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Agitation during mindfulness tickling I was following an older thread , however I would love if someone could respond with an answer as to how I can handle the following situation. This happens almost every time I do mindfulness. As I sit in mindfulness I almost always get a tickling or tingling sensation from my cl...	You are bound to get those sensation as you sit mindfully, your mind gets concentrated. When formally meditating, it is ideal to wear comfortable loose clothing. And if you need to do anything to get rid of it, do it mindfully.
Benefits of Producing and Caring for Children Genetically speaking producing your own children perpetuates your own genes. Buddha spoke at length about the 31 Planes of Existence. What is Buddhism's (not just Theravada) position on having children? Namely the benefits of producing and caring for children? Or does Bu...	I suppose the children benefit (from your care), and you get to do the right (caring, virtuous) thing.
Why people in our realm are so fundamentally different? Apparently, almost all of us living on Earth are the results of specific Bardo Thodol events, that led us here. We all failed to get to the higher realms. Except of course those who voluntarily chosen this place to serve and educate. And those for whom this realm ...	It's complicated, but for practical purposes it's enough to know that it all depends on karma (long term) and on your energy/state of mind (in the immediate timeframe).
Different Reasons of Dhamma's Decline In many suttas the Buddha stated different reasons for the decline of the Dhamma. Why and how it happens. The different causes. Can I have the references of those suttas? -Metta <Q> Ani Sutta - have desire to learn the Dhamma as taught by the Buddha and not anyone else Anagata...	Ovada Suttas - boastful about preaching ability, lack of faith, moral shame and fear, elders not setting a good example Kimbila Suttas - lack of mutual respect towards the teacher, Dhamma, Sangha, practice, each other, heedfulness and hospitality Saddhamma Patirupaka Sutta - counterfeit
Meditation and family life I started meditating regularly four years ago, about an hour daily. Then, three years ago, my son was born, and since then it's been really difficult for me to be constant with my practice. It's hard for me to make time to meditate. Only during the night I find some time to be alone, but I'm ...	Also you can try shorter session but perhaps adding up to about 2+ hours a day.
Looking for a Buddhist story about trust I heard a Buddhist story about trust some time ago and am trying to locate it. The story goes, there are some men travelling (I think) to a temple or monastery and on the way they get swindled and lose all their belongings to a con (or something, somehow are tricked) When they...	Try googling 'Pancha tantra stories about trust'.
Practical advice on not eating after noon My question is mainly to monks and nuns in this group, but I welcome answers from others as well. If one were to give up eating solid food after the midday, as instructed by the Buddha to his Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni, what practical advice would you give such a person in order t...	Take anti-acid formation tablets (if you must). Don't worry or think about your base desires for food and sex. If you are looking for some practical advice, my inclination is to steer you towards the intermittent fasting community.
How much time it takes to experience 4th jhana? Right now sometime if i try to concentrate i can feel the calmness in mind. Before 2 years i used to feel inner joy after doing meditation. If i do meditation everyday for 2 -3 hours, how much time will it take for me to leave the rupa jhana? Or simply, is their any tim...	A wholesome intention is essential. Achievements in former lives and karma produced in the current plays an important role in whether or not jhana's can be achieved and in which period of time.
Helping Others Who Still Need to Suffer due to karma I was wondering if helping others who are suffering prevents them from receiving their karmic dues. For example, if Person X caused great suffering to others, then according Buddhism, his Karma will come back to haunt him in the same life or a next life. Now suppos...	By helping others your can help lighten the burden of their Karma and in some cases counteract the bad Karma altogether.
What is the true nature of karma? The more I study and meditate upon karma the more I am convinced that it is a physical thing and not a moral one. The universe is a massive interweaving assemblage of gears and wheels and shafts and cogs. By doing this simple action (we'll call it "X") you create a rippling of reactio...	The word karma literally means action , and action is motion , so it is of physical nature, it is the play of energy. what is said for sure is that an unwholesome (akosala) action has bad results and good action good results ....
If someone have experienced supernatural abilities through meditation, than why don't he shows it to world? If somebody goes beyond fourth jhanas and has received super knowledge and also powers, than why don't he shows it to world and shares his knowledge and experience to world or say scientist and science community ...	Also when displaying these abilities one might develop pride which would lead to one's downfall.
What does "Namaste" mean in Buddhism context and why is it even associated with Buddhism? A commenter on the NewBuddhist blog claimed that one should not say Namaste in a Tibetan Buddhist event (in this context). I remember one time saying "Namaste" while at a Tibetan Buddhist event, and someone quickly pulled me a...	In Hinduism it means "I bow to the divine in you". It is used both for salutation and valediction.
Is it true that Lord Buddha was born in Sri Lanka? I've heard there's a rumor saying that lord Buddha was born in Sri Lanka and ancient "Dambadiwa" is not India but Sri Lanka. There's a "sal" tree in Sri Lanka which matches to the exact tree that we believe which was there in the birth of baby prince "siddhartha" . I ...	I doubt that the Buddha was born in Sri Lanka. Personally, I don't believe it to be true.
