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The dilemma of enlightenment As a lay Buddhist, I know it is almost impossible for me to attain Enlightenment in this life. So if I keep enlightenment as a goal in mind it creates frustration, as I am not progressing in meditation and, life seems hopeless as Enlightenment is an impossible pursuit. However, if I don't t...	If you are not practising to end suffering, I'd suggest to quit Buddhism. If you follow the middle way, you can have long term, medium term and short term goals of happiness. At the very minimum, you need to keep the five precepts with heedfulness (appamada) .
What to do when overwhelmed with Doubt - Practical Advice I have a major problem in my practice. When things are going well in life ,doubt rarely raises its head and I practice diligently. However , when something bad happens , I feel, how could this happen , I practiced so much. I start losing faith in the Dhamma and ...	Put aside the expectations for yourself gained by reading the Dhamma. You're experiencing an emotional flood, created by long-past circumstances.
Thinking during Vipassana meditation Please correct me if I'm wrong. From what I read, the purpose of Vipassana meditation is to get insight, and wisdom about one self, in order to achieve a better life and eventually nibanna. The way I have been taught to practice Vipassana, is to focus on the present moment, feel...	Don't get caught up in thinking about thinking, thinking about meditating, or anything like that. Anything you do is fine, there are no hard rules. In your sitting, engage in monitoring your mental processes - the subject (monitoring mind) and the object (monitoring mind) are the same. However, when you feel like you a...
Can Buddha be insulted by disrespect? I found a video about Leshan Giant Buddha and was watching it with my family. In that video some workers were cleaning the statue's head while walking on it (it is a giant statue) - and my family members were surprised that people walked on Buddha's head, because to them that looke...	The Buddha will never get upset whatever you do. The point is if your actions are disrespectful, it is bad Karma for you.
Annoyed by nasal congestion and hyper-salivation during meditation? I just attended a 10-day Vipassana retreat and during the whole retreat I was constantly annoyed by nasal congestion and hyper-salivation. For many years I've had a sort of chronic nasal congestion, whether it's summer or winter, it doesn't matter, I a...	This appears to be a physical issue; that probably needs to be resolved in a physical way; such as by proper exercise, proper eating, non-consumption of intoxicants, herbal detoxification medicine, acupuncture, etc. As for the problem with nasal congestion, I don't know any good solution for that, perhaps a physical/me...
What to do after becoming free from suffering and attachments? Suppose I'm free from suffering, free from attachments, untouched by pain and pleasure, with absolute, constant calm and peace of mind; feeling profound compassion towards all beings (from an ant, to my mother, to a murderer). I no longer see any vexation ...	To become a fully enlightened buddha, practice generosity, morality, patience, enthusiasm, meditation, and wisdom (the 6 perfections).
What is the word in Pali that is translated as being by some and as becoming by others? I'm referring to translations in accesstoinsight.org; what is the word in Pali that is translated as "being" by John D. Ireland and "becoming" by Thanissaro Bhikkhu? For example, in Itivuttaka: The Group of Twos - 49. Held by View...	Tayome, bhikkhave, āsavā— kāmāsavo, bhavāsavo, avijjāsavoavijjā
How is one reborn as a chakravartin? Chakravartin (Sanskrit cakravartin, Pali cakkavattin) is a Sanskrit term used to refer to an ideal universal ruler who rules ethically and benevolently over the entire world. Such a ruler's reign is called sarvabhauma. How does one achieve such a venerable state ? <Q> I think ...	In other words, to become a chakravartin one needs to educate oneself on ethics and consistently implement those principles in one's rule.
Is OM an imported religious term from Hinduism? OM or AUM is used in "OM MANI PADME HUM" and some other mantras. To my knowledge, OM is found only in Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. It's not found in Theravada. The 14th Dalai Lama explained the meaning of OM here: On the meaning of OM MANI PADME HUM . It's an extre...	OM is basically associated with Shaivya tradition of Hinduism i.e. those hindus who worship Shiva. The first "actual meaning" IMO is that people explain that it has three syllables (or four if you count the silence afterwards); and, that each of the three syllables refers to different things ...
Can the mind be trained to maintain equanimity in the face of compulsive urges/cravings (without giving in / acting out)? Are there any practices or habits that one can employ, either frequently or on a daily basis, to train one's mind to remain still and equanimous in the face of compulsive urges or cravings, without ...	Acknowledge that you have a craving (be honest with yourself and try to watch it in a curious manner) Counter positive reasons why it's supposedly good to give in (rationalizations).
Setting foot in two different boats First some introduction: I am in my ending teen years and like a normal teen would aspire for success, I aspire for it too. But there is a catch... I don't want to get too lost into material world, such that, at the end of the day I will be lost. In a sense I don't want to waste tim...	You can definitely pursue materialistic happiness while following the Noble Eightfold Path .
