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Someone has an illness which is inevitably going to kill them. Why? Imagine following situation: A person who thinks of themself as a good person, meaning they are mostly nice to people and act and think almost always morally. Said person is diagnosed with an illness that has no cure and is inevitably going to kill the...	In my teacher's explanation, a disease is always a way to get rid of attachment, either voluntarily - through spiritual growths, or forcefully - through loss and death.
Where does it say 'You Are Already Enlightened'? I've heard Zen Buddhism characterised by the notion of 'Everyone is already enlightened'. Is that correct? - does Zen Buddhism actually say that and if so can someone give a reference to a text where it actually says that or something like it. Many thanks as always <Q> ...	It's a basic Mahayana doctrine, important in other schools as well as Zen.
In which tradition Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum mantra is used Mahayana or Thervada? It is Tibetan mantra. In which traditon Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum mantra is used Mahayana or Thervada? Or it is used in all three traditions, since this is Buddhism teaching? <Q> The back cover of the book " The Origins of Om Manipadme Hum: A Study o...	Mantras or some kind of phrase for chanting can be found in almost all Buddhist traditions like " namo amitabha buddha " in Pure Land Buddhism, " nam myoho renge kyo " in Nichiren Buddhism and " namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa " in Theravada Buddhism.
Difference between "perception" and "view"? What is the difference between view (as in "right view" in the Noble Eightfold Path) and perception (as in the 3rd of the five Skandha's)? Grateful for help! Peace, Tord <Q> Perception is making memory. <S> Everytime we are making memory. <S> One is touching (constru...	Perception is objective content, view is subjective frame of reference. Right view is understanding in the relations of aggregates in the dependention origination cycle.
Is meditating when tired a waste of time? I like to meditate sometimes just before bed. Invariably I end up drifting off into dream type states and ending the mediating early. Is it a waste of time to meditate when tired or conversely are there some particular benefits to doing it then? Many thanks as always <Q> Sarip...	Also especially when you're tired during morning or afternoon, you can overcome tiredness by insisting to continue the meditation.
Why would existence remove my knowledge after reicarnation? Avidyā and moha which can be translated as confusion or ignorance are sources of suffering. The western term for the study of reality and knowledge is called "philosophy" which an be translated from the Greek as "the love of wisdom". Rāga is also a term for at...	Due to applying buddhist teachings in your life you will lay good foundations in your mind, which will bear fruits in next life.
Is become a stream-enterer (sotāpanna) enough? I've quoted below from Ratana Sutta (The Discourse on the Jewels). Ye ariyasaccāni vibhāvayanti Gambhīrapaññena sudesitāni Kiñcāpi te honti bhusappamattā Na te bhavam atthamam ādiyanti Idam pi sanghe ratanam panītam Etena saccena suvatthi hotu ~ Cited from: ...	In summary, it is pointless asking about stream-entry if you believe in reincarnation because this just perpetuates the "self-view" that must be broken for stream-entry.
Doubt and contradiction in buddhas teaching I have few doubts in buddha teaching. Just wondering my mind since i start reading the various teachings. Lets assume we all achieve the enlightenment then what will happen to world? No one will exist .. no life will exist... that will be the end of this universe. If we re...	Nirvana is state of mind that one has no attachment to their mind and body.
How do visualisation meditation practices relate to insight? A while ago I attended a Tibetan Buddhist group. They were very nice but I just couldn't get on with the visualisation practices. I find it reasonably clear how mindfulness of breathing becomes an insight practice and metta bhavana. But I just couldn't see ho...	Ultimately, the "core" of Tibetan Buddhism is the Mahamudra system of practises, where they also include the Samatha and Vipassana systems/methods as described in the Theravada texts.
Scattered mind while doing Body Scanning in Vipassana I have been practicing Vipassana under the tradition of S.N Goenka for the last 2 and half year. When I scan my body and observe different sensations, I find that my mind is not clear and It's not like I'm sleeping but there is dullness of awareness. Some part of my...	One can do walking meditation in a brisk pace before sitting meditation If the mind is scattering concentrate on breathing.
Does Nibbana lie within The All or not? The Sabba Sutta (SN 35.23) (trans. Thanissaro) states: The Blessed One said, "What is the All? Simply the eye & forms, ear & sounds, nose & aromas, tongue & flavors, body & tactile sensations, intellect & ideas. This, monks, is called the All. Anyone who would say, 'Repudi...	Nibbana is included within The All, i.e., included as a sense object (per Ud 8.1) experienced by the mind sense organ.
Is the Buddhist path one of 'selfless offering' or 'inner kindness'? Just expanding on this answer is the Buddhist path one of 'selfless offering of oneself and efforts' or of 'inner kindness' i.e. kindness to oneself. Or is it both or neither. I've come across both themes and both seem right but to me they contradic...	The two contradict only to a "confused" (=normal) mind - in which "self" and "others" are two separate things.