Resources for Sutta study/discussion for beginners What texts would you recommend for sutta discussion sessions, where a majority of the participants will be new to discussing suttas? with metta <Q> This is my standard recommendation for beginners:a)Read BuddhismCourse. <S> (Take about 12 hours to read and give you a g...	Good starting point would be to read Bikkhu Bodhi’s “In the Buddha’s Word”Then read Sutta Central.
Are there any exceptions to the first precept? I recently accidentally injured a bee, I did all I could to help it, but its wing was broken and so was its leg, it could not walk nor fly, it was clearly in a great amount of pain and distress. I tried to heal it with some energy work, but it was no good, I am just not ex...	Having great sadness is bad Karma as it is caused by aversion.
What is Buddhist reality? If the Buddha said that ultimate reality is really non-self (anatman), or empty of inherent existence (sunya), then why did he bother to talk about human beings and other “provisional” things? <Q> In the Buddhist context non self has a special meaning which is not worthy of identifying as self...	Ultimate realities of human being is present, past (present of it's past) and future
The proper meaning of Bhagava What is the real meaning of Bhagava? Or are there any multiple meanings? Sutta references are appreciated. -Metta <Q> Comments from the following link: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.16.1-6.vaji.html Bhagava: also rendered "the Auspicious One" or "the Exalted One"; the ...	The word "Bhagava," can be translated as "the Blessed One"
Buddha dealing with pain If enlightened beings aren't bothered by pain, why did occasions happen where Buddha was unable to give a lecture because the pain was so severe or when he had to meditate to lessen the pain he was feeling. Surely if the pain truly didn't bother him, he could have just continued as normal with...	But if you try to sit through severe back pain, it could lead to further complications.
Help! I'm in love with enlightened man Pardon my English .I was lucky enough to meet this man . This man is living Buddha . He is not a monk. Lives simple life. He is such a mystery. I'm in love with enlightened man. It's not recent ... it's been years and years... He never claimed that but it's absolutely obvious to...	If he is interested in you (romantically), he is not enlightened.
How to be kind when you don't like people or the world? I'm not sure I make a very good Buddhist. The thing is I really don't like people. They constantly disappoint me. I find most people to be so stupid. Take for example half of America and the idiotic orange leader they have elected. What kind of idiots would elect ...	Once you have your hate subdued to a degree you could move on to Satipattana meditation which will eventually eliminate anger.
If a living being is not self aware than can he experience suffering or pleasure? When some living being like dog or any mini bacteria are killed, since they are not self aware or concious do they feel the same type of pain as we do? what is the difference between their suffering and our suffering? <Q> Dogs don't forge...	Its very clear that dogs are conscious and feel the same pain as humans do and
What are do's & dont's which should be followed for serene & calm life? I would like some rules in the form of dos & don'ts to ensure happiness & eradication of miseries for making life calm & serene. <Q> The don'ts: <S> Buddhism teaches ten kinds of unskilful action the serious lay Buddhist to refrain from, namely:...	Cease to do Evil, Learn to do Good, remove all defilements , follow this way to Compete, total, supreme Enlightenment. Practise friendliness, compassion, appreciation for goodness & equanimity. You need to really see what is good about someone who seemingly is "out to get you", or someone who is "stupid", and so on.
Metta towards a non-sentient entity or substance (e.g. rice)? Is there a Buddhist tradition or practice, which involves developing or showing metta towards a non-sentient entity ... for example, towards a jar of rice? If not, why not? Is it theoretically possible (according to Buddhist theory) that such a practice mi...	Rice isn't a "living being", and one does not have "social contact" with rice. Perhaps being careful about preparing the rice you care for, and doing something such as cleaning the jar more carefully or sealing the jar more tightly, might show an experimental effect.
Is Buddhism a syncretic religion, and then what would they say on the Abrahamaic religions? Syncretism is a union or attempted fusion of different religions, cultures, or philosophies — like Halloween, which has both Christian and pagan roots, or the combination of Aristotelian philosophy with the belief system of ...	The less profound Mahayana Buddhist teachings are very syncretic, incorporating Hindu deities and esoteric Hindu & Chinese teachings about 'non-duality' and 'non-naming'. As to whether it's a religion, neither have any gods, so they can't properly be called a religion.
Once ignorance is removed ,is the cessation of suffering automatic? As per my understanding the only effort I have to make for the cessation of suffering is to realize the Truth as it removes the ignorance. Once I have removed the ignorance rest of the things happen automatically. With cessation of ignorance comes the...	When ignorance ceases, what occurs to consciousness is it become pure.
How observance of the 5 Precepts is done? As I know one says the 5 propositions and then goes about his day. Or are the precepts also pegs for mindfulness? Keeping them constantly in mind? <Q> You have to keep the five precepts constantly in your mind. <S> After while it becomes second nature to you. <A> Please see t...	The Five Precepts can be taken formally, but to observe them properly you must be heedful not to break any of the rules during the day.
