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The needs of the same human being may differ at different stages of life. Can there be one Dharma for all stages? From infancy till old age, our bodily, psychological and even spiritual change and evolve. Also, their faults or risks differ at each stage of life. For instance, the greatest "fault" of an infant is ignora...	In the meditation one will truly understand that the Dhamma is timeless and always the same for all ages and stages.
Should a beginner try to educate others about the benefits of Vipassana? As a practitioner (but a beginner) of Anapana and Vipassana meditation, I have realized and experienced the immense benefits of the technique and the immense potential of Dhamma to bring change and goodness in whoever applies it in life. As is nat...	In general, if you are really interested in bettering someone else's life, a master would spend a decent amount of their effort trying to understand what that person needed and how they could present it in a gradual and follow-able way that would lead to fruition for the person, but also the knowledge that it is effort...
Question about how to generate more motivation to meditate. I just wanted to hopefully get some ideas on how some of the fellow users of this site motivate themselves to meditate on a more frequent basis. What ultimately motivates each one of you to continue meditating? The good feelings of samadhi or the tranquility o...	Also a motivator would be experiencing some positive results. In general, reflecting on the many benefits and really making a strong wish to spend more time and regular time meditating will be great.
Perception (saṃjñā) and discrimination How do perception and discrimination relate? I remember thinking (when reading) that they were near synonyms <Q> Discernment (wisdom; panna) & consciousness are conjoined, friend, not disjoined. <S> It's not possible, having separated them one from the other, to delineate the ...	Perception is your outlook of the world or mind map of the world.
Five Precepts - did Buddha really preach them? The five precepts are (from wikipedia) I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing. I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given. I undertake the training rule to avoid sensual misconduct. I undertake the training rule to a...	He should not steal nor incite another to steal.
Can vipassana cause mental stress? I tried Vipassana for some time. I feel some fear of death and reality of life. So what do I want to do? When I do anapanasathi, I feel relaxed. <Q> Vipassana is about seeing things as they are. <S> If you fear death during vipassana meditation then be mindful of the fear. <S> One has...	Vipassana is a an integral part of overcoming stress.
Do modern-day Buddhists take "Mara The Evil One" literally? I find that a good number of believing Christians and Muslims think that Satan literally exists and is a very real actor in the real world. Is "Mara the Evil One, the Tempter" a rhetoric device in Buddhist tales -- a personification to enable the construction...	I've not met any Buddhist who believes that Mara is a literal personal being.
Is meditating while on the bike at the gym an effective method of meditation? Walking meditation : http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/ is considered as "just as profound as sitting meditation". If we were to extrapolate this idea into a situation where instead of walk...	Meditating on the exercise bike should be done in addition to your regular meditative practice, and should be part of an attempt to maintain continuous mindfulness. no you won't get the best workout.
Meditation Into A Dream State Does anyone know if one can fall asleep into a dream while in the process of mindful insight practice and still maintain mindfulness and concentration? This would be different than establishing mindfulness while dreaming. <Q> Before I became Buddhist <S> I did a lot of random "spiritual" p...	If you are in a dream state there is some metal activity hence there can be some mindfulness and concentration, but this goes in hand with Sloth and Torpor hence the level of mindfulness and concentration would be weak.
Was The Buddha only human, or was he super-human? Before Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment, did he have a normal human body with normal human attributes? Or was his body anatomically different or superior to yours and mine in its physical attributes? If different, in what ways was it different? Before Enlighte...	As for mind, heart and character, he had all the Paramis . Some Mahāyāna texts argue that his human body was simply a manifestation of a higher order existence.
Is there any mention of child adoption in any Buddhist writings and what is the view on child adoption with regard to Buddhism? Being married, I have of late been coming across the dilemma of whether to have a child or not and if yes, if a biological child or not (which by itself may be another question which I may ask...	As long as the intent is good it does not matter whether you adopt someone who already has a body or if you create a body for a being to manifest as.
Ways to strengthen the perception of the breath I would like to hear all the ways to strengthen the feeling of the breath so i will know when it enters the body and when it leaves it i tried to put a hand on the stomach and feel the air go out and in of the nose - with limited success would like to hear tips on h...	Directed mental effort or intention to know the breathing is a thought. Different things will distract you to lesser or greater degrees, but remember this is an exercise in mindfulness.
Is there a middle way between working towards personal liberation and liberation for all sentient beings? I may be a little off-mark here, but if I understand correctly there are two broad opinions on liberation. The first where a practitioner works towards her own liberation (the way of the Sravaka or Pratyek-Buddha) ...	The whole of Buddhism is the middle way. It's a case by case thing, no single answer for all situations.