How can I tell the difference between the Deva realm and the Buddha and bodhisattva realms? How can I tell the difference between joy bourne of karma that will expire and joy bourne of karma which has turned the irreversible wheel of the dharma? <Q> Denizens of the heavenly planets enjoy more and live longer. <S> They ...	Existence in the Deva realm is temporal, and therefore the joy it brings is temporal, sensorial, and driven by the ego.
What is the meaning of Pali word "Apannaka" his question is based on the sutta translation of MN60. What is the Pali translation of “apannaka” https://suttacentral.net/mn60/en/sujato Ven. Sujato translate it as “guaranteed” Bhikkhu Bodi translate it as “incontrovertible truth” I.B Horner translate it as “the sure”...	Regardless of what "apaṇṇaka" means; I think a "safe bet" is the most accurate meaning, based on Dhamma principles. The book "The Notion of Ditthi in Theravada Buddhism: The Point of View" by Paul Fuller states that the meaning of the word "Apaṇṇaka" as "incontrovertible".
My job requires me to shuck oysters I am not necessarily Buddhist but I am a vegan and killing doesn't sit well with me. I have suffered terrible sleep condition over the past 2 years and can't work in my field anymore and have no experience in any other field and have a hard time getting to work at an early time so mi...	We practise non-killing as Buddhists so we cultivate a respect for life and cease to be violent people. If killing oysters (that don't suffer or don't have relatives or loved one's who suffer about them) is against your moral principles then find a new job. According to the Bhikkhu Patimokkha (quoted below), which are ...
Time and Frequency of Meditation I have read psychological studies and commentaries by meditators that frequency is more important than duration for meditation. Thus, 10 minutes seven days a week is more beneficial than 70 minutes in one sitting according to this view. I am wondering what this site thinks of this ...	So doing the formal meditation in the times that you get used to is better.
Choosing Between Mindfulness and Compassion Meditation Basically, I have tried for some time mindfulness meditation. I have also tried compassion meditation. In mindfulness meditation, my mind becomes very still, with few thoughts, but outside of meditation the mind remains so. My thoughts outside of meditation are q...	If you wish you can mix your mindfulness practise with Samatha, compassion meditation or other types of meditation, but at the end only mindfulness leads a person to complete and permanent freedom from suffering.
Given that Buddhism could accommodate people's prior religious beliefs, why is Buddhism itself now described as a religion? Read somewhere that Buddhism does not advocate to go away from the beliefs of a person. Or in a way accommodate one's rooted beliefs from childhood. The main objective of following the path of Bud...	It is possible to enter the path while still holding to incompatible beliefs, however sooner or later these beliefs will conflict with the teachings.
Despairing About Meditative Regularity I have set the amount of time I meditate (focused attention/shamatha) at merely 15 minutes per day. Despite this, despite all my best efforts, I seem to still skip a day or two now and then. Why is this? Would changing the type of meditation help? I had read positive emotions h...	The goal of attention meditation is to increase the length of time you can successfully focus on your meditation object (the breath) without breaking that attention. Instead, I would suggest re-examining what the goal of your sessions are, and change how you measure a successful succession of sessions.
Meditating on Public Transport I saw there was one post about mindfulness on public transport. However, I felt these posts dealt with being mindful on public transport rather than meditation . I wonder: Is meditation itself possible/recommended on public transport? Would the quality of such meditation, if lesser, d...	Proper practice revolves around an integration of mindfulness meditation into daily life. If one only practices at home but can't use the practice outside of ones sitting practice, then it's not beneficial. With time and consistent practice one will finetune the movements, reduce energy consumption and eventually be ab...
What happens if you drop and break a plate of fruit from the Buddha's altar? What happens if you drop and break a plate of fruit from the Buddha's altar? <Q> Is it bad karma? <S> Well, karma is about intention. <S> Is it a bad omen? <S> Definitely not. <S> The Buddha did not teach his followers to believe in omens....	If you did not intentionally drop and break the plate of fruit, then there is no consequence for you, from the perspective of karma.
Remaining in first jhana, while walking, talking, eating Is it possible to attain the first jhana, then remain in first jhana, while walking, talking, eating and performing other daily activities? Or does one remain in first jhana only while in sitting meditation, then he has to leave the jhana and meditation, before ...	Unfortunately, it's simply not possible to develop one-pointedness to the degree required by full jhana when one's attention has to be split between the object of meditation and the act of walking.
First Effort in "Right Effort" The first effort states to prevent the arising of unarisen unwholesome states How is this done? How can we prevent something beforehand? By avoiding situations? By trying to be in a rational and/or 'dhammic' frame of mind? If there is contact with an object, either ignorance or wisdom...	Considering the danger in advance (because the dhamma tells you to) so that "that's a danger, I'll avoid doing that" is a "instinctive" reaction when there is any contact with a situation like that (except that I'd guess that isn't "instinct", instead it's training and habit, character)
Sati-Sampajañña and a quiet mind Is it the case that a quiet mind can best execute Sati-Sampajañña because there are no interfering thoughts disturbing it? If the answer is yes, should the main concern in day-to-day life be to tranquilize the mind, to think and keep wisdom in mind, or even both? Regards <Q> The quiet...	The role of Sati-Sampajañña in meditation is to ensure there are no interfering thoughts.