Buddhism - Is it a religion? I disagreed from the very beginning, after understanding some Buddhist philosophy, that it is not a religion. In my opinion, it is not a religion but a lifestyle or administration under which Buddhist teaching is practised. Please clarify why it is classified as a religion. PS : I have m...	To undertake the Buddhist path is to take on a set of precepts and training principles so as to understand, with direct knowledge, the experiences enjoyed by those Buddhas and other enlightened persons who have gone before you.
Seeking guidance on avoiding meditation distractions and sluggishness Do any of you readers , know of a very simple, dependable starting point for an old meditator , who sits everyday, but I do not have contact with any meditation teacher, who I am connected with. I sit, and make an effort to practice the mahasatipatta...	The whole point of (Buddhist) meditation is to work with your inner condition, until you learn to manage it, and in the process get some insight. 2) review all breathing tensions and emotional sensations and note all of the preexisting conditions, then 3) review the state of the mind and note the quality of thinking & ...
What do Buddhists say about illogical self sacrifice? I don't want to sound Vulcan, but I mean self sacrifice which is out of proportion, what do Buddhists say about it? So as an example, going on a dangerous hunger strike, in order that your well fed friend has another loaf of bread. I got thinking about this via dyi...	But... A sacrifice of any kind can be wholesome or unwholesome depending on the deep motivation.
what happens to the mind during meditation? l experienced stopping of thoughts comes to the mind at a point and starts again.During that time my breathing has completely stopped.it is like mind has stopped for a moment.could that be possible? <Q> This experience is called Asanna in Buddhist meditation. <S> (see no 22 ...	What happens is the breath stops being an object of awareness because the breath calms but the mind remains too coarse or gross to be aware of the breath.
Where is the line drawn with stealing? It's obvious what stealing is when engaged-in often. You take the stuff of others while under a certain mental state, that mental state being marked and noticeable by an understanding that something isn't under your possession (but under another's), and physical effort to appropri...	If you think/believe/know that within a jurisdiction, a thing is claimed by someone and they don't have any desire to relinquish it, intentional taking of it is theft.
What does one need to give, for liberation? A twofold question for the sake to become even one. General theoretical, general practical and personal answers of reflection (and generously let others have part of it) are suitable. Or even incl. all the views on it, to give a broad spectrum to grasp. (Liberation here mea...	All you have to give up are your preconceptions.
Is there a time difference between death and re-birth? What is the Theravada position to following question?Is there a time difference between death and re-birth? Some further reading:Are my future parents already here? https://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=21961&hilit <Q> In abhidhamma, when death consciousnes...	Rebirth takes place immediately, irrespective of the place of birth, just as an electromagnetic wave, projected into space, is immediately reproduced in a receiving radio set.
How can I direct attention on an breath without consciously breathing? In every guided meditation or in the books I've read on meditation, I've been told to observe and hold sustained awareness towards the the 'meditation object', that is my breathing. When I do that, though, I stop breathing automatically and instead ...	Whenever the mind wander, just pay attention on out-breath, in-breath. To observe the computer screen in front of you, you do not have to do anything with your eyes.
what is anatta during vipassana practice? During vipassana meditation mind experiences breathe automatically. no thoughts were coming. mind itself can be seen.is this anatta? <Q> No. <S> Anatta arises from seeing the arising and passing nature of conditioned phenomena wherever you look. <S> You see that the whole body ...	If at the end of your search for self (atta), you experience anatta and just anatta (no self), then you'll know anatta: all is not self. This is the state where mind no longer gets lost in usual wanderings, and breathing becomes relaxed, with mind staying with the object of meditation (breathing).
Meditation in stressful environments My significant other is an extremely busy person who constantly lives life on the road and rarely has moments to himself. He's an incredibly stressed out person and because of this I've recommended meditation to him. I've given him a pair of mala beads and well wishes but I'm not su...	First of all, you should learn to relax. I sometimes find it useful to set a timer for a small amount of time (10 mins say) and just do that.
How is suffering the supporting condition for faith? In Upanisa Sutta Suffering is noted as a supporting condition for faith, I have a faint idea of how this could be, but I have a hard time following it as I did all other supporting conditioned listed in a successive order. Could you please shade a light. Thanks a...	Suffering motivates the practice of mindfulness meditation, only if (1) a person understands what type of experience constitutes suffering, (2) a person understands the causes of such suffering, and (3) a person understands how mindfulness meditation removes the causes of such suffering.
Certainty and Skeptical Investigation I know Buddhism promotes skeptical investigation, and finding things out with a personal conviction about them, i.e. not believing the Buddha on hearsay but rigorous examination. I wonder: how is such a certainty achieved? I would think the combination of shamatha and vipassana i...	Or when you think about something in your mind, you know with certainty the thought is in your mind. You learn through trial and error, and as you watch the results of your attempts, you infer the mechanisms at play. I'm talking about you must get insights through shamatha and vipassana, then you need to ask yourself q...