Anapannasati - Why the breath? Is there a specific reason why the breath is used as the object of anapanasati or to be more precise: Why did the Buddha chose the breath. Does it mean then that in daily life our main object should also be the breath? <Q> Seems that moderators are expecting a particular style in these ...	When the mind is quiet, empty & free, i.e., when " mindfulness is established to the fore ", the breathing automatically, without choosing, becomes the natural object of meditation. Anapanasati is one of the meditation techniques under Vipassanā to develop the 4 Satipatthana .
How does Paticcasamuppada or 12 Links of Dependent Origination relate to Aversion? Buddha mentions in the Paticcasamuppada that craving leads to clinging and this leads to existence ,birth and death. In other places Buddha mentions that Aversion is a very unwholesome state of mind and we should practice to remove it fr...	Aversion also means wanting to get something - if I say I dislike something means, I like something else
Reference request: the ways of the world I am looking for sutta text where the Buddha says something like... The ways of the world will never be finished find your own salvation with diligence... Meaning, all the politics, hatered, war in this world will always continue you need not heed them and instead you shoul...	There are various English translations, e.g. it's often translated "diligence" instead of "earnestness".
Importance of the first three Brahmaviharas in Theravadan Buddhism So while reading a lot of teachings, especially "higher" teachings, a great deal is mentioned about dispassion in worldy things, unattractiveness in the body and various contemplations on death. It's quite easy to get lost in these kind of contemplation...	Develop the meditation of appreciation.
Most effective meditation techniques to develop empathy, love and compassion for others? I feel like a very cold and sensual person. Easily attracted to sensual pleasure but very cold and numb when it comes to bonding with other human beings. I want to change, and therefore I want to make a meditation plan in order to ...	Ayya Khema's Guided Metta Meditation
Is it forbidden to fight to defend your possessions from a thief? From the last few days i have been trying to meditate to generate equanimity. My question is simple: If i practice equanimity, compassion, loving kindness, forgiveness, there would always be people who would take advantage of that right? For instance if...	If someone attempts to rob you it is wise not to resist and give them what they ask for because of safety reasons, you are less likely to be hurt in that situation. If you have walked the path, it is impossible for someone to steal from you. No, what you have learned seems like it is crippling you.
Other than Nirvana , what else is not changing? It is said that Nirvana is not changing. But I found a text here which states that dharma of conditioned arising is unchanging. The Buddha said to the monk: “Conditioned arising was neither made by me, nor made by others. Whether a Tathāgata arises in the world or n...	No, it is dependent upon name and designation.
Can we reach Nirvana without removing ignorance? Namo Buddhaya.I am learning dependent origination. If we follow the dependent origination strictly then by cutting off craving , the attachment ceases to be and with cessation of attachment, continuation ceases to be and with cessation of continuation , birth ceases to ...	Without getting rid of ignorance, you cannot get rid of craving.
Severe sensations in throat during Vipassana I have had very strong sensations in my throat since I started practicing Vipassana 2 years back. They keep changing shapes and sharpness - they started like a picket fence and now are like hard pokey stone(s). They get overwhelming at times and am not able to focus on ot...	However, if it starts to be accompanied by disturbing imagery or strong negative emotions, especially if it seems linked to memories of past potentially-traumatizing experiences, then reduce your meditation periods and look for professional psychological support before continuing intensive vipassana practice. I'm not s...
Does sexual liberalism lead to rebirth in the hungry ghost realm? In DN 31, the Buddha said a libertine is an evil companion leading to ruin. There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in associating with evil companions, namely: any gambler, any libertine, any drunkard, any swindler, any cheat, any r...	Sexual misconduct is a non-virtuous action and will thus have harmful fruits.
Most efficient (timewise) meditation techniques to experience joy and bliss? If meditation techniques were ranked by how quickly they can instill and develop the feelings of joy and bliss within oneself, which ones would be ranked at the top and why? <Q> Joy and bliss arise when the five hindrances (desire, ill-will, s...	Another type of meditation that can help with joy and bliss is Satipatthana.
List of Buddhist podcast recommendations This is in the spirit of this (previously requested) List of book recommendations Books are wonderful for learning (and audio books are great travel partners/work listening), but I wondered if those of you who listen to podcasts could suggest a Buddhist podcast that serves you...	Tricycle podcast - Also available on Apple podcasts/Itunes. I like Master YongHua, he explains the Dharma in a way that makes it accessible to laypeople; he also has a great sense of humor and talks about topics that I don't find covered anywhere else.
Why should progress in meditation lead to rebirth in a more worldly setting? It seems that the more successful your meditation is, the more lavish the surroundings of your next life (e.g. rebirth in a heavenly realm following the attainment of certain meditative states). However, this seems contrary to the goal of non-...	Rebirth in a heaven doesn't mean more worldly settings.
Is there a difference between the 32 physical characteristics and the the 32 physical marks? Why does the Buddha ask the same question twice, and why does Subhuti answer it two different ways? In Diamond Sutra Chapter 13 “Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Buddha be perceived by means of his thirty-two physical ch...	The physical characteristics when asked upon by subhuti, buddha replies that they are impermanent and cannot be treated as lighthouse to know buddha.
