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How does the first noble truth associate dukkha with each of the five skandhas? I'm looking at this definition of dukkha : Birth is dukkha, aging is dukkha, death is dukkha; sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, & despair are dukkha; association with the unbeloved is dukkha; separation from the loved is dukkha; no...	They are related to all aggregates. Association with unbeloved is the association with painful experiences(five aggregates). Then, there is suffering when you grow old, sick or dirty. The 1st noble truth summarises all suffering as clinging (upadana).
What's the difference between perception and consciousness? Having read descriptions of perception and consciousness (two of the five skandhas), I still don't understand the difference. Is there an important difference? What is the difference and why is it important? <Q> In relation to the five aggregates, the conscio...	Consciousness - knows what is felt and results in pleasant, unpleasant or neutral sensation as a reflexive mechanism.
How to get rid of "Ego" I have a Girlfriend that I met few years back. She loves me a lot,she is quite brilliant from her childhood, and now she is working in a big firm. I am working in a smaller firm than her. When we were in college, it seems we will not fight ever, but after we got passed and she got placed we are ...	The correct practice of samatha meditation can temporarly bring peace and lessen the ego delusion. Have a cordial discussion with her and come to a solid understanding of each other's expectations. To get rid of ego you have to get rid of craving or attachment of one's views and attachment to be better than someone els...
How to deal with people giving reviews to the teaching? I recently asked a question here and like always some good friends helped me, Their references were right on point and they referred the correct Sutras and i'm forever thankful for that. But when i kept on reading i found it very hard to forgive the author of this...	If your opinion differs than just leave aside what you do not find agreeable.
Why do we believe it? When we attend a meeting; just right after we leave the meeting room, every one understands the conclusions of the meeting differently. Even if it is written, every one interprets the message of the written message differently. In politic, people distort messages for their favor, even when the me...	If you experience something you know for a fact it is true.
If sex is prohibited, how do we survive? Sex can lead us to suffering in many ways; however, if all of us are just like Lord Buddha according to his story, wouldn't humanity become extinct? <Q> Sex is prohibited for monks and nuns If you are not observing higher precept like 8 or 10 precepts sex is not prohibited for ...	You are correct that if sex was never engaged in humanity would go extinct.
How do I prevent non-buddhists from going against fourth precept? As we know fourth precept is the one precept that the Bodhisatta has never said to have broken since he started cultivating Paramita. When I need to prevent a Buddhist person form lying, I state the above statement. And that is the reason that I was also...	You have to watch yourself, forget about watching others. Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.
Can Buddhism be harmful? There is the much talked about example of "zen sickness". But I wondered can any buddhist theory or practice can ever be harmful to a human? I'm looking for an answer from anyone, not necessarily a Buddhist perspective. Though, of course, I'd be dismissive of anything unreasonable. <Q> i can ...	Also if you pratice Insight meditation then nothing can go wrong.
What is the water filter of Koṇāgamana? No matter how many different ways I search, I seem to get this exact/ALMOST exact phrase:"These relics include the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa, and eight strands of hair from the ..." But I cannot find an explanation for it....	Water filter's during Gautma Buddha's time were simple pieces of cloth, to strain out insects out of compassion, and during a life time of a Buddha/Bhikkhu he could have used many.
What are habits in buddhism? How are habits seen in buddhism - how are they explained ? read now about habit making - and would love to hear users views on habits - and what they see habits as And what people think about habit making and its effectiveness and why <Q> How are habits seen in buddhism - how are they...	Though habitual action is at the pre conscious level they have karmic potent.
How to practice mindfulness during job hours Is there any way to stay mindful when your mind is busy at work? <Q> It is not an easy task to stay mindful as a software developer. <S> I am one myself, and I even wrote a book on that matter. <S> There are three things I consider important for myself. <S> First : I p...	Occasionally, perhaps every 5-10 minutes, take a few seconds away from your task to strengthen your attention on the breath and then return to your task while being aware of the breath. When you have interrupted work and you feel you are mindful, go back to work and hack.
In Buddhism, is Escapism seen as a bad thing to take part in? In general in Buddhism, is escapism seen as a bad "movement" to involve one's self in? I have seen many posts on SE about separating one's self from one's body, or getting rid of desire, so; would these actions been seen as escapism? <Q> Escapism does not ad...	Escapism suggests you are trying to run away from suffering, but in reality we are trying to be changed by suffering. Escapism is not a principle found in Buddhism. To say there are no more desires means you no longer have strings pulling you around.
How to achieve consciousness in nirvana? If achieving “nirvana” means that we will be liberated from the illusion of consciousness, how then will we know (be conscious of) our achieving this “nirvana”? How can we be “conscious” of this, if “consciousness” will no longer exist? <Q> At the point of Nirvana consciousness ...	Nirvana is beyond mind and matter.
How does the Buddha define "atheist"? As usually atheist is mean a belief that there is no god. Is there any definition by Buddha about atheist ? I read philosophy that inhumanity would called atheist really other than belief in god . <Q> It is one of two extremes that Buddha avoided by revealing the middle way; Pratī...	Atheism falls under ucchedavāda which was vehemently rejected by the Buddha. Atheism is a beluef there is no God.