Can Stoicism be seen as something close to Buddhism in some aspects? I am asking this question, for I try to follow much of Stoicism , and I can see that there are certain similarities. But there are also many differences. Could some aspects be the same or at least alike? For example, Stoics assert that unhappiness a...	A Buddhist writer I read recently said that they are in many ways the same other than the Buddhist has greater joy to the extent to which their ego has dissolved.
'Impermanence' during vipassana practice Thoughts stopped when seen them. Either happy or sad feelings of mind disappears by seen them. Is this impermanence? <Q> Yes. <S> You are getting the hang of the fact that experiences come and go, and they get affected by mere looking at them. <S> There is also impermanence at...	This is impermanence, at the experiential level.
Is my Meditation Practice Too Busy? I've been meditating fairly regularly for the past 5+ years, but have really only begun to follow Buddhism the past year or so. As such, my meditation practice has changed. I admit, I am not presently working with a teacher or monastery, though it is on my radar. I meditate every ...	Try keeping your attention sustained on the breath, using the breath to relax the entire body in a way that feels good.
What is one's relationship with the world upon attaining Nirvana (and how do we work to get there) There seems to be this ongoing debate both within the Buddhist Tradition itself and with the world-at-large as to how a practitioner should relate to the world. The Buddha himself forsook his family and all worldly-pleasu...	I would expect that further you travel on your path less you will be attached to the world. I have been taught that the Bodhisattva way of life is required for full enlightenment. If one wishes to dedicate one's whole life to Buddhism, one may renounce the lay life and get ordained as a monk or nun.
How to have a relationship Every intimate relationship I have ever had has ended in a lot of pain and grief. The last one lasted for 17 years but eventually broke down. That was a year ago and the pain is still very raw at times. My question is this. If attachment causes suffering then I was obviously very attached but...	After getting married you can make the relationship smoother by treating the wife in following ways: by being courteous to her by not despising her, by being faithful to her, by handing over authority of the house to her, by providing her with adornments.
is buddhism outside the idealism and materialism? is buddhism is not certainly the idealism or materialisn?Buddhism philosophy is about the consequence mechanism about five elements* and those elements aren't viewed as the material,antimatter or spirit.But the motion and change of them is showing that Buddha or at leas...	Yes without going to the extremes existence and non-existence or eternalism and nihilism Buddha taught the middle path which is Dependent Origination.
What happens to grasping at 'self' after termination of life? Please answer these two questions: 1a. Suppose there is an ignorant person named X who is grasping to the aggregates as 'self' (let's call this just 'grasping'). Suppose X's material body is being destroyed by cancer. X is suffering very much because of g...	Grasping will not re-arise, grasping will not stop, grasping occurs.
Can karma be destroyed by other Niyamas? Can karma be destroyed by other Niyamas? Can the other four niyamas from the "Five Niyamas" remove a person's karma? Or just affect it? <Q> No, if speaking of "can one deed make another undone" ( MN 101 ), Breath, but by the deed of traing the mind, one can reach the ability to...	When the world system is about to be destroyed, if you do a Karma that can only give result in the sensual realm, it could become defunct due to the destruction of the sensual realm.
Is shame and remorse unskillful? I read this in another answer on this site: "and later I regretted" -- remorse is a klesha, an obscuring emotion. my person thought it's worthy to lift the question if shame and remorse (before, while and after a deed be mind, speech or body) are generally unskillful, therefore to...	As the other answer on this site implied shame towards unskilful deeds is for a Buddha a means of learning a lesson and moving beyond guilt & remorse. It depends on the circumstances.
Is there a canonical reference for the story about the war between the Buddha's relatives? I've been looking for a reference for the story of the conflict between Kosalan king Vidubhara and the Sakyans, that the Buddha tried to stop. There are several versions of this on the web, but none of them give any references. I...	In the case you mentioned, regarding revenge Pasenadi's son Vidūdabha took over Sakyans, it is story from the Dhammapada Commentary.
How comes that praising oneself and blame others is unskillful but the teacher of it does? Coming from a closed, probably ill-intended and insulting question , or not, but anyway it's root is actually good to investigate: How comes that praising oneself is unskillful but the teacher of it does? There are many places...	A Buddha is a completely enlightened being who has perfected all the virtues For us non-Buddhas, there are many virtues that can be cultivated by rejecting praise for oneself For someone who is on the path and has yet to perfect themselves, praise - even if it is truthful - can be problematic as it can act as a cause f...
Lack of Pleasure and Joy I noticed aside from gross sensory pleasures such as eating, or sometimes writing, I don't feel much pleasure or joy. It is as though the emotional spectrum of joy and pride, and other such positive emotions, is limited in myself. This considered, is there any likelihood of success to any med...	You can have a break with meditation until you will be enthuziastic at the thought of sitting.