Why do I have swaying/floating feeling after completing 10 day Vipassana course? These sensations and a feeling that my whole body is swaying/floating started on the 7th day of the course. On the 8th day I had quite a surreal experience during one of the group sittings. My eyes would also start watering during meditati...	Piti's effects are temporary, and will fade with time, depending on how much and how deeply you experienced it. They are simply symptoms of prolonged concentration, the degree and type of which are determined by your unique body, mind, and karmic history. I've personally experienced what you're describing many times. S...
How much concentration do I need to practice vipassana? I have read some articles and book, it says that you need to develop some basic level of concentration before you can start practicing vipassana(insight) meditation. What are the criteria to know if I already reached that basic level of concentration? Thank yo...	In Tibetan tradition, before you can do Vipashyana, you have to practice Shamatha-type meditation until you learn to attain so-called "Calm Abiding" or "Fully Pacified Stable One-Pointed Effortless Meditative Equipoise".
Hereditary illness and kamma Many physical and mental illnesses are genetic or hereditary, whether partially or completely, the contributing factor is genetic, nevertheless. For example, you are born into a family that has genetic illness e.g. anxiety disorder, compulsive disorder, cancer, diabetes, to name a few. T...	If you had children without evil intentions, then it's not bad kamma.
How does Karma work for an inventor who changed lives of millions? Consider an inventor who has nothing to do with spirituality but her innovation helped change lives of millions. Her innovation helps people even after her death. Further, innovations can be used for evil as well. <Q> The Buddhist version of karma may n...	If she invented something with the intention that it will be beneficial to others, it is good Karma.
if the self is an illusion - all my relationships are illusion too? If the self is an illusion - of little importance - where does that leave my relationships? All the people I know, have a relationship with this 'fake self' of mine -- so the relationships are groundless? an illusion also? <Q> You are asking something...	Good relationships are vitally important.
Impermanence: How do we know when a thing ends or if it's just changing? It seems to be a big deal that we see things as they are. If we are merely assuming when things begin and end or change then how do we ever really see things as they are? <Q> Great question. <S> because separate self-identical things are imputat...	From Mahayana perspective "things" do not "end", nor do they "change" -
How to meditate before going to bed and after waking up? I read on some online page that the time before going to bed and immediately after waking up is benificial to meditation. I searched over internet but there aren't any specific instructions about any such Buddhist practise. Is this true? Is there any special me...	Before going to bed: The stress built up during the day has to be gradually released before you can fall asleep. Try to be as aware as possible.
How to extend the counter-part sign? What even is this? As I'm learning to master the first jhana one must do two things, master the five masteries & be able to extend the sign. For the masteries, • Mastety Of Adverting ×Turning your attention & focus on any jhana factor after! anywhere,time or place • Mastery Of Att...	The best advice I can give to anyone is relaxed awareness in your meditation object!
Infinite loops of Rebirths I have a question. A man should attain enlightenment to liberate himself from cycle of rebirths and every other aspects. What if a MAN don't even care to try out to attain enlightenment. Will he be stuck in a cycle and no place to stop his process of rebirth until he attains enlightenment...	To your first question, the Pacceka-Buddha are individuals who attained enlightenment without the Buddha's teaching. To your second question, 'Enlightenment' is the only way to end the birth-cycle.
Difficulty with Meditation Posture I am able to meditate when on a bus, or when I'm walking, or sometimes standing; however, no matter how hard I try I seem to avoid formal sitting. I can't help but have the feeling that formal sitting would be most effective, and that I'm avoiding something about a formal posture that...	Instead, meditation should be something natural and (yes) pleasant. I would advise on seated meditation 20 minutes in the morning after waking up and 20 minutes in the evening for the first 6 months or until you are fully comfortable with it.
Why is in the budda days, jhana seem so easily attainable but so hard now? As i read text from canon. It seem like in the budda day jhana was a lot easier and highly recommended for the fold path. But now it seem like this rare thing only a handful of people can attain. If it was so easy how can we find the path to ent...	Even for today you need right teacher to get there and a firm practise. From my personal opinion, the reason for less and less to achieve jhana or even Arahant-hood, is because the effectiveness of teachings of the dharma is gradually less as 'original' as time passes.
I had peace initially while meditating and then lost it? I set up a routine to do my meditation where i just watch my thoughts. After some days i found a peace after meditating which continued through out my day. I enjoyed the calmness inside me. Following a stressful period for 2 or 3 days my peace was lost but i am c...	The meditation had brought you few glimpses of peace and tranquility and after going through some stressful situation ,you are not able to get it again.
In satipatthana, how does mindfulness lead to nirodha? What is the difference between "cessation" and "nirodha"? How would it be experienced during meditation? <Q> The between cessation and nirodha is "cessation" is an English word and "nirodha" is a Pali word that often does not literally mean "cessation" although oft...	In meditation, the important "cessations" to be experienced are: Cessation of craving.