What kind of vipassana retreats do you recommend in South East Asia? I've been meditating for 2.5 years, and have done two retreats before (Goenka and Gil Fronsdal). I'm looking forward to expanding to my understanding of the practice in South East Asia. I was wondering which 10 day retreat people here recommend for we...	If you come to Sri Lanka, there's nice place up in hill country called the Rathmalkanda Meditation Center for Insight Knowledge . I will be taking a retreat near Kuala Lumpur starting 1st December (Mahasi style). Also you can try out Mogok Sayadaw's Meditation techniques, there many monasteries but little web presence ...
What are the "defilements"? Simple question, but I would like to know- what are the defilements, according to Theravada Buddhism? I keep hearing this term and would like to find out what it means, according to the original teachings of the Buddha. Thank you <Q> In simple words, defilements are like little clouds that d...	Defilements are impurities in one’s mind.
What does the word "world" mean in the Buddhist context? The Hemawatha Sutta Is a (very old)? sutta in "Sutha Nipatha" of KN, Just after the first sermon of "Dammachakka". 'Hemawata' (General of yakka's ) is also a listener of that. He give the news about Buddha to his friend 'sathagira' and both came to meet load. T...	In the quote you have provided, the “world” is the six senses. I believe by "world" Buddha usually means the human civilisation, the society, the world of people:
Is the sound an object or an experience? For experience to occur you need to have an object( sound or speaking man? ), a sense faculty(ear) and a sense consciousness(hearing). If a sound is an object, what is then an experience? <Q> According to MN 18: Dependent on the ear and sounds, ear-consciousness arises. <S>...	"Sound" is a certain experience that is an object.
Did Mara win over Buddha? There is incident where Mara is trying to get to Buddha even after he became enlightened.Finally Mara win him over by his death.With that knowledge is it correct to assume he had hunger feeling and sexual feelings too? From Parinibbana Sutta There was a time, Ananda, when I dwelt at Uruve...	Buddha has feelings, just like a normal person - he just does not let them control him. When Buddha died he died at an old age and for natural reasons, nothing to do with Mara.
Difference between Samsara and Dukkha What is the difference between the terms "samsara" and "dukkha"? What is the relationship between the two? <Q> Samsara is a continuum of our individual mind moments. <A> In my own words: Samsara is the same world you see on TV and read about in newspapers. <S> This world is ...	Dukkha is the deep down feeling that something is missing or wrong that occurs throughout Samsara.
Any recommended monasteries in Sri Lanka that offer extended meditation retreats? Could anyone provide links and/or info about Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka that offer extended meditation retreats? For those who have taken part in such retreats, how was the experience? Would it be challenging in any way for me, an...	In Sri Lanka: Venerable Katukurunde Nananada Thero's Monastery ( http://www.seeingthroughthenet.net ), Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya (Burmese Panditarama tradition) are for serious practitioners. If one is interested in the Mahayana tradition I would unhesitatingly recommend Plum Village in France. Normally in Sri Lanka,...
Are there any websites that contain Buddhist dictionaries? I believe that there many words translate from Buddha Sutra and I want to ask is there any website can translate the words meaning in English? Example Samman Samadhi <Q> I recommend the Digital Pali Reader (a browser extension for Firefox and Pale Moon ). <A...	For Pali , I use The Pali Text Society's Pali-English dictionary . Wisdom Library is one of the most reliable. Also Access To Insight has a glossary.
Do you become unhappy when happiness disappears? Do you become unhappy when happiness disappears? Or is there some other state of mind between happiness and unhappiness? <Q> When you are hungry and you take a first bite of your favorite meal, the happiness in the aspect of a pleasant feeling that you experience is no...	For a lay person, he becomes unhappy when happiness disappears.
Computer Feedback in Meditation Are there any meditation computer feedback programs out there? Like Biofeedback. What could they do? Allow a teacher much insight into a student? Allow a meditator to know when wandering is happening, when subtle thinking is happening or to know when reality is seen directly or with c...	If you have issues with a wandering mind, or getting lost in planning or lamenting while meditating, then this device could certainly be of good use to you.
Is the next Buddha the same entity/being as the previous Buddha, or another discrete being who comes to the same realizations as the previous Buddha? I do not have a strong theoretical grasp of the concept of rebirth, so I am wondering: Is each Buddha that has existed/will exist the same being, reincarnated? Or is eac...	Yes, they are totally different beings.
Why does my mind feel slow to think nearly half day after my meditation? I would like to know if I should expect any problems after I have done my meditation in the morning for a half hour? For the whole morning afterwards, my mind felt very slow to think of anything. Is that a good or bad sign? <Q> Re: mind feeling "v...	Laxity is when your mind is not sharp and bright during meditation.
When do I realize that I am free from rebirth? By following the Buddha's Path, when will I realize that I am free from rebirth and suffering? Is there any indication or sign ? Does one knows it at one's death bed? <Q> From Milindapanha : <S> The king said, “Is there anyone who is not reborn after death?” <S> “...	As soon as you become an Arahant.