Meditation's Effect on Strong Attachment I have a straightforwards question: does meditation decrease attachments -- e.g. to alcohol or social media -- by increasing willpower, or by other mechanisms? I would think shamatha increases willpower in the long-term, but does it produce some other effects that decrease attac...	On a very basic or crude level, meditation can provide an intimate insight into how addictions & habits disturb, trouble & enslave the mind, which can help the mind develop a distaste or dispassion towards these more coarse/gross addictions & habits.
What is the meaning of the word Uncreate? This link mentions that there is an existence of uncreate state of self(opposite of created state of self..correct me if I am wrong..). The man who is without blind faith, who knows the Uncreated, who has severed all links, destroyed all causes (for karma, good and evil), ...	Uncreated to me in a Buddhist context is a adjective. In this case, uncreated means, non-contrived, natural, something that does not require an effort to maintain.
What are the conditions necessary for Nibbana? This question is pretty straight forward. Suppose I wish to attain Nibbana then what are the conditions which I must fulfill in order to attain Nibbana? <Q> What are the conditions necessary for Nibbana? <S> This answer is pretty straight forward. <S> Practice and...	Practice in accordance with the Dhamma is a factor for stream-entry. Associating with people who are truly good... Nibbana is unconditioned, uncaused, unmade. Personal-existence view, doubt, wrong grasp of behavior and observances, sensual desire, and ill will.
Talents/Skills we possess as Humans I have a strong desire to be an actor but I don't possess such skills... So is it possible that after reincarnation I come back in a body/form with acting skills. (I know this is a childish question but please help me)I really want to know. <Q> You can be reborn in this life as an ac...	Yes, if you can accept to born in hell after an actor's life .
Paths of Buddhism & Possibility of Compassion I have read about different types of paths for spiritual aspirants. Namely: Śrāvakayāna Pratyekabuddhayāna Bodhisattvayāna Of the first, Asanga states their faculties are limited: "These people are described as having weak faculties [...]" Of the second, he stat...	If a person has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as a child, then the capacity for compassion can be very suppressed, making compassionate feelings or relationships almost impossible to achieve. If a person has experienced Enlightenment many times in previous lifetimes, then he or she will have the “fac...
Concentration as a Trait I have a simple question. Concentration occurs in the context of samatha meditation, but does the regular practice of samatha generate a trait-like concentration in daily life? In other words, is there such a thing as being always more concentrated, more focused, outside of samadhi ? Or, ...	The more developed is samadhi, the more it can be abided it at will & the more it will be prolonged, including outside of sitting meditation.
When you get a nightmare could the message in it be right? Some people have the ability to have for-spelling dreams. Imagine that someones'face changes into a devil and making a nightmare of it, could this be a dream revealing to the dreamer some information about other peoples state. Or can only demons'revealing dream...	Negative dreams indicate evil or negative thoughts inside of you.
Anatta & Atman the same thing? I read that atman is pure bliss I read that anatta is pure bliss -Is it possible that these deep concepts are pointing to the same thing at the end of the day? -Is atman the same as anatta in anyway? If yes/no then why? -Is anatman the same as atta in anyway? If yes/no then why? <Q> ...	As you see the concept of Atman and Anatta are opposite of each other. As for ' Atman ', this appears to be a concept that changed & evolved throughout the history of Brahmanism & Hinduism. Anatta translates to the Sanskrit as anatman, often translated into English as 'no-self', or 'no-soul', and represents the teachin...
Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards? Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards? And if so what does Buddhist philosophy have to say about that? Are they necessary, or are they just to keep with appearances? ps. The Dalai Lama is one of my heroes so this should in no way be taken as a joke. <Q> Does the Dalai Lama have body...	I couldn't find anything about any current bodyguards for the Dalai Lama, presumably due to security reasons.
Only thoughts were experienced during practice Now no sounds were experienced during meditation only thinking was there.what shall be done here? <Q> If thoughts are experienced, find out who's the experiencer of your thoughts. <S> Be a spectator or witness to your thoughts. <S> Be a mute witness. <A> from Kaṇṭaka sut...	Be relaxed, don't treat your thoughts just leave without dabbling with them.
How to be mindful while doing routine activites like walking on a street known for years? I started observing nature as I walked by the street which I take daily to get out of colony. Problem is that I have already observed it throughly. There isn't anything that I haven't observed. Brain gets in auto pilot mode in suc...	When walking, look where you put the next step, step by step, know, lifting, pushing, setting down, take care not to step on someone, get slowly a " An All-Around Eye ".
Why doesn't Mara suffer? Everyone born in this world is bound to suffer. Mara tempted Buddha so many times to abandon his quest which he did not. Yet Mara herself never suffered due to her own Karma or due to her belief system. Mara is alive even today. My question is why not Mara, the tempter, suffers or suffered due...	Mara (a psychic that decides to harass Buddhists) does suffer according to the suttas:
How to lose identification with my body and physical appearance Ever since I was a child I was very look concious. I took pride from my looks and took shame from them as well. I'm at a point where my sense of worth is mainly derived from such an unstable, diminishing and limited resource and this inconsistency is causi...	Recontextualise the situation you are in can really help. Accept your current way of thinking, and be patient and compassionate with your self about making a change. You can close your eyes, and start to imagine how you physically look like in other people's eyes.