What arises first - feeling of object or visual representation of object? I'm wondering what do other meditators see when they analyze closely the arising of a visual representation of an object in their mind? Please do this experiment: go into meditation and think of a visual representation of an object of your choos...	Contact arises first "seeing or thinking", followed by apprehension of the Sign (ie "A cup"), apperhension of Characteristics (ie Ugly) and so on with liking/disliking, wanting/aversion etc
Why intake of intoxicating substances is not included in 10 unwholesome actions? Following are the 3 unrighteous bodily conducts out of 10 unwholesome actions described in suttas such as Saleyyaka Sutta . Killing living beings Stealing Sexual misconduct I would like to know the reason why the intake of intoxic...	The Buddha only prohibited alcohol when a monk got drunk and passed out, embarassing the sangha. In a way, the 10 unwholesome actions already take into account the intaking of intoxicants in the sense that intoxicant is a condition for the manifestation of any one of those 10 unwholesome actions.
Are there buddhists who criticize Eckhart Tolle as it is not really a buddhist teach? If so, what is their critique? Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher who is influenced by Christianity and Buddhism etc. Now he says that there are Buddhists who claim that his teachings are not really Buddhist. But in what way are hi...	If you call something Buddhism it will be attributed to the Buddha and should be inline with the doctrinal system the Buddha taught.
self esteem and the need to feel proud of ourselves When I see my direction of motivation towards working or relationships or for that matter even meditation is the want to feel proud of myself. Why do we need to feel proud of ourselves? Can we overcome that need? Also want to know if this is related to emotional inse...	The motivation behind the need to feel proud of yourself has it's roots in a lack of self-worth and confidence.
If you are/become very sensitive for sounds what could be the reason/cause? If you get disturbed at night by tiny sounds or find it difficult to hear loud sounds at day is there a particulary cause known for that in buddhism. Is it bad and what to do about it? <Q> Something that you once ignored is now being noticed be...	Sensitivity could just mean your senses are being noticed.
What can I do to help avoid laxity while meditating lying down? My upper back muscles are not strong enough yet to support seated meditation, so I use supine/savanana posture sometimes. My mind falls into short dream states, like hypnagogia, very easily in this posture, however. Any tips for overcoming this laxity whi...	When using a supine position the trick is to be comfortable without being so comfortable that one falls asleep or enters that subconscious state. Try breathing with the diaphragm, allowing the belly to rise and fall.
Hard not to control my breathing For the record I'm new to meditation.I'm trying to observe my breathing without controlling it. That was the guidance from someone I met at a buddhist meeting. Though sometimes I just ralize that I do change the frequency and deepness of it. I don't want to do it, just happens.Is it jus...	: Also, breath appear at the whole respiratory, such as throat or lung, but don't focus on it, because the practitioner practicing concentration meditation, so too much breath touching point will make the practitioner distraction. But we should always endeavour to 'let it go' and become just an observer without interve...
Translating "dukkha" as "reactivity" Daniel Brown, on p. 6 of Pointing Out the Great Way , says this (emphasis added)... The Pali word typically translated as “suffering” is dukkha, which could also be rendered as “reactivity.” For, as we experience events unfolding in our stream of consciousness moment-by-moment...	"Dukkha" means "difficult to bear"; "hard to endure".
Rebirth, transfer of memories, what is it? I have a person in my own family who's aware of his past-birth. He knew it by age 7 only. When family started investigation 'they found it all true. How he has died in his last birth, how much of children he had, what work he was doing when he died and etc. I want to know what...	The Khajjaniya Sutta explains the mind was mistaken in the past, i.e., ignorant, to regard experiences as "I", "me" or "mine". The mental impressions that remain are part of the mind (Nama) which does not die at death but passes away in one body and arise in another.
Are chakra's used in Buddhism? I think that in the hindoestic yogi there are using chakra's very common. But are they also used in buddhism? If not, why not? Or what is similar to chakra's in buddhism? <Q> But are they also used in buddhism? <S> There are some references to chakra in certain types of Buddhism. <S> ...	You are correct in say that in the Hindu Meditation practices the Chakra is used.
What to do when a thought comes up while meditating From the meditation podcasts I have heard when a thought comes up acknowledge it by saying "thinking" and then try to gently return back to your breath. There is something else I tried experimentally. In this case I was not noticing my breath, but was noticing my th...	The thing I've learned from meditation so far: Don't try to be clever, just follow the instructions! Any time you find your attention wandering and you are being caught up in a daydream, just become aware of your hand in the present moment. Focus on your being (via your hand, which holds you as an anchor in the present...
Is practising mindfulness ever a bad idea? Are there ever situations where practicing mindfulness is not recommended during Buddhist practice. Could it ever have undesirable side effects or cause hindrances on the path. Or is it always the case that the more one practices mindfulness the better? The motivation for thi...	Yes, practicing mindfulness can be a bad idea. When one practices mindfulness, he opens his eyes and comes to see more and more things that were previously unnoticed. It is about being present and objectively being aware of what it is without judgment .