How can I keep from feeling dishearted while trying to live mindfully I find it very difficult. I get bored sometimes and other times simply struggle to stay focused on the breath and the body. Does my attention span improve over time? I'm ADHD so it's very difficult to keep thinking out. Is it ok to think? <Q> Thought...	Therefore, do not place great expectations upon meditation. Just keep noticing and noting. It may take time to get used to the new way of living.
Eradication of identity view is a cause or effect of stream entry? I am asking this question due to this answer . Is the removal of identity view (sakkāya-diṭṭhi) required before stream entry can be attained? Or would identity view be removed only with the achievement of stream entry? <Q> To me this question sounds l...	In practice the stream-entry is gradual, just like Enlightenment itself (I believe). It's wrong to say that it is required to remove the identity view before attaining stream entry.
Unintended but mindless action resulted in death of a living thing I am very new to Buddhism and am learning the teachings, so I am reaching out. I avoid hurting any living thing at all cost, but this morning while walking my dogs I was texting and I crushed a snail. My heart broke the moment it happened and I felt ill...	Reflect on the fact that you didn't intend the snail to die.
Vipassana and sleep quality disturbance I tried vipassana meditation and where i used to follow my belly for the inhale exhale. Every time I practised, I found that my sleep quality was disturbed. I found myself tired next day after the disturbed sleep. Did anyone experience the same? <Q> What happens when you observe ...	But sleep is not always disturbed when practising vipassana before sleep.
Health anxiety - how to deal with it? Health anxiety is defined in the quote below. A person suffering from it may mistakenly believe certain fluctuations in bodily sensations to be dangerous or a sign of impending critical illness, and this may cause them to become anxious. When they become anxious, they may get sympt...	Now, for being trapped in anxiety best you might do is to focus on breathing and note that you are feeling anxiety, if you are feeling pain, then note that you are feeling pain, all with kindness if possible . When the patient feels sensation, he can practice Kayanupassana(mindfulness of the body) and Vedananupassana(m...
How did the Buddha subdue fear and terror while standing, sitting, etc.? The Bhaya Bherava Sutta (MN4) states the following: ...I stayed in the sort of places that are awe-inspiring and make your hair stand on end, such as park-shrines, forest-shrines, & tree-shrines. And while I was staying there a wild animal wou...	In vipassana terms one would simply acknowledge 'fear, fear, fear' and observe in an objective way. When fear/anxiety is medium - one should repeatedly tap one body in those areas where the fear is felt: abdomen, solar plexus, chest, throat, sides of the head etc. - trying to relax corresponding muscles and through tha...
Sila & (Non)Remorse AN 10.1 Suppose a person does certain acts that are not in line with the precepts but he does not feel remorse because it seems to the person as an trifling act, for example taking something from his/her parents without their consent or gossiping and lying (as skillful means for example). What is t...	So as long as your actions don't cause suffering to others and yourself it is fine.
Is pīti physical and sukha emotional? I always read piti: joy is mental happiness and sukha is physical. But lately i have been reading pīti is physical, sukha is emotional. At first i thought this didn't matter but now for Jhana training I'm reading move from the piti physical sensation to sukha emotional sensation, w...	Sukha is that mental/emotional state/feeling when everything is just right.
How can we stop overthinking? Many people suffer because of an endless mind-thoughts. What is the simplest way to stop overthinking and make the mind still? <Q> As a person with obsessive thought disorder I might shed some light on this issue. <S> The very fact that you are overthinking is that you are clinging to re...	The simplest way to stop overthinking" is to let go of importance . What you might do is to be mindful of obsessiveness as it comes. I was also taught some somatic exercises that help re-expanding one's narrowed attention: Tapping the feet. Move your eyes from side to side and/or roll them, to expand your awareness of ...
Why meditate? want a truthful answer without spiritual terms? What I think of meditation is sitting with a good posture and concentrating on breathing and thinking about nothing. How does this help a person with anything? The only plus point that I can think of meditation is that, during the time you meditate, you forg...	Vipassana (insight): This type of meditation leads to wisdom and the end of suffering.
Why are all the Buddhas born in Indian subcontinent only? From this list of previous Buddhas it looks like all were Indians.( I mean from their names). Ancient Greece or Egypt were also developed enough to have understood the Dhamma. We can consider Socretes and Moses from that part, but India(Nepal) was chosen f...	It is no surprise that Buddha came from Indian subcontinent because he came up with a theory of Anatta which was opposite to what was preached by Hindus.
Conscious death and afterlife meditation Lets keep the rebirth concepts aside for a moment. Is there a way we can die consciously? (i.e.) Being aware of our death.And can we still meditate after death without a human body? If yes, then in what thing we concentrate on. Let's say we are on concentrating on breath while...	From what I gather trying to fall asleep consciously will prepare one for consciously dying.
How can I live life knowing other people work so hard for so little and people and animals suffer I cry, I don't know why. I just feel things so deeply and want to solve everyone’s problems I don’t know but I can’t help it, it’s just in me, I can’t distance myself from their suffering, because we all suffer. It make...	There is a personality type where you feel others pain too intensely, called “Empath.”