Potential of Five Minutes of Meditation Once, when I went to a Buddhist meditation center, an experienced meditator said: "Sometimes, for meditation, all it takes is five minutes [in a session]." I'm wondering what is the meaning of such a statement. Does this refer to relaxation? Insight? Or something else? What is t...	Five minutes is great goal for the "spacing out pratice" - to stop and remember the practice.
Buddhist thought on Amends Did the Buddha address the idea of making amends for past wrongs? I understand that we really only have the present moment in which karma is made, and where past karma manifests. But say one was a thief in this lifetime, stole much, but then found Buddhism and the path. According to the Buddh...	If you feel sad and guilty every day because of what you've done, making amends can relieve you of that.
Is divination for fun acceptable? I recently read an answer on here referencing a sutra that states "animal arts" such as performing any form of divination constitutes wrong livelihood which should be abstained from. What I'm wondering is which of these possible interpretations is most correct: Only monks need to abs...	If you are seriously working hard to become enlightened, abstain.
Is there a proper name for my recent experience? I don't meditate often, and I've never had an experience like the following while meditating, but I feel that the following experience probably has a proper name in Buddhism (or Hinduism for that matter). A few days ago, I woke up to a horrible bout of depressive though...	Disengaged A developed practice of being distant or disengaged, uninvolved with things that usually matter, negligent towards loved ones.
Is there any benefit to, as far as is humanly possible, total dedication to the precepts, in zen? Is there any benefit to, as far as is humanly possible, total dedication to the precepts, in zen? So total celibacy, vegetarianism and non violence to any life form, complete abstinence form alcohol, etc.. For the laity ...	"Perfect" virtue (when based on right view, which could be problematic with certain "Zen-views") is the condition for no remorse, no remorse... happiness, concentration, ... insight... liberation. There is definitely much benefit.
Whatever bad deed done with this deed-born body is all to be experienced here In the context of the sutta below, what does the following phrase mean? - " whatever bad deed I did here in the past with this deed-born body is all to be experienced here. It will not follow along " ( yaṃ kho me idaṃ kiñci pubbe iminā karaja...	Whatever bad deeds I have done in the past with this deed-born body I will experience here.
Suffering in Meditation Versus in Daily Life I feel like this is a naive question, but I'm wondering what is the difference between experiencing discomfort and distress in meditation versus in daily life outside of meditation. Do the same states generate different results in each case, depending on the co-arising f...	If one is mindful of the present suffering, one might remove it by passively observing it with mindfulness until it has been exhausted. The difference comes down to whether or not one is mindful of the suffering.
Can meditation be harmful? I often see promotion of the positive benefits of meditation in the media and even in school and government settings. However, there is evidence meditation is not always beneficial. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201604/the-little-known-downsides-mindful...	So if you are meditating in accordance with the Noble Dhamma, only positive things can come out of that, with most positive and incomparable result being Nibbana.
Is there a fate worse than oblivion? Is there a fate worse than oblivion ? To forget, to be forgotten is there … Chant for anti- nothingless ? <Q> The opportunity afforded by human life is rare and precious. <S> SN56.47 <S> “Mendicants, suppose a person was to throw a yoke with a single hole into the ocean. <S> A...	To embrace oblivion as a human would be...sad.
Direct Experience of Meditation This morning I read many posts on this site. I felt like topics on Buddhist doctrine were somewhat clear to me, but those on meditation seemed complex, difficult to me. I wondered: Does meditation practice increase knowledge about meditation? Is this what is meant by direct experien...	One possible answer is that meditation relies both on the theoretical understanding on what's going on, but also the direct experience.
Skipping Meditation After Great Exertion Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, in a video, describes how some beginners exert themselves too much at once and then skip sessions. That is precisely my situation. Upon meditating for much longer than usual in one sitting, I skip subsequent days. Yet, recently I found myself wishing ...	Do it simply willingly any time you feel like it. You are getting attached to the joy of meditation and this in itself is counterproductive to the practice.
Why the aristocrat is best of people? Many suttas (SN 6.11; SN 21.11; MN 53; AN 11.10; DN 27) contain the following phase: ‘The aristocrat is best of those people ‘khattiyo seṭṭho janetasmiṃ, who take clan as the standard. ye gottapaṭisārino; But one accomplished in knowledge and conduct vijjācaraṇasampanno, is be...	I assume it means, "Among or according to the those who take the clan as standard -- i.e. according to those who judge according to the clan in which a person is born -- the aristocrat is best."
In need of help in meditation I have recently started meditation . I'm just doing normal breathing techniques and concentration techniques. Though, while trying to concentrate I feel this weird shiver in my eyelids and whole skull area and a weird heaviness in my body?Is it normal?how can we control this? <Q> Welcome t...	You finding it weird is just a mental phenomenon and has nothing to do with the nature of the experience itself My advice is to simply breathe, and to feel the breath in your body, see how that operates in your perceptions, allow mind and breath to become one, and to simply rest in the Dhamma/Dharma as you best know it...