Heaven and Hell in Buddhism I need to understand some concept about Buddhism. Does Buddhists believe on after live of Paradise and Hell? What are the belief of Buddhists regarding this? <Q> Yes, there are 31 realms of existences . <S> From top to bottom: 4 immaterial realms 16 fine material realms 6 heavens ...	Yes, you will keep being born in these places again and again according to your Karma, every time you die, until you attain Nibbana and end the process.
Animals and humans in Science vs. Buddhism About the doctrine of the 31 realms of existence. I have a few questions, because science, especially the theory of evolution, makes a good argument for categorizing humans as animals . Is this list of 31 realms static or can single realms vanish? Because due to science w...	Buddhism doesn't subscribe to the view that humans evolved from animals. No, it is very likely, even scientifically speaking, to have similar living conditions elsewhere in the universe.
Investing in poultry stocks and Buddhism Peace !! I am planning to invest some of my money in poultry stocks in the stock market and having second thoughts. As I understand Buddhism teaches not to kill any living beings although it does not say directly not to eat meat even for monks or laymen. However , I don't th...	For me, investing in stocks in the meat industry is not in keeping with right livelihood.
Notion of good and bad in Buddhism if I understand correctly, Buddhism is opposed to dualistic concepts: Us vs. them, beautiful vs. ugly, pain vs. pleasure. We should rather realise the emptiness of those constructs in order to see the things in the way they really are, i.e. see their real nature. How then, does that ...	In both senses states that are good lead to happiness and release, states that are bad lead to unhappiness and further becoming. The original Buddhist teachings do not include a doctrine of non-duality.
The fear of committing to a monastic lifestyle I have a persistent fear of going without food that prevents me from giving monasticism a full shot. Some background: I suffered for approximately 4 years with something called cyclic vomiting syndrome. This is an affliction characterized by recurrent, prolonged attacks ...	Experiencing a short term monastic experience is fine though, if you can stick to the rules during that time. Some monasteries allow lay practitioners to take just 5 precepts and have food in the evening as well.
Asking about Parent-Child relationship karma. Is it bad if I don't wanna go visit my dad? My parent seperated since I was young and I was rise by my mom.Right now my dad is not in a good condition and unfortunately my aunt and uncle from my dad's side doesn't like me much. Too be honest I don't wanna face with my aunt....	Your aunt & uncle getting angry at you is bad karma being done by them. You'll get a much greater kind of peace that comes from doing what's right and from seeing the joy in your dad's eyes upon seeing his son by his side.
Why is the Heart Sutra so important in Mahayana Buddhism? So the Heart Sutra is one of the most popular sutra in Mahayana Buddhism, said to be the summary and heart of the Prajna Paramita Sutra. It was popularized by the famous monk Xuanzang. It was said that he chanted this sutra when he was lost in the Taklamakan Des...	Given that all the sutras are skillful means, one would imagine the heart sutra is popular because it works , or at least gives the impression of doing so.
Would a skin condition stop someone becoming a monk? I am asking this behalf of my friend. He was gonna commit suicide. But I managed to calm him down by taking him to a Buddhist temple. He had a really fun life, movies, friends, night outs, girls, cars, everything. But suddenly he got to know that he has a skin condit...	If your friend wants to become a monk, he should talk to a monk at the temple.
practicing the brahma viharas in meditation Is there clear instruction about how one should practice the brahma viharas in the teachings? Should one go through each one in order [metta - karuna - mudita - upekkha] or is it possible to do i.e. only karuna (in a formal meditation sitting) Why is it that (from my pers...	The scriptures generally mention the practise of all four brahma vihara together.
How should one practice Dhamma in order to overcome loneliness? Loneliness is an obsession of a person when facing old age and death. How should one practice the teachings of the Supreme Buddha in order to overcome this obsession? <Q> Samatha (tranquility) meditation using anapanasati <S> (meditation with in & out ...	So one could suggest to the person to start a basic practice, for example chanting the name of a buddha or bodhisattva or mantra for a certain number of times.
I saw a cat killing a mouse. Could have stopped it, but didn't I saw a cat chasing a mouse outside of my house and kill it. I could have chased the cat away and saved the mouse's life but I just watched and didn't do anything. Not that I was enjoying what I saw but this made me think whether what I did was a sin or not...	To make oneself paranoid or worrisome about cats & mice is bad karma but to not stop a cat eating a mouse is not bad karma (just as 'cleaning' your house of dirty pests in not bad karma). If you were neutral based on indifference born of ignorance, it is bad Karma.
Death according to various schools of buddism How is death perceived in various schools of Buddhism? Are they all same ? What is death according to Buddhist monk and lay Buddhist? Are there references / materials by monks on death bed about death? <Q> In the ancient Pali scriptures, the word 'death' has two meanings: (...	In the language of ultimate truth, 'death' refers to the psychological idea that "I" or a "person" or a "being" (" satta ") dies ( SN 12.2 ).