Possible to get stomach discomfort because of meditation? I have been starting meditation more recently for about twenty minutes at a time. I am able to slightly focus on the breath and have noticed I focus better when the breathes are long. I have also noticed after these sessions I may have air in my stomach possibly...	You are stresing out (more than normal) while you are trying to relax (meditate) thus causing intenstinal ineffectiveness.
How do you decide when to stick up for yourself and when to let things go? I'm trying to apply Buddhist principles to the way I lead my life, but right now I'm struggling with an issue.In short, the problem is that someone caused damage to our home and refuses to acknowledge this and pay the damages. The problem is tha...	You have no obligation to correct any perceived harm done to you. One should move toward truthfulness in all things and correct harm. Be guided, not by your desires, but by your responsibilities: i.e. try to fulfill your responsibilities.
If there is no soul or self, why did the Buddha speak of his past lives? How is it possible that he had past lives and how did he know they were his? What defines them as his? <Q> How is it possible that he had past lives? <S> Because until he became the Buddha he hadn't eliminated craving. <S> Craving leads to cli...	In order for something to qualify as a soul, it has to be under your total control.
Who is really suffering in Hell and Enjoying in Heaven? When a person dies, s/he goes to heaven or hell based on present life karma and any past karmas. In Buddhism, if there is no soul, who is punished in hell and who enjoys in heaven? as there is no physical body to feel pain and pleasure. If that person has learnt t...	When one dies, one goes to heaven or hell or animal realms or ghost or human or higher heaven realm based on present life karma and any past karmas. Yes, we do travel through them. Of course they really exist, just not necessarily in a naive way below the ground or above the sky
Should a person never lie? If someone would hide from the Nazis and then the Nazis came and asked me if I'm hiding a Jew - should I say "yes" or "no"? When is it ok to lie? <Q> In Good Question Good Answer , in the chapter about the five precepts, Ven. <S> S. Dhammika wrote, QUESTION: <S> If you were sitting i...	If lying, drinking, or even stealing meant that I saved a life I should do it.
Is there some technique to surpass noises when meditating? I'm having a lot of troubles with noises. I try to close my ears with cotton, but it does not works great.Is a little bit difficult to me try to meditate rounded by noises (here, where a live, people seems to be sensible to noise, and worst, they like to put th...	maybe it's not the more orthodox, but the best way to ignore noises, if your meditation skills do not allow you to ignore them yet, is to hide them with another noise less annoying and easier to ignore. This is going to vary depending on your tradition, but coming from the samatha school that I practice, I'd advise you...
Can anyone recommend some guided anapanasati resources on the Web? I'm trying to take my practice back to the beginning in the hopes of energizing it and I think this might be helpful.I currently don't have access to a teacher so some Web resources would be great particularly some guided mediations that I could follow....	There are some very "not superficial" guided meditations out there that are made by some serious meditation teachers. The best is to go to directly to the Sutta or what the Buddha directly had to say about it.
What difference is there in reciting and listening to mantras? When reciting or listening to mantras such as Om Mani Pade Hum , what difference does it make when either listening, reciting or both? <Q> The esoteric vibrations are what its all about. <S> This is why the best mantras are in their original language (usua...	At higher stages of focus, where you are doing it mentally and you can ignore everything else, it does not make much of a difference because the focus is the same and the vibrations have already sufficiently transformed the body.
Having trouble meditating long sessions (Physical pain) I like to meditate but because of me being new to it i guess, it is hard for me to meditate more than ten minutes. I have no trouble concentrating only got some physical pains , that occur during long sessions of meditation. Can someone please help? <Q> Are yo...	You have to relax body and mind. If so, use an easier posture: a chair that allows you to sit in an upright or balanced way, folding your legs one in front of the other in the "Burmese posture" with a cushion or folded towel to support your backbone a bench 7.For a beginner, try to meditate for just a few minutes -- 10...
What happens after the great doubt of koan practice? I read that koan practice is meant to create doubt. But what happens when the koan has been passed? Does doubt end, or begin again, or get literally "shattered"? Does the practitioner experience a moment of hope? <Q> Andrei's answer is pretty spot on, but I think y...	The answer goes beyond words ,doubt does not exist anymore or neither does hope or any cause or condition only when we drop off body and mind
Reducing the power of a bad karma As we all agree none of us have a white past, we've all have done some bad thing in our past before coming to the path and in previous lives. So how should we use the good karma we generate today toreduce the impact of bad karma from previous lives and from our past? I've heard that ...	For example, in vajrayana buddhism or tantra you could do the Vajrasattva practice for karma purification purposes.
Is there a gradation of proper and improper deeds? When somebody asks if it's OK for a Buddhist to do this or that, different answers may be given: It goes against n'th precept It is an unwholesome action It will produce bad kamma It will cause rebirth in hell Anything else? If there is something more, please let...	I don't think there is a gradation where the quality of the action itself is concerned.