How would Buddhists respond to someone harming the temple? If a Buddhist noticed someone trying to severely harm their temple, for example trying to start a fire, how would one expect them to respond? I could imagine a range of responses from completely ignoring it and continuing about their meditation to compassionat...	"Buddhists", at large, regard outwardly and inwardly Dhammas as self and so they react on harm in the many ways beings react if perceiving harm of what is thought to be ones own.
What is this electric feeling I have like an electric current passing through my body during meditation. It is like in the whole body or maybe not just in the body like in my sphere. It is a fine-tuned electric current that comes for a couple of seconds. It stops for a fraction of a second and there is nothing and then...	It can also be a phenomenon accompanying meditation, since a lot of different unusual sensations can appear as a mere side effect.
Morally unwholesome deeds knowing the consequences but without unwholesome intentions As far as I understand (of course I may be wrong), every act done voluntarily is born from some specific kind of intentions, and according to the nature of that intention, the act can contribute to perpetuate dukkha or to its eradicat...	Mindfulness and goodness support eachother, just like negligence/suffering and evil support eachother.
Mindfulness of Action versus Perception I noticed that when I'm mindful of what I'm doing, it seems different and even more helpful than merely paying attention to the senses, i.e. vision or sound. Are there any noted difference between these two practices? <Q> In the beginning the practitioner is generally learning th...	Mindful action is more common to walking meditation, where coordination of senses with activity is required.
What is known/taught about yawning during meditation? At some point in life I learned I could focus on some bodily awareness that resulted in the following experience: Piloerectus; Not once, but it stays throughout the meditation while I keep on focusing. A smile is slowly coming on my face (slowly as in it could ta...	Some others you might experience are a feeling that your face is swelling, that your sinuses are filled with cotton, your muscles might twitch involuntary, it may feel like your hands or other parts of your body are disappearing, that your body is being twisted, that someone is messing with your hair, and so on and so ...
Does any sutta talk about the right conditions for teaching the Dhamma? I've read in other posts (such as this one ) about the right way to teach the Dhamma. But is there a way to know about the "when", i.e. when to reach out someone else to teach the Dhamma? In specific, I'd like to know if one should teach only wh...	I will not teach Dhamma to a person lying down who is not ill: a training to be observed.
Samatha vs Vipassana. What are the mechanics? So correct me if im wrong samatha and vipassna are the goals of all forms of meditation. Anapanasati can be either for the goal of samatha or vipassana (or both). Vipassana is very cognitive, contemplative, and samatha is often the exact opposite, one pointed focus? Im cur...	Both samatha & vipassana are natural results of the silent collected stable mind called "samadhi". Practically speaking it involves a broadening of attention, from a single object to multiple objects, thereby seeing the conditionality of experience.
What buddhism says about physical reality? I had a discussion with one of my friend, who said, there's no such thing as physical reality, as per Lord Buddha. He quoted "The universe only exists inside this small body". As per my understanding, this is about how we understand the universe is different. But his idea is ...	The only reality we can know is reality we perceive in our mind, and this perceived reality is our own interpretation.
What is the view of Buddhism in correcting others' view in spite of their willingness to accept it? I have these questions: If an enlightened mind sees that helping someone is beneficial to them, then would they do it even when the helped doesn't proactively ask? If they are hated by the helped, then would that hat...	The Buddha converted many individuals however only because he knew it was the best thing for them; due to their inherent disposition. It doesn't matter if they'll appreciate it, or what they think about you.
Observing the breath vs Pranayama Is it better to just watch the breath as it unfolds or sometimes we need to control it to slow it down ,calming down and noticing it in the same time ?. <Q> Calm down the mind - breath is indicator of mind state. <S> https://plumvillage.org/sutra/discourse-on-the-full-awareness-of-b...	However, true Buddhist meditation is merely allowing the mind to watch the breath because Buddhist practise is actually not really related to watching breath per se but is about keeping the mind free from unwholesomeness.
Dependent Origination and Impermanence in Buddhism 1 question: I just started learning about Buddhism and I read about the 3 marks of existence. When Buddhism speaks about impermanence does impermanence only refer to our experience (the 5 skhandas) or is outisde world phenomena included and considered impermanent. As I...	"Time" is also something impermanent, whether it is "mental time" (born from expectation or craving) or "physical time" (the days & nights passing).
Do enlightened people "know" what nirvana is like? Do enlightened people "know" what nirvana is like? Obviously, they can't express it to anyone else, so the question isn't super helpful. I just wondered whether nirvana is a thing that we can know as well as experience or taste. One response, one I don't (personally) ...	In one important sense, attainment of Nirvana is a personal transformation.