Which suttas in the Pali canon give instructions for how to cultivate equanimity? Which suttas in the Pali Canon give flat out instructions for how to develop equanimity? <Q> Indriya-bhavana Sutta translation 1 <S> Indriya-bhavana Sutta translation 2 with commentary <A> Also you can check out Sata,upekkha Sukha Sut...	In the Alagaddupama Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya the Buddha compared sensual pleasures; to a skeleton, a lump of meat, a torch of dried grass, a pit of glowing embers, a dream, something borrowed, the fruits of a tree, a slaughter house, an impaling stake, and a snake's head.
The idea of transfer merit It is said that merit transfer is a later development. We reap what we sow, it is not possible for the merit to be transferred. Is it true any recipient will not be able to receive any merit that is done and transferred by someone? <Q> However, transferring merit to dead or unconnected people...	Of course merit can be transferred, such as when the love or goodness of one person makes another person feel love or goodness, such as when parents love their children & thus transfer their merit to their children.
Doctor assisted suicide - does doctor break the first precept? Doctor assisted suicide - a hot potato in the western countries these days. Although this is a kind of suicide, the patient is fully awake and living human being in contrast to a patient in life support due to brain death. According to the Buddhist teachin...	Assisting suicide would be considered an offence of defeat in a monk.
Sudden arising of disgust I was meditating today on accepting and letting go of fear, anger and anxiety (which were very loud in my mind at the time) when suddenly my reactions to these states turned into disgust: whenever anger came up, I quickly became disgusted by it. Same thing happened for fear and anxiety. As soo...	The mind could be becoming clear & attuned to what is healthy & peaceful.
Is enlightened cognition more than its parts? Is enlightened cognition, in any Buddhist tradition, more than its parts? I'm asking cos: (philosophical interpretations) they say that for Buddhists there is nothing more to a thing than its parts. But, every part of anything (it seems) is conditioned and only of a pra...	Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism translate Prajna and Bodhi as Wisdom. By definition "enlightened cognition" means that one is "freed from ignorance and misinformation" in order to pursue "the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding thought experiences and the senses" (quotes from a couple...
Is generating intention necessary? Any intentional action is kamma. We do good and bad actions. Like any other actions, sometimes we do it intentionally, sometimes we just do it without intention. Is it necessary to generating good intention before/when doing wholesome deed? The more we do good deeds the more frequen...	Even in habitual or involuntary actions, there might be an element of intention. Generating regret after doing bad will reduce the karmic punishment.
Is it possible to be reborn for all eternity? According to Buddhist teachings, is it possible to continue to reborn and suffer for all eternity? Suppose if a being never attained any merit, never was able to work through its old karma. Would it be possible for that being to never escape suffering? I have heard some p...	Once enlightened a Buddha is able to be reborn (or merely manifest) simultaneously in multiple (no limits) places across the universe.
Why is fasting allowed in Buddhism? One of the answers to this question ' Is there a tradition or practice involving fasting in Buddhism or Buddhist countries? ' says that fasting is followed by Tibetan Buddhists. Why is fasting allowed since it is as extreme as gluttony and not a middle way? If I am right, following ...	I read fasting is done when dying, since eating food can cause pain to the body & disturb the mind.
A pigeon settled on my balcony. What should I do? A pigeon is going to build a nest on my balcony. I tried to make it fly away but it comes back. I rent this flat and not sure if I'll stay there till winter. I mean if another person rents the flat he'll definitely get rid of it. In my country people have no respect for...	If the bird does not harm you, then you should let it nest.
With my interpretation of 'rebirth', can I become a Buddhist and become accepted within a Buddhist community? I am just beginning and in need of help and advice on rebirth. I'm struggling for direction in life. I felt a connection with Buddhism in my day to day life and decided to pursue it further, In the hope it wou...	Other Buddhist communities (centres) do not emphasis or teach rebirth & strongly emphasis the practise of meditation & the development of liberating wisdom.
Good method to start finding the core values of Buddhism? I've recently joined a meditation center that is very welcoming. I have went to a few meditation sessions, and so far I have felt focus on a deeper level. The community is small, though so they don't show many of the teachings. I'd like to read up on the core va...	A good method to start finding the core values of Buddhism, @tuskiomi, is to start reading the Dhammapada (The Way of Truth).
If a monk sees a pin in his path, will he step on it and accept pain? I read about Buddhism where I came to know, we learn to see everything from bare prospect and don't judge anything. And a random thing came to my mind: I even read that pain is seen as pain and nothing more, no bad or good feeling towards pain. So s...	If that Monk have common sense he will avoid the pin.
Is this desire, to not be friendless anymore, healthy? I have been friendless for around 5 years. The reason I'm in this situation is due to my bad traits alone. I have actually grown accustomed to this till recently, when I became increasingly unsettled by the constant silence in my house. Usually, I've been able to s...	The Buddhist centre can be a place where you can learn to develop better traits & friendship skills with others. Any desire that cannot be achieved will cause suffering.