Can a girl & a boy be friends I didn't use to have much boys as friends but with time I made several boy friends from which some were really close. I want to know what has Lord Buddha chanted about a girl & a boy being friends? Will it be something bad when I get married? <Q> With regard to women who are old enough t...	If you are not married, the Buddha said to look at opposite sex friends like brother & sister: 'Come now, monks: with regard to women who are old enough to be your mother, establish the attitude you would have toward your mother.
Which case is "I am a professor" with identity view? According to the Yamaka Sutta quoted below, a run-of-the-mill person thinks one of the following: the form to be the self the self as possessing form the form as in the self the self as in form And the same applies to the other aggregates. If someone says wit...	"I am a professor" belongs to the volitional formations or the sankhara category.
What is the best of Jhanas and breathing meditation? I have heard two ways off approaching mindfulness of breathing: Breath in a inhale-pause-exhale-pause pattern, focusing on thesensations of the breath at the nostrils and the silences at thepauses between breaths.You would control your breath in this method. Quiet...	Instead the emphasis is on the "awareness" of one's natural breathing.
How to navigate the impracticality of Sigalovada sutra? Consider the advice of Buddha about friends and Wife in the Siglovada Sutta . friends and colleagues so respected reciprocate with compassion in five ways: by protecting you when you are vulnerable, and likewise your wealth, being a refuge when you are afraid,...	Consort with one who is learned, who maintains the Dhamma, a great & quick-witted friend. The answer comes in the Rhinoceros Sutta (mentioned by @santa100): If you gain a mature companion, a fellow traveler, right-living & wise, overcoming all dangers go with him, gratified, mindful.
Is it possible to attain wrong mindfulness and wrong concentration? Concentration and mindfulness is a rare achievement. People can have wrong views , wrong intentions but it seems they are able to achieve high concentration and mindfulness. My question is : Is it possible to achieve wrong mindfulness and wrong concen...	I think a lot of wrong mindfulness persists today utilised mainly in a non-Buddhist way.
Are there any Buddhist charities or organisations funding education in Buddhist studies? Further to answers to this question , I am looking for any Buddhist organizations or charities that may offer to fund for pursuing a higher academic education in Buddhism, all over the world. I searched but I don't really get p...	Please see the The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies .
Is it true that arahants don't have sati? A couple of months ago someone tried to convince me that arahants no longer have sati. He said that sati is like a raft in the sense that it should be given up as soon as the goal, arahantship, has been reached. To give more strength to his claim he also pointed out that sati ...	Sati is "non-forgetting" of the Dhamma Truth.
Why the view "I am the owner of my karma" not contradict anatta? Why did the Buddha advise lay people and monks to think, " I am the owner of my kamma, the heir of my kamma; I have kamma as my origin, kamma as my relative, kamma as my resort; I will be the heir of whatever kamma, good or bad, that I do " when this seem...	Trying to teach Anatta to everyone regardless of their mental maturity will not be productive as many will endup being more confused than they already are.
Kosher, Halal and Buddhism If you are a meat eating buddhist, is there any support that eating in this way lessens the karmic impact of consuming meat? <Q> I also was told that Kosher/Halal dealt with dispatching the animal in a way that minimized suffering to the animal. <S> So if eating meat at all had a karmic effec...	However, there is no negative karmic effect for buying and eating meat that was killed by somebody else, long before you came across this piece of meat as a frozen product in a supermarket.
Difference between desire (chanda) and craving (tanha)? What's the difference between desire (chanda) and craving (tanha)? From my understanding, tanha is always unwholesome but chanda can be wholesome or unwholesome. How is this the case? Craving (tanha) arises from feeling as many suttas say "from feeling as a requ...	Desire - Chanda Chanda means the desire to act, that is, to perform an action or achieve some result.
Is there an antibuddha? Is there a figure in Buddhism corresponding to the Christian notion of such? And what would that mean, practically? <Q> He tries to stop beings from attaining enlightenment. <A> Mara its name is Mara. <S> It can be understood as unconscious desires of Buddha or as a literal being who comes to f...	The Buddha is a dependently originated entity, therefore in finality empty. One to one comparison with Satan is not possible, but there's an angel called Mara who dislikes the existence of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
Is it only possible to pay attention to one thing at a time? I once was at a (theravada) mini-retreat where the teacher insisted that if one really watched carefully, one would recognize that it is not possible for the mind to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. I commented that in my experience it is poss...	It is only possible for the mind to hold a single object at a time. The teacher is correct. When we perceive something, we break it down into sizeable chunks because that's how we were conditioned and it also seems more convenient.
Sexual thoughts coming with full pace to silent mind I'm being very mindful and aware nowadays. My mind is now very much quite and I am able to watch handful of thoughts in day to day life. The problem is at a particular instant of quite mind, sexual thoughts come with full vigour. Don't know why. Is there any par...	The reason is simply habituation. Because the mind still ignorantly believes sex can bring happiness & lasting pleasure, the instinctual & habituated sexual impulse (element) & thoughts still arise.
