a patient's life support system encouraging to kill? If a person is on a life support system due to the failure of one or more organs and not able to return to normal life without them again, if the family consents to the doctors' recommendation to turn off the artificial life support, can this be consid...	No matter whether it's killing, ordering to kill, approving killing, or advising killing, it is not approved in Buddhism, even when we are talking about a person in extreme pain or a bad condition/Coma.
Conflict between Brahmajala Sutta and current Buddhist practices I'm very confused about this sutta ( http://suttacentral.net/en/dn1 ) specially in the part "Mahāsīla" Many of what the Buddha stated as wrong livelihood is very common in some Buddhist centres these days, things like: Astrology, selling lucky gems, off...	It is clearly seen that Right Livelihood make Sanga less tasks and errands where the tasks and errands are adverse to practicing Dhamma to attain the Nirvana. First, the Brahmajala Sutta is one of the greatest Suttas in Pali Canon. The perspective of Right Livelihood for normal people is quite different from the Buddhi...
How would one begin practising Buddhism? It is very easy to find lots of information on the internet about Buddhism and the concepts.However I struggle to know where or how to start becoming a Buddhist, if that is the correct way to state it. <Q> Find and join a sangha (buddhist community) that you are comfortable w...	Talking to the community to understand what and how they practice buddhism.
How to refute the idea that Buddhism might be actually "too extreme"? I actually had a lot of respect for Buddhism, and studied it a few years ago. But it made me feel that it might be too extreme (and it could be that most religions are too extreme, because they tend to think what they believe is right, and the other...	Buddha's teaching should not be taken out of context and unwittingly extrapolated.
What does "heard" mean in "I allow fish and meat that is pure in three respects: One has not seen, heard, or suspected..." In Vinaya, there is this rule (copied from Buddhist Monastic Code II ): "One should not knowingly consume meat killed on purpose (for a bhikkhu). Whoever should consume it: an offense of wrong ...	I would say hear = hear the sound of the animal being killed/ screaming (not for fish or course)
According to Buddha's characteristics and teaching in Pali Canon, could he have taught Vajrayana (and Karmamudra)? One of the characteristics of Vajrayana is its secret transmission (esoteric tranmission) of certain teachings. The other one is the controversial karmamudra (sexual practice to reach spiritual attainmen...	According to the early texts the Buddha didn't have any secret teachings.
How does one become victim of one's own Karma? I understand Karma as describing habitual mind patterns which cause one to behave impulsively according to certain mental predispositions conditioned by previous actions and intentions. My question is how does Karma work in situations of violence/abuse. I understand how a...	More practically, one becomes victim of one's own karma (e.g. violence) by shaping the circumstances that tend to be conducive to the same karma being repeated.
Theravada using mostly Vinaya and 4 Nikayas There is a Buddhist monk from Theravada tradition that only follows Vinaya and the 4 Nikayas, he avoids talking about Abidhamma or other sources like Jakata Tales, he said some later stories contradicts the Buddha's teachings and gave some interesting examples, he also avoids...	There are those who say that reading the commentaries is helpful for understanding difficult positions.
What really Sekha means? i'm still a bit confused, i know that "sekha" means literally "a learner; in course of perfection"but in some article "sekha" means "a pupil or one under training in a religious doctrine." what i really want to know is if whether the word "sekha" is used for religious terms only, or it can be ...	A sekha is someone who trains himself in higher virtues , training the mind to a higher degree and training for higher wisdom or basically someone who's training himself in the eightfold path.
Fate and karma same or different? I do not understand the difference between karma and fate; are they the same or different? <Q> All the things happen is not a result of Karma. <S> Actually in Buddhism there are Fivefold Niyama where as Karma Niyama is a just one of them. <S> The Fivefold Niyama is as follows uthu-n...	You (the choices you make) decide what your karma is
Is it too much focus on awareness in regular daily life a bad thing when beginning mindfulness? Does the attempt to bring awareness into all aspects of life as a beginner have a greater potential of producing negative affects when starting. I'm wondering if too much practice can come as a shock to the mind if awarene...	If you use mindfulness to become aware, it is a likely occurrence that eventually things or events that have been buried will emerge.