Are there meditation practices that improve logical problem solving skills? I meditate daily, for around 30 minutes or so, I have been on and off for the last few yew years. I only ever do a simple breathing meditation and I find it tends to make my mind smoother and more relaxed (compared to days I do not sit). I am a...	Dedicated vipassana practice I had found makes me more aware of my own thoughts and any chronic logical fallacies.
Prohibitions against eating certain animals? I sometimes see rules suggesting that monks (at least Theravadan) should not eat various animals. The lists vary, but includes to varying degree: elephants, horses, dogs, snakes, lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, slugs, cows, and humans. When I try to find something a...	The Mahavagga (Mv.VI.23.9-15) forbids ten kinds of flesh: that of human beings, elephants, horses, dogs, snakes, lions, tigers, leopards, bears, and hyenas.
What is the appeal of not Re-incarnating? I understand that after death, the mind may move to a different plane of existance to be re-incarnated, but what is the appeal of moving to a different plane after death? Is it wrong to say that I'm satisfied with where I'm currently at? <Q> The Buddha clearly rebuked the idea ...	You may be satisfied with where you are currently at, but sooner or later you are going to want something better.
How to Attain Peace? Sometimes we feel nervous, afraid, or anxious while doing something. So, How can we attain peace in afraid mood or anxious mood? <Q> By acknowledging your anxious mood as a truth ( dhamma ). <S> Don't push it away, don't try to change anything, don't blame or criticize yourself. <S> It is a truth a...	Then wisely reflect (think) in ways to reduce the power of the anxiety, such as: "This anxiety is irrational & unnecessary; I am safe; I am not in danger; this anxiety is impermanent; it will pass; the Buddha, Sangha & other practitioners have overcome anxiety & found freedom from it;" etc.
Sexual misconduct, what is it What is it? Is sex just for pleasure with your partner breaking a precept? Eg with a condom. And is being circumcised bad over personal preferences/ (hygiene,aesthetic)? is oral and anal sex bad? Is masturbation bad? And is circumcising your sons bad? <Q> Sexual misconduct is defined in th...	Generally speaking, sexual misconduct means any sexual conduct that involves violence or lying.
The Dangers of an Extended Meditation Session The Buddha was said to have meditated 40 days and 40 nights in a single sitting which begs the question is it possible to sit this long without any physical or mental injury? As an example, my meditation sessions vary in discomfort. Sometimes when it's good, I wish the ala...	A 7 day single sitting of a fully enlightened Buddha may be possible & is not as unlikely as 49 day sitting of an unenlightened Bodhisatta (seeker of enlightenment). I have met monks who sat straight for days (2 to 3 days) under recommendation of their teacher - this is in the Chan lineage. So meditation is not somethi...
What is the best meditation practice to fall asleep? I want to know if exist some practice to meditate when I am ready to sleep, in order to train while I am dreaming. <Q> Maintain extraordinarily sharp attentiveness to your body as you fall asleep. <S> Your day-time meditation practice will have to be regular and co...	Likewise you can breathe in such a way that puts yourself to sleep.
If we tell lies to save lives, will that be a sin? This page, Lay Buddhist Vows , says, Do not distort fact This one is usually translated as: don't lie. Again: it wider than that. Sometimes the use of words can make something seem acceptable, when it could also have been said very differently and be totally unacc...	An Arahant is said to never deliberately tell a lie.
Feeling of Superiority and what to do about it? Sometimes I can see myself feeling superior to others because of what I know and they don't . I know that it is my ego which raises it head and is active at the moment. I also see persons, who are successful in profession, business, sports display show of superiority just...	So, the first thing to investigate is to clearly understand the nature of that "feeling of superiority".
Did the Buddha talk about karma and sexual misconduct independent of the lay precepts Did the Buddha talk about karma and sexual misconduct independent of the lay precepts? Killing a Buddha results in (immediate) rebirth in avici; what is the karma for cheating on your spouse? Karma is karma, but I'm asking merely be...	Those who did not engage in sexual misconduct, and those who stayed faithful to their husbands and wives in their past lives, in turn receive loving and faithful spouses in their prospective lives.
The object of meditation I have been focused on the breath in meditation and I am interested in Vipassana, but I am confused about the object of meditation. I have read that you focus on the breath and as thoughts arise, you should observe them and then return to the breath and that it is the returning to the breath t...	The focus of this meditation is breath. In the original Buddhist scriptures, the term ' vipassana ' refers to the 'clear seeing' of the impermanent ( anicca ), unsatisfactory ( dukkha ) & not-self ( anatta ) characteristics of the five aggregates (body/breathing; feeling sensation; perception; thought/mood; sense consc...
In Buddhism what is love meant to be and how is it shown and can two people love each other? In some denominations in buddhism there is a conventional and an ultimate reality. So from the conventional point there could be, to begin with, two people so they could love each other. But in the ultimate reality there is onl...	On a conventional level metta (loving-kindness) means wishing all beings to be happy. So to your question, Love still exists, but goes beyond to a level of limitless that is difficult to fathom.