Is mindfulness for quick enlightenment being exaggerated in the Sutta MN10? I was reading about mindfulness here . At the end I found this paragraph Let alone seven years, anyone who develops these four kinds of mindfulness meditation in this way for six years … five years … four years … three years … two years ...	Noone gets enlightened without putting in the work and effort it requires.
Difference Between Walking and Sitting Meditation I wonder simply what the difference is between walking and sitting meditation in terms of value on the path. I have been practicing walking meditation for some time without any seeming result. Is it necessary to practice sitting meditation to see results, or for walkin...	So, from my point of view of a relative beginner, sitting meditation is effective to empty your mind and experience higher levels of concentration, and walking meditation is effective to help you carry this concentration into your daily life.
Choosing a Buddhist partner ain't beneficial to spreading Dhamma? Recently seeing questions on Buddhist stack exchange community I thought to ask this question. My understanding that we can choose anyone as life partner the way Buddha said all about is kind of qualities and so on. And Because of Buddhism is nothing but...	Buddhists are advised to spend their time with people of like-mind and helpful character The Dalai Lama does not recommend that we abandon the religion of out birth for Buddhism or insist that we marry within Buddhism.
Suttas which explain how to deal with unwholesome habits Are there any suttas where the Buddha gives advice how to change one's behaviours, like eating addiction, mindless eating, addiction to entertainment, laziness and all that? Basically giving in into worldy pleasures. Thanks <Q> Although the Noble Eight-fold Pat...	Dvedhāvitakka Sutta - Two Kinds of Thought
Must one move through the various jhanas to realise nibbana? Some of these jhanas are incredibly powerful but they have an opposite, that being emotional and mental upheaval and the dark nights. Essentially, I realise that there are valuable insights to learn from both their extremes but I find that delusion can arise...	The idea that all 4 Jhanna has to be achieved to end the mental fermentations is taught by later teachers.
Three Questions about Sexual Desire I am wondering a few questions in regard to sexual desire and Buddhism. Is fantasizing a form of craving and thus worse than sexual activity without it? What are the mental processes involved? How much does a single orgasm, for example, affect the spiritual path? Basically what is...	Yes, fantasizing is a form of craving and can be worse than mere sexual activity.
Is there any reason of restlessness in the afternoon? I have been practicing mindfulness and watching thoughts. I usually feel rapture, calm and desireless all the day but not in afternoon after lunch. In afternoon, I even forget all stability including mindfulness & various desires creeps in the mind. Situations be...	Restless drowsiness is common after eating.
What are The Buddha's most compassionate acts? Source could be from sutras or anything else. Thank you. <Q> Probably the decision to become a samma sambuddha for the benifit of others. <S> Becoming an arahath and ending your own suffering is lot more easier and take lot less time. <S> “Then I listened to the Brahmā’...	In the Shurangama sutta also, the Buddha skillfully guides Ananda into searching for the six senses. The passengers are attacked by a murderous thief and the Buddha kills him, accepting the karmic consequences. To accept the request to teach the Dhamma althought he neither had any duty to do so nor could see many who w...
When is the best time for ordination? When exactly is it worth considering to ordain as a monk?Is it something that happens automatically during the path, that is, (a) special experience(s) or insight into the three characteristics? Is strong uncomfort experienced when living the monastic life? Thanks <Q> I would sug...	When you become dispassionate in continuing the lay life or when you get enough confidence that you can successfully fend off the temptations of lay life, it is worth considering ordination.
What is the meaning behind this chant? Who are the eight [types of] individuals that the chant refers to, and what is the meaning of the chant? Apparently, it is the Wat Phra Ratana Mahathat Monks at evening service before the great bronze Chinnaret Buddha, Phitsanulok Thailand. Source: Freesound The translation ca...	Commentary says that this is referring to the "ariya sangha" (the noble sangha), i.e. all enlightened ones.
Acceptance of impermanence as the right of passage to adulthood? My take on Buddha's teaching The Buddha encouraged us to find out for ourselves whether what he was saying was true. I say the same. Feel free to find what is true for you. The Buddha invented a rite of passage to adult age. He said that we need to acc...	Every time we decide to accept impermanence we are Enlightened.
Tibetan Buddhism:Recieving inititation in India/Tibet I recently read an introductory book on Tibetan Buddhism and intrigued by Tantra & Kalachakra practice. I have been practicing meditation for the last 2-3 years but not under the guidance of a guru. After struggling for 2-3 years I have finally realized the need of ...	A book by Anagarika Lama Govinda titled 'The Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism' (pdf) may be useful to build up your knowledge on Tibetan Vajrayana.