Is it correct that dependent origination will cease to exist if one doesn't have 12 nidanas? From Pratītyasamutpāda - Wikipedia : dependent origination refers to nothing else but the process of mental conditioning as described by the twelve nidanas So to check if my understanding is correct, will dependent origina...	The way I understand When Buddha taught Dependent Origination he was talking about the arising of Dukkha hence the application of mental phenomena.
Was is the difference between "uparujjhati" & "nirujjhati"? In the Pali, nirujjhati ( ni + rudh + ya) appears to be a verb for the noun "nirodha". nirujjhati ceases; dissolves; vanishes. to be broken up, to be dissolved, to be destroyed, to cease, die Uparujjhati ( upa + rudh + ya) appears similar in etymolo...	Uparujjhati means "upon ceasing" with "upa-" meaning "upon" or "on", more or less.
Would a wise person avoide situations where other could perform lot of demerits? Would a wise person avoide situations where other could perform lot of demerits? Or different asked: Would a wise person go out only if meritorious reactions are suspected? What do you think, or know about the Buddhas view on such? (Not...	Wise person would avoid situations which can give negative vibrations.
What is appropriate usage of medicines that are intoxicating? What is appropriate usage of medicines that are intoxicating? I know that cannabis has been used for pain relief but if the use of the cannabis is intoxicating then what is the right view of what is appropriate regarding the use of the cannabis as a medicin...	My impression is medical cannabis does not have an intoxicating effect.
Would the Buddha have considered engaging in anal sex as breaking the 1st and/or 5th precept? Would the Buddha have considered engaging in anal sex as breaking the 1st and/or 5th precepts? I would like to know this as I am trying to better understand the 5 precepts. <Q> Obviously, anal sex performed by a husband on a ...	It may break the third precept, but that depends on WHO the sex partner is, rather than WHAT the sex act is.
Acting nice for karma's sake? If I recall correctly, karma is constituted of two parts - action and intention. Which means if one wishes to "gain" positive karma, one would have to conduct a positive action AND do so with a positive mind. With that being said, if I were to help an old lady to cross the street for the s...	For the purpose of obtaining good karma, one would in most cases accumulate more good than for any other common purpose, yes. "
It is said that arahants never dream. What are the textual sources for this claim? On various web pages relating to the Dhamma I have read the claim that arahants never dream. A few examples: Buddhist scholar Lily de Silva writes : We may also note the tradition maintaining that arahants never dream, maybe becaus...	In the suttanipata, the buddha says dreams are worthless, contrary to what puthujjanas believe Who has destroyed (belief) in omens, in luck, the occurrence of dreams and other signs such, who is rid of the bane of what is auspicious, such a one rightly would wander in the world.
Cutting Computer in Evening I have recently managed to restrict my eating period to about 8h per day, which is supposed to help circadian rhythm. Yet, to further promote sleep and circadian rhythm, I should also cut out blue light from a computer a few hours before bed (and go to bed at the same time each day). Since...	Plus since you will wake up earlier, you do not need an alarm clock to wake up.
Is ritual always a practice, or can it be a belief too? If ritual is repetition outside of what can be justified through direct experience, can ideas and opinions, as well as words and actions, be ritualistic? Would a belief in God - given the axiomatic impossibility to verify the entity directly - classify as ritual? ...	Saying "I believe in God, the Father, the Lord, the Giver of Life" is to make a ritualistic declaration of an orthodox belief.
What symbols represent Zazen? I am looking for symbols which specifically represent Zazen, or, more generally the act of meditating. <Q> See Wikipedia article on Ten Oxherding Pictures . <S> The calf, bull or ox is one of the earliest similes for meditation practice. <S> It comes from the Maha Gopalaka Sutta (Ma...	The symbol for Zen meditation is Riding the Ox.
Union with Brahma, or company of Brahma? The following phrase comes from DN 13: “ayameva ujumaggo, ayamañjasāyano niyyāniko niyyāti takkarassa brahmasahabyatāya , yvāyaṃ akkhāto brāhmaṇena pokkharasātinā”ti. T.W. Rhys Davids translated here as: ‘This is the straight path, this the direct way which makes for s...	In the case the brahmins in question were teaching being born among the brahmas or brahma plane then company of the brahma is more correct.
What does pari-mukha mean in 16 APS anapana sati? https://notesonthedhamma.blogspot.com/2019/07/what-does-pari-mukha-mean-exactly-in-16.html excerpt:Translation (from pali)I've chosen the literal translation of near-the-mouth. In Theravada Pali Vinaya, pari-mukha is used in the context of facial hair or chest hair bei...	Pari-mukha is a figure of speech that means, "main priority".pari-mukhaṃ satiṃ upaṭṭhapetvā
Suppose World War 3 occurs and manages to wipe out all humans and animals. Is the cycle of death and rebirth broken? Or will human beings be magically reborn again in order to continue their journey to Nirvana? <Q> 'Humans' are people who have a moral conscience & are humane. <S> 'Animals' are people driven by instin...	There is no 'journey' to 'Nirvana'.