Is it sinful to masturbate in Bhutanese variety of Vajrayana? Is masturbation a sin in Vajrayana variety practiced in Bhutan as official state religion? When performed by non-monk, for example, adolescent boy, divorced man, as part of wider sexual practices used by partners, etc. <Q> Masturbation is not a Dharma prac...	The concept of sin is in and of itself a western concept and as such does not directly apply.
What is Zen, what are Zen beliefs, and why is it called Buddhism? Please note that i have no idea about what Zen is, and I mean no disrespect to anybody with this question. I have heard these words "Zen Buddhism", many times, and I'm curious: why it is called or attached to Buddhism, and how did it come to be? Can so...	Thus, 'Zen' means 'meditative absorption' & refers to a school of Buddhism with a primary focus on meditation.
third eye experience of mindful breathing I am practising mindful breathing and after a while it takes my concentration directly to my forehead. I tried to be in thoughtless state and just keep watching my forehead. After this practice for 2 or 3 days i feel a kind of pressure in my forehead for a day now. is this norm...	Practising mindful breathing probably takes your concentration directly to your forehead because you are probably concentrating with your forehead. There is no need to ' concentrate ' to practise mindfulness with breathing.
How does extinction fit in the 12 links? I'm thinking that the presence itself, in sense objects, of ignorance, the first link, is never erased; that with final nirvana something has being, the absence of the 12 links. Can the absence of causation itself be present like sense objects are, in absolutely any Buddhist phi...	The only absence of causation is Nirvana, when the twelve links stop creating suffering.
How to practice Mindfulness Meditation? I have been researching this lately and thought it was amazing. I just don't know where to begin or know any techniques. Can someone list some? <Q> The word 'mindfulness' means ' to remember ' or ' keep in mind '. <S> In the context of Buddhism, it means 'to remember' to practise...	If practising formal sitting meditation, mindfulness is to remember to keep the mind in state that does not have desire for or get distressed about anything in the world.
How do i Focusing on the breath and letting thought go Now this may sound silly but I'm new to mediating and I hear that when you have a thought you just let it go. But if I'm focusing on the breath do I go off it, accept that I'm thinking then go back to the breath or just stay on the breath and if I get distracted go...	Mindfulness of breathing consists of paying attention to the sensation of breathing at the nose. Therefore, if a thought arises & it will just float away, then let the thought float away; like it is a passing visitor.
Is it possible for a human being to live without the mind? If a human being consists of two parts as mind and body, is it then possible to live without mind? Appreciate your ideas. <Q> To answer this question accurately is very difficult if you are not a scientist but often people have accidents that results in them b...	Without the mind the human body dies, there are many case of people in comas, but in cases where there is absolutely no brain activity these people are kept 'alive' using life support.
What is the difference between Enlightenment and Nibbana? Is there a difference between Enlightenment and Nibbana? <Q> Enlightenment is the insight knowledge that cuts through & extinguishes the mind's defilements (cravings) of greed, hatred or delusion. <S> Nibbana is final peace or coolness that is experienced afte...	The knowedge 'fully released' is enlightenment, in clearly knowing the end of craving is Nibbana.
Should I meditate on one thing or just any sensation that arise? As I research I am hearing people say pick a single point and focus on that. Then I hear other say you should just focus on the sensation that arise in your body. Personal one point focusing is much easier and I often get distract on if I should focusing ...	The main objective of meditation is to maintain a mind of equanimity (calmness). So when you ask, which is it, there is no hard and fast answer, it depends on what you are trying to do.
In what ways you advance on the path ? In what ways you advance on the path? is it by lowering the hindrances ? or your ability to notice them ? you get a greater ability to not attach and let go ? im trying to understand in what ways we advance - i mean before becoming a sotapanna what do you improve throw me...	Therefore, a good way to advance on the path is to focus on being a harmless & unselfish person and to also abide regularly in solitude so existential fear can be overcome.
Breath mediation during daily acvities Is it possible to do breath meditation during daily activities ? <Q> Mindfulness and Awareness is not a concept only to be practiced during Meditation. <S> Practicing Mindfulness and Awareness during the day, with Parents, Teachers, Customers ... and all other Beeings is a powerfu...	If you are doing a complicated task then you'll have to put a lot of attention on the task but keep an awareness of the breath in the background which you can frequently go back to momentarily to remind you of equanimity, in that way the breath is like a refuge.
How do you know if you have attained Nibbana? You read the suttas, understand their meaning, and put the teachings into practice. At the end of the day, how do you know if you have attained Nibbana? I think this is an important question because Nibbana is the ultimate goal and you need to know if you have finally reach...	Nibbāna is not a place nor a state, it is an absolute truth to be realized, and a person can do so without dying.
jhānas, Zen, and how to practice concentration meditation I've read about the jhānas which one can experience from concentration (samatha) meditation. I have been practicing some form of mindfulness, breathing meditation, but have not experienced a state of absorption that is characteristic of the jhānas. I know that t...	Zen Training by Katsuki Sekida offers a thorough introduction to the practice of samatha meditation in Zen practice. It is important to begin the practice with an understanding of the basic principles and underlying teaching behind what we will be doing.