What is doctrine on ordinary daily posture? In this question I'm asking about posture -- holding the body straight, for example -- not especially asking about posture during formal meditation , which was the topic of previous questions. I was surprised to read this answer , which includes, ... walking straight, a...	In the Theravadan tradition, most of the rules governing posture don't come from the suttas, but rather the vinaya. The highest posture is considered the lotus posture which one should perfect.
Whether knower disappears automatically after doer disappeared? Did meditation; when concentration on the breath at the tip of the nose suddenly controller has disappeared and cittarupa came without control.Is it a stage that knower and doer disappeared?after the experience feel like no self at that time. <Q...	They disappear together in any case. In the Theravadin tradition the experience of the knower remains present during vipassana or insight meditation and also during Nibbana.
Is samsara without end? I read the following in the PTS Pali dictionary: Saṃsāra "whose beginning and end are alike unthinkable", i. e., without beginning or end. Are there any Pali suttas that support this view of endless samsara without an end? <Q> Well, from Mahayana perspective it's both. <S> Accepting Dukkha ...	Samsara is endless, just like Dukkha is an invariant principle of sentient existence.
Is it possible to make an oath to control one's actions? Can a person decide to do X action and be able to do it forever... from a mental point of view - if physically he can do that action? What I'm trying to say is many times I decided to not do anything for fun or to meditate Y time every day but even when it wa...	It is possible to make an oath (some people do), and for some people it (making an oath) even actually works, but other people find they break the promises which they make to themselves. Don't make vows or oaths but instead undertake training to not do or to do X
The spirit of five precepts The first precept tells us to refrain from killing living beings. If everyone in a city practices five precepts, everyone will become vegetarian.Is it true the spirit Buddha wants us to develop is vegetarianism? <Q> Those practicing Right Livelihood would also not be meat importers, supplier...	If every single person in a city or country practised the first precept with heedfulness , and also practised Right Livelihood , which prohibits trade in meat, then nobody would work as a butcher. There is no such a concept as "Vegetarianism".
How can we say no without giving explanations? Let's say that a friend asks you if you want to go on a trip with him. You have a bad feeling about it, your intuition raises a red flag. How do you say no without making up a fake excuse? When I say "no, thanks for your offer but I don't feel like it." People tend to t...	I can't realistically say "I appreciate your offer but my intuition tells me that this is a bad idea and I can't explain to you why." Just a matter of getting comfortable and free from the grasp of fear and the control of preconceptions, and allowing yourself to be yourself.
How can I escape the suffering of losing my Father? One day my Father will leave me. I love him a a lot. It will cause suffering when he leaves. My question is : How can I escape the suffering of losing my Father? <Q> Let go of what is going to cause the suffering. <S> I.e. your attachment towards him. <S> Practice S...	Being mindful now of this unavoidable fact will help you deal with it when the time comes. Buddhism deals with all these grief and fear- sufferings. If your father was a good father to you (doing good karma), according to the Pali suttas, he will have a good rebirth.
Is there any AI that teach the Dhamma? Are there any Artificial Intelligence applications that can teach the Dhamma that are already out there or are still being developed? What can these AI apps do with Buddhism? How can they facilitate practice? What will AI in development possibly be able to do in relation to Bud...	Now... if you want to dive specifically into the Dhamma, the uniqueness of a potential AI application would be to help you apply the Dhamma to your life, or also monitor your mental state during meditation practice.
Five precepts and lower realms My understanding is that, although we are practicing five precepts in this life, there is no guarantee we will not be reborn in lower realm, it is possible to take rebirth in lower realm in the next life or many lives after. But according some sources, when one practices five precepts tha...	Reaching at least the Sotapanna state is the only 100% guarantee of not being born in lower realms ever again. I think that depends mainly on the tradition and/or a practice chosen by a person to follow.
What is the meaning of the word Dhamma? Can anyone please explain the meaning of the word Dhamma in the sentence "Sabbe Dhamma Anatta"?Since Anatta is Truth; Am I an instance of Dhamma? <Q> Here is a definition . <S> I'd summarise it to myself as "described thing" or "anything you can identify". <S> In the phrase <...	"Dhamma" is a complicated word, or a simple word that's used in many different contexts.
Pushing onself too much? Is there a thing of pushing oneself too much to practice and doing too much which will cause someone to quit take a break for some time ? what about too little ? how you determine the middle way here ? <Q> There is a big obvious difference between doing something because you want it and enj...	If you are pushing yourself too hard, you will not be happy with yourself. You can take a break from meditation sometimes to read up or learn the Dhamma, to cultivate Right View , which is the forerunner of the entire path.