Are there different types of craving? According to Buddhist tradition are there different types of craving? It occurs to me that the following could all be described using the English word craving Being thirsty (for water) Really wanting a new car Wistfully missing a loved one when they are temporarily absent from...	Bhava-tanha (craving to be): craving to be something, to unite with an experience. If you look at dependent origination and the Nidānas closely, craving arises due to feeling.
Vibrating Sensation in Middle of forehead during meditation? Recently during my meditation sessions I have been getting a vibrating sensation between the eyebrows sometimes it can be quite intense. I have looked online and from what I can find it suggests this sensation refers to the "third eye". Just wondering if th...	This sensation is normal during meditation and the place is called Ajna (or third-eye chakra - the mind's eye). A word of caution will be not to get attached to these sensations...sometimes you may not feel them and sometimes these sensations may be painful...remaining equanimous all the time is the key.
How to deal with loved ones who don't support you? I am very close to someone in my family. I have supported her through rough times and offered my advice. However, she does not support me for the one thing I want in life. I am working hard to achieve my goal (career related), but she is completely against it. I have t...	Consider her input, find out if she's willing to help you understand, and by all means listen! Metta and loving kindness meditation I suspect would be helpful.
On Suffering and Happiness Is happiness something we should seek? I feel discontent seeking the state of happiness or creating this state of mind when I know that other beings are suffering. For example, if one knows that animals are being slaughtered inhumanely to satisfy the desire of greed and glutony, then how can ...	As a Buddhist you should seek your happiness while working towards the happiness of others. You should look an any unconformable sensations in body and mind and dissolve them a way by bringing strong attention to these sensations.
How should I view others sufferings I cannot affect? Through Vipassan meditation one can learn how to guard ones mind against externalities and not be affected by emotions. I believe that trying to follow this meditation to view the world from an unemotional state with actions not guided by emotion would definitely hel...	Also if you want to help the suffering of the external world, i would suggest not increasing the suffering of others, that would be a good start, and to achieve that, it would be for you to continue your practice into freedom, then you can be an example for others!!
Intense pins and needles I tried meditation literally just now...Monday 24 November 21:00 UK time. This is the second time I have ever tried it... literally twice this evening. I have tried before lying down in bed etc to see if I could get out of body experiences but no luck. So tonight I had nothing to do and tried s...	In correct meditation, when we break out of the normal habits of mental and physical tension and instead relax deeply, a force permeates the entire body, and massively increases circulation of blood, lymph, qi. Normally, people are tense and thinking too much, it constricts the energy flow (not just blood) in the body....
Do Buddhists see reality as consensual or individual? Do Buddhists see reality as consensual or individual? Are all persons' realities joined in a seamless whole, or is each person a window onto nothingness that can never be seen by anyone else? I am not finding easy words for my question which seems clear to me... I ...	If you're asking about "physical reality" then I don't think so -- I think that Buddhism describes a reality that's more complicated than merely 'physical' reality.
What exactly is happiness, moods and states of the mind? Buddha mentioned that happiness is the greatest wealth. When going through the TED Happiness Topic , The habits of happiness , Depression, the secret we share , The struggle of mental health , All kinds of minds , How does my brain work? , What makes you h...	Happiness might be any moment we're not analyzing what happiness is in the universal sense, and not analyzing our own personal happiness at any given moment.
Refuge in the modern vipassanā movement (the concept/practice, not the ceremony/commitment) How much discussion of refuge is there in the modern vipassanā movement ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vipassana_movement )? If there is significant emphasis, what is its character? I am particularly interested in Western vi...	The modern Vipassanā Movement has actually less to do with the Buddhas heritage as it has actually mostly no refuge in what is headed toward Nibbana as object but merely how to avoid suffering while still desire wandering on in the world.