Awareness in the body : ticklish/tingling feeling I'm trying to anchor my awareness while sitting at the desk. When bringing awareness to the body , I'm getting a tickling/tingling in the body . So to make it bearable I'm trying to move attention to different body parts and it keeps following too. So unable to hold ...	Relax your facial muscles & take an out-breath or let go of some out-breathes. Try not to get too excited about it. People experience all kinds of varied phenomena when trying to practice awareness / meditation. If you are experiencing tickling / tingling sensations ticklish feeling, then first check on the clothes you...
Are there studies about the difference between meditating in the morning versus in the evening? Specifically, I am wondering if it is better to meditate at 7am or 7pm (even though doing both would be ideal). <Q> The number of times or the time of day depends on the type of meditation that you do. <S> If it is ‘Loving K...	So while meditating on a regular basis is a good idea I'd do it when you have the most time and are not in a rush. For certain individuals they may be alert more in the morning and others during the night.
What are the benefits of caring parents? The Dhamma says that not helping parents is evil and preaches to take care of the elderly parents. What can be some positive outcomes the children will get by helping the parents? <Q> The Buddha says that there are two people that you can never repay, no matter what you do. <S> ...	When ever you care or help your parents or others who cannot help in return, As per bhagavad gita, krishna said you will get more energy and inner peace. If parents are not helped, when required, the mind is spontaneously born in the 'animal kingdom' (of ignorance & immorality) & probably eventually in 'hell' (sufferin...
Will earth become a planet without Humans? lets imagine that in all the human in earth become Arhant, so after their death they will not born again (i mean all of the humans). after this will new humans born or Not, will earth become a planet without Humans ? <Q> Definitly, As per science when there is a start, there...	Yes, theoreticaly, if all beings now on earth attained enlightenment, then there would be no sentient beings as we know them (born live die).
Was the prohibition on eating dinner health advice? This fascinating article describes the Buddha as data driven ascetic . Buddha took a different approach: His rules were grounded in his own experience. Like a lot of us, he tried some crazy diets. But what worked for him was very simple. He gave little advice abo...	I'm skeptical that the Buddha said skip dinner because it's good for your health
Should I consider multitasking while listening to audiobooks? Is it a danger to mindfulness? One of the several advertised benefits of listening to audiobooks is that it is an ideal activity to accompany those many chores, such as washing the dishes, doing the laundry, running outside etc., that considered all together...	Multitasking or engaging in activities like listening to audiobooks is not an issue for mindfulness.
How to get to Nirvana? I am very new to Buddhism. What would be the most accurate way to practise and reach to Nirvana?Did Lord of Buddha show us? <Q> The fourth noble truth states that the path to ending suffering is the noble eightfold path. <S> Right view <S> Right resolve <S> Right speech <S> Right action...	The very first "experience" of nibbana is called stream-entry (sotapatti) and it can be attained repeatedly through practice.
Did I describe the following concept correctly? In a discussion, my meditation leader was talking about people who cannot control their cravings and wants, who are easily subjected to actions based on their whims and wants of their anger. He associated these people with having akusala thoughts. He could not find the En...	As I see it, impulsive is not the right word to describe “Akusala”.
How to deal with pride and vanity from a Buddhist perspective? In my interactions with other people I am sometimes very full of my self, proud and vanitous and it leaves me with a bad taste afterwards or it even stops me from taking action in a direction I would desire. Do you know any examples in the Suttas where th...	If you realise Buddhism may not be suitable for you, this might help end pride & vanity.
What are some resources on Mahayana forms of Meditation? Are there any sources about Meditations of Mahayana Schools? <Q> For example, a great classical source on zazen would be Bendōwa by Dogen, which people jokingly pronounce bend over. <S> In the same subject of Samatha there is great treatise commentary in Al...	If you include Vajrayana under Mahayana umbrella, then there are bits on tantric meditation in Introduction to Tantra on Lama Thubten Yeshe, or Guru Yoga by Tsongkhapa, which is a manual.
What is a good response when some-one says 'sadhu' to you? Is there an appropriate phrase when some-one says 'sadhu' to you, for example after making an offering at a monastery?Saying 'no worries', or 'that's okay' doesn't seem appropriate.Is there a appropriate response, or should I just smile and accept the complimen...	We say ‘Sadhu’ to show our appreciation of something. At the time when the Supreme Buddha was alive, it was the practice observed by His disciples to place both hands together in a gesture of worship and greet each other by saying ‘Namo Buddhaya’, whenever they met.
Did aliens come to meet Lord Buddha? In lord Buddha's daily routine, divided into five parts as follows. the morning session the afternoon session the first watch the middle watch (10.00 P.M. TO 2.00 A.M.) the last watch So the 4th part is The Middle Watch, from 10.00 PM to 2.00 AM. In that time Lord Buddha...	They are from a different world/plane/dimension.