Does Buddhism have an answer to disturbing sexual fantasies? I have extreme sexual fantasies that hurt me (submission, candaulism, etc.).Because of the internet and pornography many young people have increasingly extreme fantasies, and when they are attached to submitting to the partner, many suffer from it and would l...	In summary, a solution to cure these sexual disorders is to see clearly they are disorders that bring suffering rather than activities that bring sustainable happiness.
Mental ilness, causes and apaya realms Mental illness is not uncommon in modern society, from mild to severe illness. Depression, (generalized) anxiety disorder, panic disorder and schizophrenia, to name a few. Do people with (long-term) mental illness are "destined" to be reborn in one of lower realms or they're seen ...	Attachment to harmful sources of emotional energy.
Is there any way to decipher sensations in the body during Vipassana? Can we know what kind of Samskars are being eradicated from the kind of sensation? Like while doing Vipassana I feel cooling or stretched sensation on forehead; itching on throat; burning & tingling in other parts. (for now). So is there any way to...	You are not supposed to give meanings to any feelings. When the fetters are eliminated, you will know because they no longer arise in the mind.
What is your Dhamma? I am trying to understand Dhamma. If people ask me what is my Dhamma I say I am XXX , which explains my behavior to them. Suppose I ask you the same question ,What is your Dhamma? ,then what will be your answer? <Q> What is your Dhamma? <S> One cannot really have ones "own" Dhamma. <S> Furth...	The Dhamma is timeless and impersonal and cannot be owned by anyone.
Does rational thinking avoid dogma and enhance our wisdom? Rational - decisions and thoughts are based on reason rather than on emotion. Reason - a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event. Wisdom - ability to use your experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions or judgements. Exp...	I don't think there is anything necessarily wrong with rationalism provided that it is adequately counterbalanced by other factors.
What does Buddhism say about boredom? Very often when I meditate, or in everyday life, there are times when I get bored. I don't have to do anything. And often I go on YouTube to get busy.It is the same in meditation, very quickly I get bored, I feel the time passing and it becomes heavy. How do you manage all this? <...	Take it one moment at a time, meditating on a moment-to-moment basis if you find yourself impatient and bored.
How does one know the difference between aversion and danger? How does a Buddhist know when to tolerate a situation, and when to exit a situation? For example, a lay Buddhist in an abusive relationship: is it correct to accept the abuse, or avoid it? Disclaimer: I am not referring to my own relationship. I just chose ...	Difference is that Aversion is to be uprooted as Defilement, Danger is to be avoided. Give the relationship a fair chance to improve with kind and respectful discussion regarding the issues before making any drastic decisions.
Is it complete shut down of perception and detachment of physical world? As we know people who stay in coma or unconsciousness "experience" timeless,space-less, absolute emptiness and total detachment from physical world. Even though I used the word "experience" will not suitable to describe the situation in coma or un...	If you are unconscious or in a coma then you are not laying there in a blissful state. This is not similar to Nirvana.
Are either of the two truths Truths (Satya)? Is it reasonable to call these truths, or would it be more reasonable to call them accurate statements from two different frames of reference? The truth, from the frame of reference of conditioned experience, is emptiness. The truth, from the frame of reference of the unco...	The meaning of falsity is “deceptive,” and the meaning of deceptive is “discordance between the mode of appearance and the mode of abiding.”
What do different schools of Buddhism say about Mara Does the concept of "Mara Devaputta" (The being called Mara) exist in all schools of Buddhism? What is mentioned about that concept? <Q> Mara , according to the specific Buddhist and Hindu Cosmology, is the leader of the heaven above Sakra, prince of the Devas (see ...	This Devaputra Mara is, according to Buddhists, a real sentient being.
What the characters of a human being? What should or are the characters of a human being? In today's age, r people real humans ? As i feel , humans are those who have compassion towards others, love towards others wheather it be animals nature or other humans.. But i don't see this any characters in todays humans(>99%)...	A human being is not necessarily "human" the way you understand it.
Role of IQ in attainment of stream entry I quoted below, the words of Ven. Dhammavuddho, who stated that, according to SN 55.5, to attain stream entry, one must have focused attention (yoniso manasikara) when listening to the true Dhamma from true men (ariyans) and contemplating on it. After that, they must practise th...	Stream-entry requires non-thinking rather than thinking. What is related to stream-entry is a sensitivity towards suffering.
What is yoniso manasikara and ayoniso manasikara? As suggested in this answer , it is a good idea to investigate this further. What is wise reflection (yoniso manasikāra) and unwise reflection (ayoniso manasikāra)? Yoniso manasikāra is also translated as wise attention, appropriate attention. Why is yoniso manasikā...	In my understanding yoniso manasikara is attention at the origin, the source.