Vipassana texts and books references request I just read Allan Wallace's "The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind" book. He cites vipashyana (or vipassana, vipassanā, vipaśyanā, lha-thong) but he doesn't deepen much on it. Can you refer to some texts and books regarding this meditation? <Q>...	A good introductory book would be: Essentials of Insight Meditation Practice MINDFULNESS IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Can one lose jhana? Once one has learned how to obtain and maintain jhana can the ability be lost (i.e., forgotten), due to lack of use. <Q> This is a possibility with regard to mundane <S> Dhyāna / Jhana . <S> One such instance is Devadatta <S> One good example from the Buddha’s time was Devadatta, who was a b...	Once you become a stream-enterer, it's not possible to lose your Ability to get into Jhana.
Can I call myself Buddhist? Is Buddhism a religion? There are differences of opinion on the question of whether or not Buddhism should be considered a religion. Many sources commonly refer to Buddhism as a religion. If yes then in which region? Can I call myself Buddhist? If I believe in Buddha and his philosophy? Bu...	You can call yourself a Buddhist.
Where to get the Pali Canon in Pali? Does anyone know of a place on the Internet, where one can find the entire Pali Canon written in Pali ? I did a basic search but could not find any such resource. Also, where can one buy a hard-copy of the entire Pali Canon(written in Pali) ? It would be helpful even if som...	There are two editions of the Canon: BJT Sri Lanka Buddha Jayanti Tripiṭaka Series and PTS from the Pāli Text Society.
Is 'be thankful to your parents, for they brought you life' incongruent with Buddhist thought? It appears to me that this is incompatible with Buddhist teachings. Life will bring suffering, and it'll not be a kind and easy journey. So why be thankful? On the other hand, if you weren't an arhat then you were going to b...	One reason why it is congruent with Buddhist thought is that it's better than some alternatives: for example, thinking, "I hate my stupid parents, they wronged me, they never gave me enough
How do I make non-buddhists help understand I operate with a different view? I have started on my path not very long ago and because I'm very unsure where it will take me, I am hesitant to label myself as a Buddhist or even a meditator or such. Also where I live, eastern schools of thought are not well known anyway. I...	As long as what you are doing is not immoral in my case I would go along with what the others are doing.
Is there a harmful side to mindfulness as it is practiced in Western materialistic/capitalistic cultures? Is there a harmful side to mindfulness as it is practiced in Western materialistic/capitalistic cultures? Clearly the modern mindfulness movement has been very successful, but I'm wondering if that's at the expens...	Another point i want to make is that i think the practice of mindfulness becomes more ineffective when taken out of the true context which is the buddhist way as described by the Buddha.
Can Buddhist marry non Buddhist? I have relationship with non Buddhist, and we both thinking seriously about marriage. My family could not accept him because he is not Buddhist. But as I learned so far , Buddhism teach us to love and respect all religion. Can I marry him? <Q> What a Buddhist should do is: <S> Lead ...	One of the most important thing you should consider before marrying a non Buddhist is if you would be able to continue your practice even after marriage.
Does samatha practice always come before vipassana practice? In my tradition ( Triratna ) there is a big emphasis of a lot of samatha practice before any vipassana practice. This has always made sense to me. However is this universal in all Buddhist schools? Are there any Buddhist schools that do minimal or even no sam...	Well, according to AN 9.44 PannaVimutta Sutta Doing Samatha-Vipassana at the same time is the best way to Obtain and realizing Wisdom.
Should I avoid using Mindfulness to fall asleep? Is the use of Mindfulness of breath for falling asleep a "bad" practice? Might such a practice invite torpor during sitting meditation? <Q> If you are using meditation to go to sleep: You are inducing a hindrance. <S> If this becomes habitual it will block your progres...	If you're feeling excessively sleepy while meditating, sleep and then come back to meditation.