Can we program or pre-define our last thoughts? I have heard the last thoughts of a person can define next life. If so can we somehow define them through practice, so when the time comes they will be as we planned? Or is there a practice that would cause them to be positive? <Q> Autopositivity is indeed a great skill...	The practice of Vipassana aims at this, i.e., making your next life better by being in control of your last moment.
What is "love" to a lay person? As a budding Buddhist, one cannot help but investigate day to day phenomena with the magnificent tools made available to us by the Buddha. An interesting thought occurred to me today and prompted me to ponder the nature of love. The conclusion that was arrived at the end of this partic...	The deepest description of love I have come across in my walk is a state where one does not oblige oneself to draw a distinction between one and the subject of one's love.
Is nirodha (cessation of suffering) dependent on the existence of suffering? This answer includes the following statement: But some other dharmas are still empty without being dependently originated , like nirodha or tathata . A comment after the answers gives the following definitions: nirodha is cessati...	There is a connection, If there was no suffering there is no nirodha. Nirvana is unconditioned hence non dependent on anything.
Is it important to be vegetarian when meditating "Metta meditation"? Is it essential or somehow profitable to be vegetarian when doing "Metta/Maithree" meditation? Or Is it essential or somehow profitable to any other form of meditation? If not why a lot of people seems to be becoming vegetarian some time after they ...	They might have noticed that becoming a vegetarian, for them, improves their personal state of mind. The Buddha did forbid that any animal should be killed specifically for a monastic, and monastics were not allowed to accept such offerings.
What advice should i give for a person with self destructive thoughts? If someone is really depressed and having self destructive thoughts and behavior what can i do to help such a person? Is there a good meditation for such a one? What kind of advice will it be best for a such a one? <Q> Metta meditation can help as...	Vipassana can be practiced to make one not react to unpleasant feelings or thoughts and eventually achieve lasting peace. Be mindful in everyday life and be thankful for all the things one has and may be for the things one doesn't have as well.
Why does killing produce bad karma? Is it because we cause a being to suffer and experience pain while it's/he's being killed? Or, is it because we put an end to its/his relationships and desires? Or what reason can it be? <Q> It is our Perception of the Sensation / Feeling experienced when result bears fruit is what...	Killing originates in states of desire, passion, agitation, anger, and unhappiness, and thus those states return to one who has the intention to kill.
Accurate translation of "Satipatthana Sutta" I'm looking for an accurate translation of "Satipatthana Sutta". Could someone let me know what is the best available accurate translation? I don't want to be confused by just reading all available versions.Thank you <Q> In my opinion, one of the best translations is the one...	If you are looking to most accurate and reliable the best translations are by Piya Tan:
Understanding anatta via "there are no computer programs" analogy I tried to find an analogy that would help me to understand anatta: Just as we can say "there is no self" (there are just mental aggregates interacting with each other and eventually causing some bodily reactions), we can also say "there are no computer ...	Put it another way if there is something which is everlasting and unchanging and within your control you can rightfully call it self Buddhist concept of non self stems from the contemporary belief system which gave definition and doctrines of the Soul .
Does Buddhism teach about "Parallel worlds" I have heard something called "Mangala Sakwala" (The special universe or galaxy where lord Buddhas are born) This is a real puzzle for me because does it mean that there are many other worlds like this where the words of lord Buddha will never reach? If such places exist w...	I have not heard of such a “Parallel world”.
Differently able people and their "Vinyana" Say i am a Differently able person and i cant move my arms so how does my Vinyana work? Is that part of my "Kaya Vinyana" (The vinyana that works with the body) deactivated or lost contact with the arms? What is the connection between the Vinyana and a uncontrollable body p...	Kaya Vinaya is that part of consciousness which is in direct contact with body.
What makes "Dhamma" worthy of worship? We as Buddhists consider "Dhamma / Dharma" to be holy.But do we know the reasons that make it holy? <Q> Bodhidharma is the legendary founder of Zen in China. <S> He is said to have arrived in China about 520 CE. <S> (Buddhism had by then been known in China for about 400 years.) ...	Dhamma/Teachings of Lord Buddha has been presented by Lord Buddha in the best manner possible and therefore can't be explained in any better way above lord Buddha's teachings.
What is the best way to forget bad choices in the past? We all have done bad karma,so if something is bugging my mind constantly (Like killing some mosquito) what is the solution for me,what can i do to overcome it/or to forget it? <Q> Short answer is, you should not forget bad choices. <S> You should learn from bad...	Keep observing the hindrance with mindfulness, in the present moment and note it as "remorse, remorse", until it ceases. In Buddhism we overcome "problems" by learning about them and thereby understanding them. The best way is to accept them.