Does the will to live cease after enlightenment? What would motivate an enlightened person to continue living? It seems like once somebody attains enlightenment, other than teaching, there would be no reason to continue living. <Q> "Ceasing the will to live" sounds depressingly suicidal. <S> That's not a good descripti...	As my teacher said, once you "see" the emptiness, you have no reason to live, no reason to die, all you have from that moment on is your will , made strong through years of practice. If by "losing the will to live" you mean the state of mind right before someone commits suicide, it is important to understand that simpl...
Does "married adults living with parents in parents' house" count as breaching the third precept? It's very common for unmarried adult Asians in Asia to continue to live with their parents. Some choose to move out once they're married, some people for some reasons choose to stay even after they're married. One of the ...	To my knowledge, there are no teachings in the suttas that refer to sex outside of marriage as part of the Buddhist path.
Is every Dhamma cause of suffering? I have now spent quite sometime understanding what Lord Buddha said. Some of the fundamental things are still not clear to me. For example Sabbe Dhamma Anatta. Meaning all Dhammas are not me , mine or myself. But why all Dhammas are not me , mine or myself?Because all Dhammas are im...	No: as mentioned in this answer , nibanna is classified as a dhamma (and as anatta ) but not a cause of suffering.
When something goes wrong One hears of religious psychosis , with a 'Buddhist' element. As well as people who convert to or begin to study / practice Buddhism and seeming different, somehow worse; more solitary or unconcerned, etc.. What is going on these sorts of lives, becasuse I don't think "zen sickness" always a...	Many folks coming into Buddhism have preexisting aversion to this world.
Not breaking the first precept vs. developing compassion In Theravada, we have established that eating meat does not break the first precept in many Buddhism SE questions (for example, this question and other questions linked in its comments). However, beyond not breaking the first precept, could vegetarianism be ...	We use the practice of compassion to counter cruelty in the mind.
What is worth desiring from the world? What is worth desiring from the world when everything is impermanent ? I can't even desire Nirvana , because I never get it. Here it states that I can not say Nibbana as mine or me or myself( I can not say I am in state of Nibbana and I can not say Nibbana as mine): “He dire...	You can want to help others feel less suffering, in both ways (external and internal help).
What makes someone become a gay? Is this the result of engaging in particular sexual behavior such as (frequent) casual sex, infidelity, etc? How can someone take rebirth as or become a gay/lesbian when s/he is not in the first place? <Q> I think the question is unimportant because Buddhism does not provide an answer f...	There all kinds of karmic scenarios, in one life or spread over multiple lives, so it's hard to be more specific, but generally speaking there's connection between attachment to high ideals and high standards, and homosexuality.
Sudden enlightenment described in the suttas A lot of suttas mention the case of sudden enlightenment, during the time of the Buddha. Do these cases speak only of stream-enterers, or can they even be full arahants? For me it's unbelievable, that either others or I must simply (!!) understand impermanence, in order to ...	Some stories of the great saints, such as Sāriputta and Bahiya Dāru,ciriya, give us the impression that they awaken merely by listening to the Buddha giving them a special teaching.
What is beyond the realm of Gods. After have studied Hinduism, and more modern reality creation referring to concepts such as higher vibrations, higher realms that exists beyond our material, such as the astral or heavenly. Also having witnessed fruits of human/divine will and the power of creative imagination, such a...	The Buddha himself is beyond all gods. It may depend on the school of Buddhism; for example: The Theravada school may teach something like The Thirty-one Planes of Existence , with the proviso that the gods' (a.k.a. brahmas' and devas') time in the heavens is impermanent.
Should my happiness be dependent on the suffering of others? Once I asked a wise man "Why should I be happy?" He said "Because there are people more miserable than you. Thank God that at least you are better than them."There are couple of depressed kids living in my neighborhood(people call them mad). Sometimes I feel ...	Happiness comes from a pure mind, a stable and non-fragmented mind, thats able to see the true nature of reality.
Did the Buddha teach meditation to lay people? During his lifetime, did the Buddha teach meditation to lay people, or did he teach meditation only to monks? Are there any references to this in the Pali Canon or commentaries? It's clear that all Buddhists, including lay people, should gain the Right View by learn...	Though there is no record of such meditation suttas teaching to lay people, I believe a few excellent lay disciples received meditation guidance from the Buddha.
Knowingly having to hurt a close person I will try to get my situation across without going into too much detail. About a year ago I moved with my mother to the other end of the country. For me it was an adventure and a good opportunity to progress in my career. For her it was the realization of a childhood dream. Grow...	It is not always the case that you have to choose either A or B. Sometimes, you can find a third way, C. Drawing upon the example of the Buddha's life, he found that it did not work if he chose either over-indulgence or over-asceticism.
Mindfulness of brain -- references? I am looking for references to any (obviously modern) practices that might be described as "mindfulness of brain" or "meditation on brain" -- using the brain, part of the brain or nervous system, or any neuroscience concept as a meditation object or theme. An example might be using D...	As for reference to "the brain" in the Buddhist scriptures, there is possibly Dhammapada 37, which states the mind resides in "the cave", which could mean "the skull", that is, "the brain": 37.

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