The emptiness of nirvana Maybe a strange question, but I wonder if emptiness (sunyatta) is also a characteristic of the state of nirvana? <Q> Actually, Nirvana... is something beyond emptiness. <S> Emptiness (sunyata) is the stopping phase of cultivation. <S> Nirvana is the "seeing" phase, where you transcend even that...	Emptiness characterizes everything, including Nirvana and even emptiness itself.
What is dry insight? Following up from this answer - What is 'dry insight' exactly and how does it work. Is it a practice that someone will activity engage in or is it something that just happens to someone - a flash of inspiration out of the blue? I'm confused about how one could practice insight independent of any ...	Dry insight or bare insight (suddha-vipassana) is the 'direct' way
Was meditation not practiced for most of the history of Buddhism? In a recent Buddhist Geeks podcast the presenter Bodhipaksa stated that by the time the Buddhagosa wrote the commentary Visuddhimagga in the 5th Century CE, meditation had been largely abandoned. He goes on to state that there is good evidence that 5...	Some city monks devoted themselves to meditation, and some forest monks also spent a good deal of time studying.
Buddhism vs. Nature and Real World I'm not very experienced in Buddhism but while reading some articles and few books about it I wonder about one key thing.. If I am not mistaken, the compassion with other species is one of the key pillar of Buddhism. It teaches us that everything is relative and feeling the compassio...	Being compassionate is a cornerstone of Buddhism but in so far as to maintain a healthy mind as when one becomes uncompassionate you generate negativity.
Jhana practice and Dry insight practice together Is it possible that a meditator uses jhana practice and dry insight together? I mean: not combined in the same meditation session, but clearly in separate, distinct meditation sessions. Both meditation practices have their own benefits (and disadvantages), so I wonde...	So when practising meditation, it is not the best to take the stance that you aim to develop exclusively on or the other, though different techniques maybe conducive for one or the other, but at time when you reap better results in areas which were not intended this also should be accepted. Of course!You are supposed t...
Best books & articles for practicing jhanas Which are the best books and/or articles for practicing the jhanas? <Q> Have a look at: <S> Bhante Vimalaramsi Thanissaro Bhikkhu Forest Dhamma Forest Sangha Publications Buddhist eLibrary Manual of Mindfulness of Breathing <A> I have this book by Ajahn Brahm (Mindf...	Great meditation manual as well as guide to the Jhanas.
How do you handle loud, meaningful family noises while trying to focus? THe most successful cultivators and Buddhists cultivated in the forest or mountains where there are few people. In our day and age, this is less easy due to polluted rivers, overharvesting of resources, financial necessity, etc. and we all live in ...	If the sound is very loud it might hurt the ear also but even in other cases when you practice you get some sensation. Maybe another note would be to make your practice unnoticeable to your family. I am trying it and it is giving results. One solution would be to (try to) improve your family dynamic. This should be you...
Is it okay to leave your suffering family behind when you have an instinct to attain Nirvana? I see my society cherishing and nourishing their respected beloved ones and living at their best. I've tried to do that but I have many unanswered questions. How can I help myself to attain Nirvana when I have doubts about lea...	Leaving does remove some responsibility which makes time for serious practice.
is language a barrier? If I am an illitrate of all (this worldly languages) and I am aware of all the unanswered doubts, then how come i'll explain you 'what I have asked or answered ? There are so many bars in putting questions or placing answers people. Ahh.. Nt easy admin. <Q> I think I remember a story told of the ...	Language is a "system of communication".
Translation of 'ekayano maggo' In the Mahasatipatthana (DN 22) sutra the Buddha speaks about ekayano maggo . What is the exact translation in English: is it: 'direct way' or 'only way' ? <Q> The analysis quoted here says that, literally, it could be either; but that, looking at various places in which it's used i...	This is the only way leading to the destination.
Why can't a Buddha's power just save us already? Like Jesus I am a faithful believer in the Buddha's teachings and I even believe in the iddhi powers they all had and that show up in our day as well. I also believe in the various Bodhisattvas and Buddha's even within Taoism and contemplate and marvel at them every da...	Just like a Buddha cannot save you, you can't effort yourself into enlightenment.