Gods realm, how do you get out? Achieve Nibbana in this realm? It is stated that Buddha said that it is more difficult to achieve nibbana in this realm than in the human realm (due to absence of suffering). Imagine, that one of these gods, has realized that in fact he is "stuck" there and want to achieve nibbana and g...	From the perspective of the old Pali scriptures, I am not aware of anywhere that states: " It is more difficult to achieve nibbana in the a godly realm than in the human realm ".
Buddha statue of European/white likeness? Do Buddha statues exist that portray Buddha as a person of white or European likeness? Where would I find them? (Not sure what other than "white" or "European" to call it; you are free to correct me.) If not, why not? (I would like to explain in a few words why I am asking t...	My impression is the original Buddha statues were of Greek origin.
Seven 10-day and one 20-day Goenka Course but no "good results" I have attended seven 10-day and one 20-day Goenka course, but never experienced either the "subtle sensations" or the "free flow." I have stopped going to Goenka retreats because I get frustrated hearing about how after the first day I should be experien...	The benefits I experienced include things like better self-confidence, less stress, better social relations with others, less procrastrination. "Free flow" is not the point of the technique . Of course results happen, but results vary from person to person, from time to time.
Where do westerners get their "Buddhist" names? Many western Buddhists have non-western names: Jeffrey Block - Bhikkhu Bodhi Geoffrey DeGraff - Thanissaro Bhikkhu or Ajaan Geoff Deirdre Blomfield-Brown - Pema Chödrön Are they given to them when they are ordained as monks/bhikkuni (like Dances with Wolv...	People 'get' their name from a guru, which is a form of initiation into that particular tradition, and so the new name is almost always related to the root culture from which that tradition sprung.
Is there any school or institution dedicated to teaching Jhana? Is there any school or institution dedicated to teaching Jhana? Teaching "Jhana" means: Accepting students to learn only about Jhana Proper courses and guidelines for student: step by step, from first Rupa Jhana to Four Arupa Jhanas, in Theravada Buddh...	Bhante Vimalaramsi is dedicated to teaching insight progress through jhana, following the original Pali suttas rather than the commentaries.
Do ascetic practices create samvega? If so, how? Do ascetic practices create saṃvega? If so, how? (I am trying to find ways to create samvega - and I understand ascetic practices can help in that). <Q> Anyone can arise into samvega, spontaneously. <S> In the West, it is discouraged as a non normative realization whi...	In its most simple form, samvega is the thing which causes us to start practicing. From my extensive experiences in the healthy spiritual practice of fasting, when fasting for more than a day I definitely more intensely realize more of what is most important in life... though I can push this to the background of my min...
Is Karma different for accidental killing than intentional killing? Ever since I have started following Buddhism, I have stopped killing any type of insects but during the course of time I have accidentally killed few insects when I had no intentions of harming them like 1) While using touchscreen a tiny insect of few...	I think we're meant to infer that if you don't act with an evil mind (or act without an evil mind), that if the killing is accidental or unintentional, that's not as bad as intentional killing.
Book of zen kōans I am looking for a book of kōans that contains things like the following: Nasreddin Khodja commanded his disciples, when he sneezed, to salute him by clapping their hands and crying out: "Haïr Ollah, Khodja," that is "Prosperity to thee, O Master!" Now it came to pass that on one of the days the buc...	Three of the best known koan collections are the Mumonkan, The Blue Cliff Record, and the Book of Serenity.
In Buddhas Time Did Kings give Freedom to His Sex Wives(Anttappura Wives)? in lord Buddhas time their was many kingdoms in India. these kingdoms had many kings. kings had many wives. some kings had 500, 1000 (Antappura) wives but they all have main 1 queen & other wives used for sex uses.most of these kings became foll...	But sex for the use of pleasure would be inappropriate in a secular area such as temples etc or those in robes who take wows to abstain from many types of pleasure in the physical body also having more than one partner is kinda unfaithful too.
Difference between yatha bhuta and vipassana Is there a difference between yatha bhuta and vipassana ? Or are they just synonyms? <Q> The two terms are not exactly synonymous although their context of usage is synonymous since both terms are associated with "seeing" ("passa") the same true reality. <S> ' <S> Yath...	Yatha means "as" or "like." Vipassana is the process of methodology to see things as they are .
In Buddhism can all we percieve / experience b used as teachers? ...I have been working on this one question for a while so can everything we experience in life internally and externally be used as our teachers from a Buddhist point of view?examples..Anger = powerful emotion active in a person when one is threatened or...	Buddhism explains everything can be a teacher, it that everything has: (i) The Bhikkhuni Sutta suggests that various things like food, and even craving and conceit, can be helpful or instrumental. I suspect that maybe negative emotions, such as anger or jealousy, maybe can't be used as a teacher.
Is the term " mind " another way of describing awareness? Ok for starters allot of talk is about the mind in Buddhism... So the question I'm posting is there only really (truthfully ) awareness ? For example thinking has awareness.. Feeling has awareness... Seeking ..studying all have awareness as the common factor ......	It has to aware of something to be there.

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