What is the difference between "Bhāva" and "Ātman" in Pali I have read in Buddhist text, Buddhism is about "Bhāva" and not "Ātman". What is the difference between "Bhāva" and "Ātman"? <Q> Both have their places in Buddhist thought/practice. <S> First, the definitions: <S> bhāva : condition; nature; becoming att...	Bhava - Becoming or creating further existences. Atman (literally "spirit", "breath") refers to the soul (the entity, the identity)
Meditating with chronic illness I'm an American living in Bangkok. I have Parkinson's disease and have recently (last week) developed restless leg syndrome. It's now 4:30 AM & I can't sleep - because of the discomfort in my legs. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a long time. I'm trying different therapies for the ...	If you're practicing vipassanā meditation, you can apply the mindfulness practice to your pain as part of the meditation experience. Contemplation of impermanence - When you experience any discomfort look at this as "this will also pass".
What is the object of Faith in Buddhism I am quite new to Buddhism. One of the reasons for starting practice was that I don't believe in God. But I belive in the four Noble Truths. I believe it because the more I think about it, the more I see it is true. And practicing accordingly strenghtens my faith. My question is...	It seems to me the central object of faith in Buddhism is The Goal: Enlightenment or Nirvana.
Why do beings, even in lower/hell realms, like their lives? As to Lord Buddha beings suffer because they were born : Jaathi pachchaya jara marana soka paridewa dukka domanassa upayasa sambhawanthi From birth as a requisite condition, then aging & death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair come into play....	The pain of losing life or death is above all else as even in these realms the notion of "I am", "myself", "my life", etc.
The path of jhana vs the path of dry insight From everywhere I've read and heard in the suttas they talk about the jhanas being needed for insight, but as I understand it the Visuddhimagga gives the option of dry insight not requiring the jhanas. Does anyone know what canonical source Buddhagosa was basing this on? <Q>...	His central thesis is that without Jhana there is no enlightenment, and that it was jhana that led to the Buddha's awakening.
Is ignorance a sin? If I do not know the rules of a country, that does not count for that much in a court of law. I will still be punished for breaking the law. Likewise, if I do not know that bad speech results in bad karma will I be punished (in the sense of bad karma in the future )? Or maybe if I don't know what ba...	You can fix ignorance buy ya can't fix stupid! One can never escape the effects of one's actions, regardless of the circumstances. Being ignorant of the repercussions is the very reason what we accumulate Karma which will give future experiences which the receiver perceive as unfavourable or painful, hence this this se...
What is Inner and Outer Peace and how can I achieve them? I am bit Confused about Inner and Outer Peace. If they exist, how can I know and how can I achieve them? <Q> Using Buddhist vocabulary, what you call "inner peace" might be "tranquility" (i.e. Passaddhi ); and what you call "Outer Peace" might be a consequenc...	Outer peace is achieve through the being eqaunimous and realising the impermanent nature of sensual experience. Simply put it, MIND IS THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.
mindfulness thinking about future and past? Is there such thing as mindfulness thinking about the future or past? I have a job that requires a lot of "going" into the future and past (projecting forward and assessing the past). I was wondering if could practice mindfulness while working. But it's not like I'm working w...	When aware of being in the present moment it is possible to notice that thinking is happening. One way to work with this is to start work with a kind of ‘checking in’ with yourself, with a minute or two of mindfulness, being present, however you find it is best done for you.
Why talk and think about self as noun? We always talk and think about self as a noun. When reading Buddhist philosophy, I have never seen exceptions to this. Both "common sense looking" and "metaphysical looking" is looking for the self. For me, it has been helpful to think about the word 'self' as a verb. Somethin...	Self", as a word, in every language, is a noun.
Why sitting meditation, and is vippasana and breath meditation sufficient? Why do we have to watch body sensations separately by sitting meditation , when even in our daily life we are experiencing sensations moment to moment (and realizing everything is vibrating in our body)? And can we achieve omniscience and kno...	While breath meditation is sufficient as a vehicle to carry you into higher states of concentration (the jhanas) if it is not coupled with insight meditation or some sort of reflection then all you will be doing is building up your concentration faculties without reflection or thought.
Death vs Birth - Birth & Death of what? Death - What dies with death? Birth - What is born with birth? Can you provide any Sutta / Sutra references. <Q> I think "death" is often described/translation as "dissolution of the aggregates". <S> So I suppose it's the skandhas which "die" or come to an end, are imperman...	The falling away from existence, the passing away from existence, the dissolution, the disappearance, the end of life, the passing away due to completion of the life-span, the breaking up of the Aggregates, the discarding of the body, the destruction of the life-faculty of various beings in various categories, — this, ...
What is Buddhism "for" (in favor of)? Aside from ending suffering, encouraging compassionate action and leading one to nirvanna, is there anything that Buddhism promotes, or says is good? The reason that I ask is because in another recent question I asked about musical composers, and as I look around at related ques...	The (very high) joy of helping society: teaching, healing.
How are expectations seen in Buddhism? If one has expectations of others, how is this perceived in Buddhism? For example, if one expects others to show respect, not hurt others, help others, make effort to understand others, etc, how is this perceived? If these expectations are not met or remain unfulfilled, does on...	Expectations arise from ignorance real state of the world or not seeing this as they are (lack of yathā bhūta ñāna dassana ).