Supplication in buddhist practice Does any Buddhist practice consists of supplication, or is there too much merit being exchanged for that? Supplication (also known as petitioning) is a form of prayer, wherein one party humbly or earnestly asks another party to provide something, either for the party who is doing t...	Supplication does appear in Buddhism, even though there is less emphasis on it than in Christian teachings: Buddhists are less likely to e.g. put their successes down to being blessed.
Does any school seriously believe Maitreya might appear in my lifetime Say, the next 30 years? The world is going to undergo great turmoil IMO, as technology outstrips not just need but the reality we live in. Is there much or indeed any chance that Maitreya will appear to help humanity through these changes? <Q> Wel...	Many sutras suggest that he will not appear for millions of years.
What distinction is made between "awareness" and "consciousness"? What Buddhist distinction is made between "awareness" and "consciousness"?I view "mindfulness" as a purposeful application of awareness.However, I am at a loss for a clear distinction between awareness and consciousness. <Q> Here is a short passage from ...	It should be clearly understood that consciousness does not recognize an object. I agree with the view that "mindfulness" ('sati') is a purposeful application of awareness or consciousness. '
Why is an emaciated Buddha rarely represented in art? Surely The Buddha appeared quite emaciated when he realized full enlightenment. Why is an emaciated Buddha rarely represented in art? <Q> As @ChrisW linked above, there are many representations of the Buddha in his emaciated state, such as and . <S> From the bo...	Representing the Buddha as emaciated is likely to lead others to fast like the Buddha, thereby repeating his follies.
Looking for negative reference to women in the Avatamsaka Sutra I came across this rather gender progressive comment from Nichiren If we examine the Flower Garland Sutra, the first sutra to be preached after the Buddha attained enlightenment, we find that it is a Mahayana work preached by the Buddha in his aspect a...	So if it is there at all, I think it's more likely that the quote is a summary/paraphrase of a larger chunk of the sutra, and not a direct translation.
How can I overcome the causes of anger? When I get angry with someone, I can usually calm this feeling after some time through meditation practices. But I'm wondering how can I overcome the causes of this 'anger' in a way that I don't get angry anymore with something? <Q> Excellent that you are interested in this! <...	To transform your anger, you may have to change the way you communicate with the 'someone' you mentioned by being more honest and being willing to be vulnerable about painful, troubling feelings. Bee mindful of the feeling it cause and just leave it at that without any reaction knowing that the feeling also will pass a...
Does using or watching YouTube break a bhikkhu's rules? Would using YouTube or other social media, where one is exposed to music or forced advertising/entertainment, be breaking the rules for monks? "the watching of entertainments are stumbling blocks" This makes watching any of YouTube (Number 7 of the eight prece...	If you go to youtube to hear music that is not filled with words, and does not stir up the passions, in other words pure music, then that can be an aid in meditation practice just as sitting, walking and lying down meditation all have their place.
Is 'Neo' the Buddha? In the Matrix, is Neo's character just Sidhartha in a new life? Does the movie have any implication to whether Neo is actually the Buddha? I know the movie is chalk full of notions of being Buddhist or at least explores some of it's foundings but Im asking is anyone in the movie, mainly Neo, seen a...	No, not in the context of the story.
Submission in Buddhist teachings / practices I have heard people, Buddhists I guess you would say, mention submitting to a higher power. It was just in passing, but I wondered if that sort of thing had any role to play in the theory or practice of Buddhism. I think I would like to "submit", and can do so without losin...	Surrender in the Buddhist sense, on the other hand, is about letting go of any fixed notion of self, the universe or any other idea, and trusting in experience to guide you to truth.