How does the exterior is suffering? How does the exterior is suffering? In this Sutta series from SN35.140 it says the following. Eye etc and its objects are impermanence, notself, and suffering.I understand all except that eye etc and its objects are suffering.For instance, if my eye arises as a result of a physical...	External objects are not suffering until you come in contact and it creates a sensation. External objects on their own are not unsatisfactory.
Temporary Influences on Meditation I was wondering, in the case of a beginner in meditation, how much having eaten sugar might affect meditation quality? Also, I wonder what else -- in terms of states altering the mind like tiredness or sexual arousal -- might affect meditation quality. What are the things to avoid ...	A rule of thumb for determining what is too much is probably to stick to what's necessary for your body/concentration to function to an acceptable degree, but no more than that as it will bring you into sensory desire territory (kāma-taṇhā). Too low blood sugar levels is equally detrimental to meditation as excessive s...
What is meant by the impossibility "A Buddha can not help someone not related to him"? What is meant by the impossibility "A Buddha can not help someone not related to him, no relative of him"? Is said to be one of the three things a/the Buddha can not do. How should that be understood? And what is needed to become on...	There is a saying that "the Buddha is unable to help those who have no affinity with him".
Is everything about the world the 6 sense objects I read that the world is only our 6 sense object that we percieve with our 6 sense doors, does this mean that Buddhism says that everything is mindmade and there is nothing really out there or I may be wrong so I would be glad to hear from you. <Q> In my understanding, ...	To assert that there is no world would be incorrect because we know thorugh 6 sense doors there is a world.
Automatic Habit of Meditation In psychology, a habit is defined as a behaviour done automatically, requiring little conscious effort. I have meditated recently pretty much every second day, but I fail to see any automaticity; its incredibly effortful to sit and meditate for me still. Does Buddhism have anything to ...	The more you practice meditation, the more of an automatic habit it will become. Make it fun and rewarding. The only other recommendation I would make would be to find a group to sit with.. Having people to whom you are accountable makes it much easier to maintain a practice. The initial excursion is hard, but once est...
5th precept missing from 8fold Path? I can find the first 4 precepts explicitly listed in the 8fold Path- but not the 5th precept regarding intoxicants. Am I missing it in there somewhere? I am wondering if it was a later addition to the tradition. <Q> There is an interesting relationship between the first four precept...	In many suttas, the Buddha talk about the 7 precepts instead of the 5.
Mental Release from Breath Versus Metta I asked a friend who is a meditator about my practice of compassion, and he suggested I do breathing meditation because it helps liberate the mind from overthinking, as well as relaxes the person. However, I'm slightly skeptical because metta typically is also considered a conc...	Breath meditation, on the other hand, helps develop concentration and studies ones mind from overthinking.
Does Buddhism endorse pacifism in times of injustice? How would a monk or a Buddhist answer look like in dealing with injustices like murder, rape, torture? If we refer to Dhammapada 3, the victims get instructions how to deal with those misfortunes, but what about the perpetrators? Would a Buddha not support the ac...	As for the Buddha, he does not get involved in war.
A limit of right speech At what point does the discussion of others become wrong speech? "Abandoning divisive speech he abstains from divisive speech. What he has heard here he does not tell there to break those people apart from these people here. What he has heard there he does not tell here to break these people ap...	The main factor is the intent.
Strong tingling sensation in face that persists +- hour after meditation I've been meditating for about 8 years.Recently I did a second vipassana 10 day silent retreat. A few days in, when focussing on my face, my face got highly sensitive, and a strong tingling was felt in it. This feeling intensified when focusing ...	Moral of the story :: you don't have to react. Simply continue your meditation. As you progress in meditation you will start feeling sensations in different parts of your body. What you experienced is perfectly common.
Meditation for Work Anxiety I started a new job, and when I get anxious my cognition turns to pure incoherence. I second-guess everything, doubt, double-check unnecessarily, make more errors, etc. What is the best type of meditation to deal with such anxiety-related problems? <Q> If the anxiety is light yet bothersom...	Regular practice of mindfulness of breathing helps. There are 2 main types of meditation: Samatha
To reach 1st jhana, do we have to let go, or do we have to put some effort? Recently, I've been reading a lot about the different methods and perspectives for reaching the jhanas. For a long time, the only method I've been using is to "let go" everything, and to use the breath as a kind of anchor for the eventual and ...	Do not pursue the second. Anything forced or willfully attained is not jhana. To be terribly honest, you are also highly unlikely to find full absorption outside of a retreat setting.
How can I stop thinking about the clock when meditating? I meditate for 30 minutes every day I normally meditate for 30 minutes but I cannot help but think about the time that the meditation is going to end and constantly thinking about the clock since normally you meditate to be in the present moment, but I am not in ...	Notice that constantly thinking about the clock is stressful and that letting go of it can be much nicer and calmer. Look at what your mind is doing and get a handle on it. If you still think about it bring back your mind to the object of meditation.