What is wrong speech according to Buddhism? Is something a lie if I don’t have bad or evil intentions but what I said turns out to be false? I’m trying to protect my five precepts but sometimes when I say something it turns out to be false but I just said what I know at that time. I wasn’t trying to deceive or tell lie...	One who says "i know" but does not; "I see" but does not; "I have heard" but hasn't; is called a liar by those who are serious.
How does one know if one is destined to attain Nibbana? How does one know if one is destined to attain Nibbana? (In future lives) <Q> Traditionally, one hears it from one's teacher (Buddhist mentor). <S> For example, my Zen master once said, pointing at me, "One day this guy will get everything. <S> He will be Bill Gat...	You couldn't know prior to the unfolding of right view with regards to seeing through the illusion of self (sotapanna) and even then there's no certainty in this life.
Ānāpānasati (mindfulness of breathing) -- concentrate on nose, or on whole body? I am meditating for the last three months, about 30 mins a day (or a little longer than that). I followed Ajahn Brahm's " Basic Method of Meditation " to bring the mind to be in the present relatively steadily (still it wanders, but not li...	my mind is naturally drawn towards knowing the breathing as a whole (through most parts of the body, chest area, belly and sometimes the face also). You seem to be abandoning the instructions of Ajahn Brahm. The purpose of Buddhist meditation is to practise letting go of craving & attachment. For proper, stable meditat...
How does Buddhism see Islam? I am a Muslim living far away from Myanmar. I always hear about the prosecution of Muslims in Myanmar. The Rohingya people are classified by the UN among the most prosecuted minorities in the world. There is a rich history of Muslims prosecution by Buddhists. I have read about Buddhists not...	If you did not talk about Rohingyas in your question, the answer would be that Buddhists see Islam in the same way as they see Christianity. The answer to your question is that Buddhism accepts all. They do not put people in jail, stone people to death or butcher them just because they believe something different.
How to deal with ADHD and OCD like symptoms causing issues during meditation? I am only 2 months into meditating and I've been having some problems. I am unsure whether I truly have the behavioral/thought patterns that are considered ADHD and/or OCD, but for a while I've been noticing symptoms for a while now. The pr...	Seek professional help if you think that you are not well.
If consciousness arises from mental formations is it correct to say that consciousness has a specific tone or opinions with it? Example:I see something moving, there's contact .Then there's an unpleasant feeling and perception recognize it as a spider. Mental formations on how to deal with the "threat" of a spide...	Mental formation "conditions" the arising of consciousness, but that doesn't mean it gives birth to consciousness.
At what stage is it wrong to consider oneself wise? Is it always wrong to consider oneself wise? I don't mean consider oneself an important Buddhist, or one who has attained such and such a level of absorption or success along the path to enlightenment, but something more mundane, being wise and able to tell e.g. w...	To consider oneself wise is to possibly delude oneself as to the reality of a situation.
Does the effect make its cause? Does a cause depend on its effect? If so then it seems especially difficult to think about nothingness being made or created. This is almost the exact opposite of a question I have asked recently (I'm locked out and looking into that), but not quite. It's usually said that the cause ...	He explains that the cause cannot exist prior to the effect, the effect cannot exist prior to the cause and they cannot come into existence simultaneously. The effect is dependant on the cause.
What is a "thought?" (Particularly in reference to thoughts that arise during meditation) I've been reading/studying E F Shumacher's A Guide for the Perplexed , a philosophical book about the nature of knowledge and our capacity for understanding the world, especially in relation to "higher" and "lower" processes of h...	Thoughts are generally considered external similar to visions, sounds, odours, tastes, physical sensations.
Can good karma, bad karma or neither good and bad karma arise or not arise from not doing? "Not doing" in this sense is to mean the absence of any form of action that originates from thought (for instance physical form like speech, bodily movements) in such a way that reduces the physical forms impact upon sentient bei...	For an unenlightened person, there is no experience without Karma.
MN 137 - Directed only to Stream Entrants (and beyond)? "And what are the six kinds of renunciation joy? The joy that arises when — experiencing the inconstancy of those very forms, their change, fading, & cessation — one sees with right discernment as it actually is that all forms, past or present, are inconstant, str...	The joy that arises when one regards as an acquisition the acquisition of idea cognizable by the intelect — agreeable, pleasing, charming, endearing, connected with worldly baits — or when one recalls the previous acquisition of such forms after they have passed, ceased, & changed: That is called household joy.
Buddha's views on the origin of the universe Did buddha comment anything about the origin of universe and about origin of life? And if no WHY?? So far whatever texts i have read, i haven't come across any such statement. Though it is not very important for man to know about it and rather he must concentrate on the pres...	The Buddha said talk about the creation of the world is "animal talk" ( tiracchānakathaṃ ):
What Buddhist babies' names or meaning should be? My relatives ask me to suggest good names that must be Buddhist. I tried on internet but there are from other culture I want Indian names so what names or meaning should be? <Q> You should probably start from the Buddhist Dictionary of Pali Proper Names and then find...	Śīla - virtue śīladhara (female may be śīladharini) - upholder of virtues Kṣānti - forbearance, patience śānti (likely female) -
Similarities between Daoism and Buddhism What are some of the similarities between Taoism and Buddhism? Can one achieve the Tao through Buddhism and vice versa, can one achieve nirvana through Taoism? <Q> Middle Way Buddhism rejects all positive metaphysical positions. <S> For this reason when we speak about the world ...	Buddhism and Taoism are usually both judged to fall under the heading 'Perennial philosophy' because they share the same metaphysical message.