Buddhist (Theravada) cure for "Insecurity"? While the Pali scriptures address (or at least reference) a number of specific sufferings that a human being can be subject to (Jealousy, Anger, Fear, etc.), do any of the teachings deal with the specific suffering of Insecurity (and how to overcome it)? Meaning a lack of se...	From my own experience I can add, regular meditation helps tremendously to reduce the pathological kinds of self-reflection. Don't fight it or get upset that you got anxious. If one is well-learned and well-trained at whatever s/he is doing, one tends to be more confident than an incompetent bumbler.
How does our inactions contribute to Karma?... For eg:How can you justify act of your cook killing an animal for your non buddhist guest? I came to know His Holiness Dalai Lama serves his guests meat at his residency.... Is it dharma to ask your cook to kill an animal to serve your guest or further is it not your dharm...	Is it dharma to ask your cook to kill an animal to serve your guest If Dalai Lama asks the cook to kill an animal, he violates the 1st precept and commits bad karma.
How Can One Tell The Difference Between The Spiritual Mind And The Physical Mind? Is there any information in the texts that tell you the difference between the spiritual mind and the physical mind. I know there are ways to transcend, but that's not what I'm looking for. What I'm asking is complicated. At what is a tho...	A thought is always a mental process originated in the mind.
buddha and the fear? Fear is something that can hold us back in inaction. Fear is something that i have in me regarding my presence and purpose of existence. Apart from my social life, apart from whatever i can do for my family i have an instinct to have much more potential in me. But fear of loosing my present keep me...	Fear is a primal instinct which has its function as it enables us to avoid dangerous situations, thus fearlessness is in itself dangerous and there is such a thing as pathological fearlessness .
The Buddha who knew there were 31 realm but didn't mention anything about a round earth Why didn't the Buddha, who knew there were 31 realms of existence, not talk about the roundness of the earth and planets? <Q> The basic project of Buddhism is solving the problem of suffering (or sometimes some other variation of th...	I think the only reason the Buddha mentioned the 31 planes of existence was to help us understand more about samsara and that there are mind states that correlates with these 31 planes of existence. Also, in the Surangama sutra or some other sutra Buddha describes the roundness of planets and "sun-systems. He may not h...
What do we do when we've broken a precept? How should we proceed in our practice when we have broken some of the five precepts? I am anguished over this unwholesome behavior and the negative karma I created. Ajahn Brahm talks about self-forgiveness and the Buddha in the Sankha Sutta (the Conch Trumpet Sutta) talks abou...	Then at night, before going to sleep, reflect on the day's activities and see if you broke any precepts or if you can improve with Samma Vayama and try to do better next day. Don't regret or repent! Forgive yourself when you have fully taken this decision to change and made this sacrifice List the different things you ...
Is there a correlation between sukha and passadha? Is there a correlation between sukha (the 4th component of the jhanangas) and passadha (the 5th component of the sambojjhanga)? <Q> When Piti arises and you stay equanimously watching the arising and passing knowing its impermanence (with no attachment or craving to th...	When Piti is developed correctly it will lead to Passadha (which simply means tranquility or peace.) It's not just a strong correlation, it's the direct cause.
Which text does the four sights story come from? One of the most famous stories of the Buddha is that of the four sights in which the Buddha sees old age, sickness death and a monk for the first time. However I read that this story doesn't actually occur in the Pali Canon. Can anyone give the reference for the text or ...	In the early Pali sources, the legendary account of the four sights is only described with respect to a previous legendary Buddha Vipassī (Mahāpadāna Sutta, DN 14).[13]
Were the Buddha's earliest followers bhikkhus? What is the proper name for the Buddha's earliest followers such as Ananda and Sariputta - the ones that followed the Buddha during his lifetime. Would the term be bhikkhu and bhikkhuni or does this only apply to settled monastics? <Q> There are 4 Bhikkhu - Male mon...	In Maha-parinibbana Sutta , for example, they're referred to as "bhikkhus" and "Venerable".