How does one do mindfulness of breathing with relaxation? In this lecture , by B. Alan Wallace, of mindfulness of breathing with relaxation, it has been instructed that I have to release all thoughts, relax every part of the body and let go of all involuntary thoughts during exhalation. Now what exactly is meant by ...	Being able to disengage from them, and either hold on firmly to one thing, or to switch around at will, or to kinda suspend mid-air as thoughts and experiences flow by - is a useful skill to have. Just watch your breath don't try to resist the thoughts
Metta and Loving-Kindness as a Team Can Metta be practiced in a partnership or as a team? I can think of two people practicing Metta together, or a group which meets for meditation, or across borders, across continents people meditate together at a certain time. Are there any indications of a Sutta? Are ther...	But never discuss your meditation with your friends, Because it will awake each others ego and that would do more harm than good.
How and when did the name "Buddhism" appear? What is called "Buddhism" is a whole range of different schools, sects, practices etc. that has in common that they are based on the teachings of Siddharta Gautama/the Buddha. But is the name "Buddhism" used as a name for these teachings anywhere else than in the "West"? Ho...	The teaching of the ekayana, single or universal vehicle, is that all of these schools and sects are merely facets of one universal teaching that reconciles them all.
Panic arising during contemplation about 4 elements This is not a general question about how to deal with overwhelming fear, but a question about an specific experience. I contemplated about the 4 elements and how my body is made up of it (for the first time ever you could say). I was not having a formal sitting with...	I've also found that seeing the "compositeness" of oneself and one's body gives you a more realistic and irreconcilable view of your existential situation.
Iconography in Buddhism - from the Greeks? And why isn't the Buddha bald? When you read or hear about Gotama leaving his home and family, the story is usually something like "he shaved his face and head and went out to be a wandering monk". But very few depictions of the Buddha (perhaps apart from the laughing, fat bud...	He is some local divine figure in some culture in the east and this statue is misunderstood as a Buddha because it has a name that sounds a lot like Buddha.
Spirits in Buddhist Folklore Are there any references to spirit of ancestors in Buddhist folklore? As seen in some movies, communication with spirits is shown. Is this practical ? What is the Buddhist view on spirits? <Q> These correspond to the nature spirits found in all traditions. <S> I cant think of any examples o...	"Spirits" are lower ranking devas that occupy the realm of the Four Great Kings, and include earthbound devas too, that live invisibly in human cities and influence human beings telepathically.
What is the best way to develop a mind observation habit? Different spiritual traditions, including, but not limited to Buddhism, emphasize that it is important to always keep in mind that one's thoughts and emotions do not constitute the essence of a person. That is: When some thought crosses my mind, makes me lik...	The main idea here is to have a reminder in place. In formal meditation, cultivate awareness of your sitting and the environment by using the sounds or smell or feel of the place.
Right view of the external modern world Did Gautama Buddha make any statements about the justices or injustices of the world? I would like to elucidate the right view to a person who has undergone a certain injustice. The person in question has not got a particular position she rightfully deserved due to a conspiracy o...	Therefore, right view is to regard every experience as a personal opportunity for change and growth, rather than blaming others, which merely magnifies the suffering. In the Dhammapada, is the chapter called 'The Just', which states: He who does not judge others arbitrarily, but passes judgment impartially according to...
Is the path an individual journey? When seeking or on the path, is the journey intended to be for the one on the path or can it be travelled by more than an individual i.e. is the path different for each being? <Q> The Path is the same for all beings, although since all beings have different kamma due to past actions, ...	The practice is individual as nobody else can walk the path for you or take you on the path. The Path proclaimed by a fully englightened Buddha is always the same.
Not getting what one wants as a good thing or something to be thankful I understand that craving stuff leads us to suffering (Second Noble truth) and that getting what we think we want won't lead to happiness. However, is there any explicit indication that it's even good not to get what we want? (any similarity wit...	Sometimes it might be true that not getting something may be better as you might be blinded by craving as not to see the downside e.g. a partner lower in morals.
What force keeps you bonded to samsara? Superficially, people say that there are a lot of people who love them (and vice versa ), but if you analyze your life, you will find that there is no such thing as true love . I've realized that what we call love is essentially selfishness in disguise . The strongest love in...	Desire for continued existence.
What is the goal of Meditation- is it increasing the gap? When I sit for meditation, sometimes I realize my breath has stopped and thoughts are subtle, for but a very minimum amount of time, but that time I feel totally in a present moment, in a moment. It this a goal of meditation? or something else? or analyzing? W...	The Goal of Meditation is being in the PRESENT MOMENT . Therefore if you talk about goal then probably it is Nirvana.
Do thoughts 'create' vedana? Vedana is described as reaction to a sense contact. Are these only the 5 senses or is vedana also 'created' by thoughts or emotions? <Q> Dhātu Vibhaṅga Sutta <S> On cognizing a mind-object with the mind, one investigates the mind-object that the basis of mental joy, one investigates ...	The thoughts, just like sense-objects, stimulate samskaras (imprints) in the memory, and that generates vedana (feelings).