What to do when it itching (according to suttas and your own experience)? I know the question may seems a little trivial and superfluous, but rather than being interested in the itching itself, I'd like to know what to do when any kind of unpleasent feeling rises. I think itching is different from other unpleasent fe...	I just try to be mindful of the itch. Mind, mind, mind... always check in with what dialogue the mind is trying to strike up between the experiences of the various components within the action of scratching.
Where do I find a Buddhist retreat in Asia? I have had experience in meditation, I want to have experience of living and learning with Buddhist monks. Where in Asia can I experience this for 8 to 10 weeks to start? <Q> Speaking from personal experience with stays at Zen monasteries in Japan: It depends on what you m...	If you want to sleep, meditate, eat, and work with the monks you can contact the head temple or administrative office of a Buddhist lineage in Japan and ask for possible periods and places to stay (also, indicate if you need some help with the language and customs, as this will be taken into account proposing possible ...
Why is Nibbanna unconditioned if it's dependent on mind & brain Often it is said that nibbana is unconditioned, but nibbana is definitely dependent on other conditions. Also, according to modern psychology nothing can be 'eliminated' (greed, hatred and delusion in this case). Once learned, never able to unlearn. A skil...	However, Nibbana itself, which is an element of nature, similar to how oxygen or nitrogen are elements of nature, is not dependent upon the brain; just as the elements of oxygen & nitrogen in the universe is not dependent on brains.
Does Buddhist scripture mention Zoroastrianism? Do any of the Buddhist texts mention anything about Zoroastrianism? Has the Buddha ever met Zoroaster? <Q> Do any of the Buddhist texts mention anything about Zoroastrianism? <S> At the time of the Buddha the Indian spiritual scenario was under heavy influence of vedic...	I have never read Zoroastrianism mentioned in the Pali suttas.
Sutras says that there is nothing to attain: but is there a beginning to attaining nirvana? Sutras says that there is nothing to attain: but is there a beginning to attaining nirvana? See e.g. the heart sutra No suffering, no origination, no stopping, no path, no cognition, also no attainment with nothing to attai...	One way of reading the phrase "nothing to attain" could be via the lotus sutra, which details the immeasurable life span of the buddha and time as a bodhisattva
How do you meditate with a blocked nose? I have a blocked nose and I can’t feel the breath sensations. Should I put my finger to feel the breath? Is it ok if I focus on other things like finger touching each other? How do I feel the breath sensations if my nose is blocked? <Q> If it's just normal nose booger, gently bl...	In the beginning, the breath may be shallow or uncomfortable, but once the mind begins to let go and stops trying to control the breath, the rise and fall of the abdomen will become more clear and allow for comfortable observation. Maybe try to troubleshoot the causes to the blocked nose first.
Moderation in meditation for lay people Vipassana-style meditation has been adapted to treat patients to prevent recurrence of depression and anxiety through MBCT, and to treat chronic pain and stress through MBSR. More info on this can found in this answer . On the other hand, there have been some reported cases (se...	You just need to be reasonable committed and practise over a long enough period. But practising in moderation can lead you to be lazy in spirituality and you can fall back to the "normal" way of living, which is insane and only lead to more and more suffering.
Buddhist marry a non-Buddhist I'm intrigued by this concept. Can a Buddhist marry a person from a faith who believe in a God that created the universe? I've got varying answers from Buddhists, some have advised that religion does not matter as it's personal, others have said it does. However I was also thinking as a m...	Of course, if a Buddhist who does not believe in a Supreme Creator God, is married to someone who thinks that belief in a Supreme Creator God is mandatory for a pleasant afterlife, this produces some lack of compatibility between the couple, but this does not make marriage impossible.
How can I practice mindfulness meditation with sound, not breathing? I want to start practising meditation, but breathing exercises extremely psyche me out. I find any activity that involves intensely focusing on a part of my body distressing, sometimes nauseating. So the traditional "focus on your breath" mindfulness ...	Listening to the suttas fulfills many meditation requirements. Through mindfulness, one understands sound as merely sound, as impermanent, unsatisfying, non-self, and one relinquishes craving in regards to sound.
Where does the consciousness (cittas) originate inside the body? I have heard that all consciousness arise in hadaya vatthu rupa (blood inside the heart) except the five doors perceiving consciousness (Cakku vinnana, Sota vinnana, Ghana vinnana, Jeevha vinnana, Kaya vinnana). There are some research articles on the in...	Citta can arise everywhere inside the physical body because there are the body-senses, kāya-āyatana, in the whole body.

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