Does hand gesture have an impact on meditation or attainment of Nirvana? The question regarding the gesture while sitting for meditation has always intrigued me. When I tried to ask this to a Vipassana teacher in my 10-day course, he put it off saying I should concentrate on meditation first without worrying about thes...	If you get attached to the vibrations and gestures this will do more harm than good in your progress. Other traditions emphasize complete relaxation of the body, and the hands are just kept resting loosely. So in terms of Tantric Buddhist practice, yes, the mudras are a vital part of the process.
What is the difference between Satipatthana and Vipassana? In short, if i practice Vipassana meditation does it means i practice Satipatthana? <Q> Satipatthana is the name of the actual practice, and Vipassana is the name of the quality of clearly seeing reality which Satipatthana produces. <A> Vipassana itself is True...	Satipatthana is merely a pathway (or meditation method) for Vipassana training.
I can feel the rising and falling of sensations in vipassana, but what to make of thoughts? There are two things I want to understand here. Firstly, though I'm not overly disturbed by thoughts during vipassana sitting, I just don't know how do I treat them. What I presently do is just try to ignore them and continue ob...	Rather consider objectively that a thought is a thought, and seeing it as anything else is subjective. A thought might become frustration, and you should observe that impartially. Also pay attention to changes in breathing.
Does breeding dogs fall under right livelihood? Does breeding and selling dogs fit into right livelihood provided that you make a concerted effort to make sure the animals find homes with responsible owners? Edit : Thanks for the answers so far. I am especially interested in answers that are rooted in the Pali Canon...	I think people are able to have productive and ethical relationships with animals, however I would argue that the combination of animals and commercial purposes creates welfare issues as the business maxims of maximum output for input inevitably come into play.
Is it OK to mentally multi-task during vipassana meditation? It appears that I have found it possible to focus both on the breath (as a meditation object) and to be aware of a bit of a train of thought. Is this acceptable, or unacceptable, or should it be avoided? Or, is it perhaps simply varying "snippets" of mind-m...	If you are aware of the snippets of mind-movements as they are alternating, acknowledge that awareness, and perhaps any induced reaction (liking, disliking, fascination, thoughts, comparison), let it go, and return to your anchor (breath).
Why Vipassana meditation need a base object? I think (please correct me if I am wrong) that Vipassana is about letting go of control and judgement, and the meditator will just become aware and accept things as they are. Be it pain, thoughts, sound, or physical sensations like breath or a moving stomach (as we breath). ...	Keeping mind on the base object trains concentration, acknowledging and coming back trains mindfulness.
What is this personality split I'm feeling since practicing Vipassana? Ever since I've started practicing Vipassana, I'm starting to feel two distinct and diametrically opposite intentions are developing within me. The first one says "I've suffered enough, not any more! I'm prepared to do anything to experience Nirvan...	You can have nirvana and you can enjoy life at the same time.
Are all non-monastic ways of life wrong livelihood? Leading on from this answer - is it true that ultimately most or even all non-monastic lifestyles are wrong livelihood. Not being a monk I find this point of view quite challenging but just because I don't like it doesn't stop it from being true. Also I suspect tha...	If you mean, according to a certain school, then yes, according to the Theravada, it is true, since an arahant is unable to practice non-monastic livelihood.
What are the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism? Can anyone provide short (maybe a couple of sentences) summaries of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the differences between them. In fairly certain there are 4 main schools but I could be wrong in that. Also if there are more minor schools of interested then a lin...	Nyingma - "the old (translation) tradition", based on prehistoric transmissions of B into Tibet as early as 8th century.
How to Practice Vipassana? I have been practicing samatha for five years now and have rarely done any other kind of meditation. I have tried to practice vipassana in the past but get confused with how to do it. First of all you place your attention on your abdomen,when i'm more used to my attention being on the tip o...	The breath itself is a concept, so you can't use that as an object of Vipassana. The abdomen is just a convenient anchor that we come back to again and again; it is not special (as far as I have experienced). What I do is I keep the area small and regularly change the point after while until I know I can instantly sens...

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