What are the suttas in which the Buddha provides instruction on how to meditate? What are the actual suttas in which the Buddha described how to meditate? A list of all such suttas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! <Q> To straighten view before meditation: Samma,ditthi Sutta Anapana Anapanasati Sutta Satipa...	Two notable suttas in which Buddha provided meditation instructions are: Satipatthana Sutta Anapanasati Sutta
Is attachment to the word "Meditation" a problem? I like to Meditate, I like to read about Meditation, I like to think about Meditation; but the word ... "MEDITATION.. MEDITATION.." ... is always in my mind, I am attached to it. How can I avoid this attachment? I don't want to make Meditation as a PROBLEM. I just...	If you keep practicing all the unnecessary attachments will fall without your influence and only good ones Perhaps you want to jump over and try a different tradition. Use this opportunity to learn as much as you can.
What are the different ways of protecting one's practice? I am mindful of my skandas, but that doesn't prevent other's samsaric action, trying to influence me and my practice. What are the different ways of protecting one's practice? <Q> Mindfulness is a wholesome mental factor (cetasika) and when it is present, one is...	Mindfulness will "protect" your practice.
How to remove dullness of mind, without sitting meditation, in regular activity? When you have to perform a certain task, you can't meditate during that time, but mind needs clarity. I feel very dull during that time, I want to increase my awareness and alertness in that performance time. So, how I can remove dullness...	Dullness or boredom is a form of aversion. You can indeed meditate(Vipassana) while performing any task.
What exactly did Lord Buddha say about Size of Atom? I have heard that Lord Buddha wrote or discussed about the smallest indivisible particle i.e the atom. What exactly did he say. Is it mentioned in some scriptures? If yes, did he give any argument or detail of his observations. <Q> As described in Theravada Buddhist ...	In the Mahayana Tradition there is a Sutra known as the Lalitavistara Sutra .
Watching Darma Talks on 2x Speed I really like Ajahn Brahm's Darma talks on YouTube. But, I can perfectly understand what he's saying on 2x speed. Am I losing anything by listening at this speed or is it ok as long as it's not for any other reason than I can understand it so I can watch two in the same amount of time ...	In my opinion, it's just fine to speed up your listening as long as you grasp the content.
Views of world during insight meditation I am reading books on Buddhism and I come across this sentence in every book. It states that our world view will change and we will know actual working of the world during insight meditation. It doesn't provide any explanation on how different it is / will be from the view ...	When one is practicing insight meditation one sees for oneself how reality functions and delusion is done away with, e.g. the illusion of permanence and an enduring Self-entity.
Is Chant of Metta from Tipitaka? I came across 'The Chant of Metta' ( Metta Gatha ), in a beautiful rendition by Imee Ooi in this YouTube video . Here is the full text in Pali, with English translation: THE CHANT OF METTA Is this chant from the Tipitaka or is it a later composition? The Karaniya Metta Sutta from Ti...	The Chant of Metta is not from the Tripitaka but the Karaniya Metta Sutta is from the Tripitaka.
How to balance samatha and vipassana practice? Should one practice vipassana every day in a formal sitting? If so, how long should it be compared to samatha meditation, should it be practiced right before/after (not asking which comes first!) samatha or at anytime during the day? <Q> When meditating from person to pers...	You will find that you naturally spend more time in vipassana as you gain experience in both types of meditation. The key is to let it happen naturally, and not try to do more than you are ready for.
Did the Buddha Meditate? This may come off as a very strange question. From small days I have been taught Buddhism, not in the way it should have been, but in a way which took most stories and teachings for granted. Those who know Buddhism know that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment on a Vesak Poya day (a full moon ...	In fact, the Buddha meditated everyday.
Does meditation giving you 'joy' because there is lack of suffering, or does it give something positive? Let's say that the summon of meditation is enlightement or nirvana. It is supposed to be a good 'thing'. But is it good because there is no suffering any more, or did you get something instead of it that is good in ...	There is no Joy associated with it but is a good thing as there is no suffering but Joy is included in suffering as it is impermanent, can come to an end, pass away, fade away, cease, change as described in Raho,gata Sutta .
I am having hyper vigilance issue in my daily life I self diagnose myself of having hyper vigilance, maybe as a result of having psychological trauma in the past. It is a condition where I can't really trust other human being. Often perceiving other human being around me as a threat. I am completely relax near animals ...	I would recommend for doing Loving Kindness meditation. To summarize, develop awareness of your body esp dantian, stay in your body when you talk to people, develop grace, don't try to please people - instead be your own center acting by the Dharma, sit daily and reconnect with your center.