Is Nibbana joyful or not joyful? I have noticed that it seems Nibbana has been described as "the peaceful". I have had the impression that Nibbana is neither joyful nor delightful. Is my impression correct? <Q> OP: I have noticed that it seems Nibbana has been described as "the peaceful". <S> Nibbana is peaceful o...	Based on the suttas nibbana/arahantship/cessation of perception and feeling is the highest pleasure.
Is "doing according to one's best understanding" a protection from wrong-doing? A common belief is that, if one conducts himself "as best he can" (in the best ways he understands and knows), then would be a protection from -- or an excuse for -- wrong-doing. For example, "I answer with best effort and understanding......	Ignorance, or the lack of Right View and wisdom, may cause you to commit wrong-doing, despite doing "the best that you can".
Forced suppression of all cravings including harmless ones Let's say a person has a craving to eat a slice of cheesecake. This is obviously a sensual craving ( kama tanha ). The mental defilement ( kilesa ) to get a slice of cheesecake and eat it, is greed ( lobha ). However, eating a slice of cheesecake (that was not...	By definition, lay people are not required to do anything "forcibly", let alone suppress cravings. So don't wish for the cheesecake, just eat it if it's there, sharing it kindly with others. Proper knowledge will be a better motivation for further honing skillful karma, not forcing yourself.
Anapanasati practice: what’s the correct way to focus on breath? I have practiced anapanasati for a while and encountered some difficulties. I can easily find my breath in front of nostril. Then I started to pay attention to the in-and-out of the breath continuously. But after a while, pain raised in my chest around he...	When the mind is quiet, it will connect with the breath, itself, automatically. If I were you, I would read the Sutta at least once a week, to get the spirit of the practice. Due to past Sanhkara when one practices meditation one may get different sensations which can be pleasant or unpleasant.
How to stay mindful of the gap in the breath When I breathe there's a certain time gap after the out breath and before the in breath. I find myself being dull or distracted at that time because there's no breath to notice. Do I notice the lack of breath? Do I notice not noticing? <Q> What I watch are the feelings of ...	Just be aware of the breath as it is, and if it is not clear, simply wait for it When this impulse arises, abandon it, realise it, drop it, let it go. As I relax, I keep watching more and more closely, in order to notice even smaller and subtler tensions and nervousnesses. Just as a ball thrown in the air spans an arc ...
Are Good Qualities Proportional to Our Efforts? I mused that clearly, certain efforts are necessary for the path. But, I can easily imagine a person exerting lots of efforts towards a detrimental goal, or a person exerting a bit of effort towards a wholesome goal. So, effort in itself seems not directly related to ...	Any action which requires more effort or planning requires more volitional thoughts. So bottom line is, think of efforts like the law of conservation of energy , as long as one invests in it in a good wholesome way, it won't be a wasteful investment.
Vipassana retreat while in post acute withdrawal? It's a hell of state to observe moment by moment. I mean nothing is really life threatening with PAWS so does a retreat somewhere accommodate this condition? <Q> Ask the people arranging the retreat. <S> If they lack experience and/or accommodation for dealing with wi...	What works well for one person may be terrible for another DO NOT attend any meditation retreat if you have untreated conditions
Simplest version of anapanasati Anapanasati is usually described as "mindfulness of breathing" but I've seen a member of this site describing it as "mindfulness with breathing". Sati or mindfulness (as seen in the parable of the bowl filled to the brim with oil, of SN 47.20 ) is keeping the mind on the task, and no...	There can be no such thing as mindfulness ‘of’ breathing.
Anapanasati - are the 16 considered progressive sequence of steps? Answers to this question suggest that the 16 are steps or stages of anapanasati , which implies that they are a progressive sequence of steps or stages. They are also related to the four foundations of mindfulness or the satipatthana . On the other...	The 16 dhammas are obviously progressive (sequential) steps -- since the Buddha said Dhamma is taught in a proper sequence ( AN
Is Near death experience in enlightenment true? I have been meditating intensively according to the Advaita tradition where self inquiry is practiced till realizing that I and effort are just feelings and that the watcher of even identity is the true self which isn't a phenomena that manifests. 2 days ago I had what I...	I believe such peculiar experiences may be significant, or may not; but in Buddhism one shouldn't cling to them.
Is it necessary to be completely still during body scan? I've been practising vipassana for some time. Now, I'd like to try body scan, but one issue isn't clear for me. Books or articles about sitting meditation, I've read, say that it's good to sit completely still during practise. Does the same implay to body scan? S...	Moving would create a sensation and possibly the desire to create or cease a particular sensation.