Losing in thought and autopilot kicked in Every day I ride my bike from home to office. It takes 1 hour journey.During that hour, many times I found myself somehow teleported to certain distance. It is not magic, I simply lost in thought when that happened. I am so absorbed in my own thought that I am clueless to my su...	The boredom shifts because once you start REALLY looking then you realise that the real boredom is when you retreat into your mind rather than merely sticking with what you've got. Try taking different paths that you have never taken before. You are doing Kayanupassana hence this is one of the solution is being mindful...
what the buddha said about his own karma? I have a strong believe in buddha but i am not much in karma logic. Had the buddha said anything of karma? If yes then what and if not then how? I am seeing some people getting back in a very amazing way whatever they had done in their respective past. Sometimes it is related t...	The Buddha mentioned that there were 8 past Karma which were effective even after becoming Buddha.
How Does Buddhism Handle Internal Conflict Few years ago, family put matrimonial ad in newspaper in India. We thought we selected nice person, but turns out he was abusive, unfaithful, and only wanted green card. Worse, he made me have miscarriage. Now, I wish to move on with my life. One minute my heart says I want f...	There is no need to fear anything. Buddhism has principles called “ Sama-jivi Dhamma ” for couple to ensure their compatibility and provide a firm foundation for a long married life. You don't have to limit yourself to one method of finding a partner.
Are there meditations for forgiveness? I'm having a lot of trouble forgiving someone for something they did quite a little while ago. The repercussions of which I am still dealing with today. I feel a lot of anger and frustration when I think about what this person did, and it's very hard to ignore. I have already spo...	You may be able to forgive this person in time, but (in Buddhist terms) you have to accept the suffering of the situation first. Do not try to forgive anyone. Take the time to cry, to be angry.
Losing interest in Samsara and transformation one undergoes when following Buddhism I have been reading books on Buddhism and contemplating on the Suttas. Lately the things which I was interested about like reading novels, watching movies, playing games and girls is losing its sheen. I am more inclined to just observe ...	One way of thinking is that dispassion is the process a buddhist undergoes: dispassion for things that are, ultimately, unsatisfactory.
Why is human population increasing? Better kamma? Human population is increasing whether we like it or not and might even hit 10bn in the next few decades. But why is this happening according to a Buddhist's perspective? Some that I know that don't believe in kamma use this as a counter example saying that if people ar...	When humans become sinful the criteria to become human falls and life expectancy falls and life in the human realm becomes hellish with more conflicts.
What is the purpose of the 5th precept? “Furthermore, abandoning the use of intoxicants, the disciple of the noble ones abstains from taking intoxicants. In doing so, he gives freedom from danger, freedom from animosity, freedom from oppression to limitless numbers of beings.” To be clear, I am trying to figure out t...	It is referring to taking substances that lead to heedlessness, whether you get addicted to it or not.
Head oscillations, magnetic force movement, dizzy head after Vipassana I did my first Vipassana course in Feb 2016. 10 Days.As a first timer, it went pretty well till the 7th Day. 1) On 5th, 6th and 7th day i was suffering from my head thrown back, or front, or sideways. At that that i thought i had dozed off hence t...	don't give attention to that sensation and by time it will fell less stronger.
Best type of meditation for attention I struggle tremendously with ADHD despite years of exploring traditional and nontraditional treatments. There are certainly many different kinds of meditation one can practice, so I was wondering what kind of meditation works best for creating lasting focus and a higher attention s...	You should also try these Meditations Breathing Meditation :- Help increase the focus and calmness of a mind Meththa Meditation :- If you are an angry person this will help you to come over it Meditation of posturest full awarness :- Increases Mindfulness
What does Buddhism say about how to manage other people's anger? What does Buddhism say about how to manage other people's anger? Does Buddhism suggest any specific attitude when we are facing angry people, especially when they are unable to control their anger and/or unaware of their anger? Intuitively I try for exam...	By being constantly aware and in control of one's actions, conciously one can prevent from experiencing these selfish emotions and focus on the communication and the content of the heated debate, occurrence, and/or problem. Although there are certain differences in anger and hatred, the basic approach will be the same ...
What is the "nature of reality" according to the Buddha? I have read that the Buddha said the cause of suffering is ignorance of the "nature of reality". Is this correct? What is the "nature of reality" that the Buddha talks about? <Q> Realities are called Paramattha Dhamma in Buddhism. <S> There are 4 such realitie...	It would be more correct if you say " The cause of suffering is craving, which arises due to the ignorance of the nature of reality ".
How can one point to one's consciousness? For example, I can point to my eye: the eye itself; I can point to an object of the eye: a book; But I cannot point to the eye-consciousness that arises based on the two. <Q> From MN 28 : If, friends, internally the eye is intact but no external forms come into its range...	You can't point to your consciousness, just like you can't point to Microsoft Word. I suggest you start by identifying the functions of your mind: seeing, hearing, and so forth. Your consciousness is not an object, but rather a property of another object (your brain), similar to how a computer program's behavour is rea...

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