Where can I find a Buddist Monastery that practice hard training? I wish to master my mind, one reason is I'm so mentally weak. Like anything you want to master you have to work at it. Drill it into you. But practicing on my own hasn't work. I need a far away place that will force me to master meditation. If I get off ...	If you in the east coast of USA, I may suggest Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center of New Jersey
Is the samadhi of Yoga the samadhi of Buddhism? I was wondering if the samadhi of Patanjali Yoga meant the same thing as the samadhi of Buddhism? A Buddhist friend told me that no, and that Buddhism had higher states after the nirvikalpa samadhi of yogis. But at the same time when I read the descriptions of the two th...	Samprajnata Samadhi: one is developing focus on the meditation object but comprehends external stimuli
Purpose of cessation or Nirvana! What is the purpose or cause of cessation or extinction or Nirvana. Did Buddha ever talk about it? For example, see how SN 23.1 ends: “But sir, what is the purpose of extinguishment?” “Your question goes too far, Rādha. You couldn’t figure out the limit of questions. For extinguis...	Nirvana is its own purpose ,its when complete dis-identification with all that manifests has occurred.
Is Buddhist lifestyle harmless to living beings? Is the Buddhist lifestyle harmless to living beings? Lot's of creatures are being killed in various human activities (walking, farming, building, etc.) Did Buddhists found a way to live while not harming other living beings? If yes, how? p.s. For more info, read the sam...	Following Buddhism, one can ensure one does not intentionally kill. There may be some doctrine which says that some accidental killing is inevitable, and is an example of the fact that the world is a kind of imperfect place, which is a motive for pursing enlightenment instead of re-becoming.
Can Buddhists make very eccentric vows? Can Buddhists make very eccentric vows, and in what sense might these affect their karma? I do believe in karma, in some sense, but am struggling to understand something specific -- and a little strange. Suppose person A vows that, as person B is about to be hurt, they will suf...	And again, the karma generated by one's vows is wholly dependent on that person's own observations about self and world.
Is this just a logic or experience about mind(reality)? While doing self enquiry kind of meditation(also doing vipassana) there is feel of understanding/experience/logic that make myself convinced(but not strongly) that "me" is not the thoughts or the body or sensual experience. I don't continuously feel this, but I fi...	During practice, there may be times when you experience oneness as a feeling, and sense that you are everything and everything is you. In other words, you are experiencing awareness (knowing, consciousness) as its own object, distinct from the sensations it accompanies. Continue meditating, contiue walking the path.
Are there Theravada practitioners that aspire to be Buddhas? As far as I know, most Theravada followers practice according to the Pali Canon even though they accept the Bodhisattva vehicle as well. So, the main focus is to attain Arahantship for most people. My question is: How common is it for Theravada practitioners ...	There are many who aspire to be Buddhas even in the Theravada community.
What is karma vipaka and its contents? What are the results of various sins done. I heard that it has various kinds of results we get for sins done. <Q> For a puthujjana (ordinary unenlightened person), the results of sinful kamma is rebirth in hell. <S> These beings — who were endowed with bad conduct of body, spee...	For a Noble One, the results of past sinful kamma is merely feelings
Other people may misinterpret my "calming my mind" I'm not an "official" Buddhist but I have accepted the idea that "calming my mind" is good -- by not getting emotional about little setbacks (to the degree I can). To some degree, I have accomplished this. As a result, I can keep my head while others are losing their...	In Buddhism, calming the mind, if done sufficiently, eventually leads to joy.
How to continue practice with pain? I practiced meditation for 6 months continuously. I used to meditate 45 mins in the morning as well as evening. In weekends, I used to meditate many rounds with breaks in between. I developed fear of loneliness due to which I have suffered from insomnia which has lasted till now thou...	If the body is not in a good physical condition, then one cannot meditate properly. Consulting a doctor would be suggested as a priority. Do not worry about things.
Could dhammanupassana be to remember satipatthana? Could the 4th satipatthana or dhammanupassana be, among other things, to remember Satipatthana in both heart and mind? Shouldn't viriya be focused on the focus towards satipatthana when worldly matters have distracted one down a wrong turn on the path? Do anything B...	You should always be practicing for the Dhamma that leads to Nirvana, not dhamma/phenomena of ultimately pointless things.
Enlightend beings don't make more good or neutral karma? Does a Buddha or Arahant not make good or neutral karma? If somehow an enlightened one does make karma does it immediately come to a result? Are all the actions enlightened beings do the result(vipaka) of previous good karma while on on the path to Nirvana? Is a...	If by enlightened karma , you mean the karma of enlightened beings, then certainly all of it is good- for by very definition of enlightened beings,
Immediate Remedies to Judgmental Thoughts I had previously asked a question about contempt. Since then, I noticed a few things, such as that it's not easy for me to 'cancel' out analytically my judgment of others. If I try to question my judgment and invalidate it, it often doesn't work, especially if I get angry. I ...	Therefore, one way to aid letting go of judgment is to examine any painful emotions (dukkha) you might have had prior to these thoughts, and try to accept the emotions as they are.
How to differentiate between natural vs artificial breathing pattern during meditation? When we do a simple observation of breath (in & out) during meditation, how to know if its natural flow I am observing or forced one? Regards <Q> If your aim is vipassana then what forced the breath? <S> If the breath was seemingly...	If the breath is forced or not forced that is what is and can just be witnessed mindfuly as it happens.

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