Split (1)

train · 95.7k rows

source stringlengths 620 29.3k	target stringlengths 12 1.24k
How are the three marks of existence experienced through Samadhi meditation? Could dry vipassana & pure one-pointed samadhi type meditations just be different approaches to the same enlightenment? If one attains the fourth jhana with one pointed concentration does one experience anatta? What about anicca & dukkha? How...	Every one is same you know that In summary, the Buddha taught one path (Noble Eightfold Path) which culminates in samadhi and has two fruits ( samatha & vipassana ) that occur in tandem.
Parents suppressing the teaching I love my parents, but for some reason they do not understand my teaching and misinterpret what I say and won't listen to me. Their misinterpretations led them to take all of my books on Buddhism I was studying as well as prevent me from meditation whenever I try or try to be mindful of...	Your Buddhism should not interfere with your schooling and education. You should not be practising "zombie mindfulness" in sight of your parents because this will freak them out.
View of Thervada and Mahayana Buddhism on where Conciousness is located Does these 2 types of Buddhism claim that conciousness is located inside our brain or somewhere else, beacuse I have started studying a Thervada monk that claims that conciousness is not inside the brain which makes me confused and seems not logica...	According to buddhism, consciousness (vinnana) are characterized as originating from the ayatanas, our senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, touch, and mind).
Can anyone give me a suggestion of a good monk to learn Buddhism? Can someone give a name of a monk to learn Buddhism? Thanks <Q> For the doctrinal/technical side of the Teaching, you can't go wrong with Bhikkhu Bodhi. <S> He actually live streams his courses from Chuang Yen monastery every Saturday morning US Eastern...	There are so many but just off the top of my head, Bhante Bodhidhamma is good for students that are a bit advanced & Bhante Yuttadhammo has a Youtube channel that I think works quite well.
Can mind be free from becoming? Can mind be free from becoming (Suffering) ?I should be and I should that.I am thin and I want to be a body builder. I am this and I want to that.Can mind free from becoming? <Q> Of course you can! <S> If you want to be free of something, get rid of the cause of it. <S> The cause of bec...	Work on getting rid of the craving to end all suffering.
Satori and stream entry Is Satori like a stage of stream entry? Is Satori only an intellectual knowing or something deeper than that? <Q> From the wikipedia entry about Satori : Satori is considered a "first step" or embarkation toward Buddhahood <S> This is very much what Stream Entry means in Theravada. <S> Eve...	The meaning of Satori as "seeing into one's true nature" is also the same as the meaning of Stream entry when you consider that "one's true nature" in the context of Chan Buddhism is Nirvana/Nibbana.
What should we accept? What should we let go? What is it to let go in Buddhism? What is it to accept in Buddhism? What are the things we accept? What are the things we let go? Why? How? What do Buddhists scriptures have to say about it? <Q> What is it to let go in Buddhism? <S> Is that the Noble Truths?...	You should accept The Eightfold Noble Path : Liberation from suffering -- personal welfare and the welfare of others. Accept the truth; all created things are impermanent, all created things are not self.
How are metta and dana related? In accord to Dhamma, What is appropriate to give oneself? What is appropriate to give to others? Does dana ever go to oneself? Could oneself be seen impersonally as another that needs dana? How is metta and dana related or not related? <Q> 'Dana' can be a 'test' of true 'mett...	Compassion and sympathy for oneself can be seen as dana if one 'gives oneself a break' or an opportunity to be put in a favorable situation for example. Metta and dana are related in that both Dana which is an act and the base sympathy are based on right views, they are both dispersive of ill.
Can we use Piti as a meditation subject? Can we use Piti as a meditation subject?There are 40 meditation objects are given in Visuddhimagga as follows.Ten recollections; ten foul objects; ten kasinas; four sublime abidings; four formless absorptions; one resolution into elements; and one perception of the filthiness of...	Anything can be used as an object of meditation. The breath is most often used because it checks all of those boxes quite easily.
Can we be too analytical It seems to me that analysing everything to the tiniest degree takes joy and spontaneity out of life. I admit, being mindful can make for better decision making and therefor better outcome, but do you want to be around me if I am so thoroughly earnest? <Q> I think i get what you mean and being ...	Mindfulness does not equal analytical. Its okay if thats your nature,there is nothing really wrong
Did Buddha had issues in meditation? Well, I Keep hearing this dialogue by a few Buddhist meditation teachers, "It's very common for everyone to get distracted by thoughts when you start the meditation practise initially". I am curious to know whether Buddha, himself, faced any issues while meditating, initially, (l...	Buddha ,an enlightened version of Gautama ( with no self) can never be with any type of issue.
Introductory/Beginner books on Buddhism, but for children There are a few posts on the site asking for good introduction/beginner books on Buddhism, but I can't seem to find any that a child could read and understand. Although age range doesn't really matter to the answer that people might post, let's say someone betw...	Please check book at below link : The Story of Buddha : The Enlightened One (Tripti Nainwal, Ayeshe Sadr, Ishaan Dasgupta) Above book is specifically designed for children.
How to avoid subtle biases and inclinations to influence phenomena when doing vipassana? In other words, how do I know if I'm really being objective? <Q> Find out the difference between what are concepts and what is. <S> Follow the sensation of the breath not the idea of the breath. <S> Notice what mental content...	Notice thoughts as they happen or as they are remembered but don't make an effort to notice or not notice the content of the thoughts. Follow the sensation of the feet as they move exactly in the present moment and don't follow the idea of the feet.
Are loving-kindness and compassion (metta and karuna) special kind of attachments? To alleviate someone from suffering, Buddhism teaches one to practice mettā karuṇā . But it seems to me that to thinking good about someone and wish them the best, we need to have a better version of the suffered person, so that we can...	And no, there's no need to come up with some fabrication or some altered reality about the other person's personality in order to cultivate metta/karuna.
What happens if no beings choose to act on one's bad karma? What happens if no beings choose to act on one's bad karma? Does one then hallucinate one's bad karma? ( By this I mean i.e. is there experiencing of hallucinations (or illusions) alongside things such as real pain? ). E.g. What would have happened to Mogg...	The suttas ( SN 12.37 ) say [the results of] old kamma are to be felt [as feelings] & not identified with (not acted upon).
Permission of parents to be a Monk I already know this much https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/35802/17220 Still ,there is a particular case where ,I have no experience/knowledge which is below. Person with 27 yrs. of age and above. Parents are alive. No responsibility over Person. Person is having exemplary ch...	One is asked to seek parent's permission so that one does not enter monastic life leaving a cloud of fear and resentment in one's wake.
Meditation on a concept Is samatha concentration meditation's object always an idea, concept or something else? Why meditate on a concept and what else besides concepts are there to meditate on? <Q> There are 40 meditation objects are prescribed in Visuudhimagga. <S> https://dhammawiki.com/index.php/40_meditation_s...	At its best, samatha meditation almost never involves an idea, concept, etc. The less discursive that mental energy is, the easier it will be for your concentration to stabilize and mature.
When will a Buddhist accept doing analysis? As the core goal of Buddhism is to cease sufferings, any task that not relevant to it will be unawarely ignored, and any task that hindering it will be strongly rejected. Analysis/intellect can either be irrelevant to the goal (as in, don't forget that the finger is not the m...	You needn’t use intellectual analysis.
In the doctrine of no arising does the past and future still exist? In the doctrine of no arising does the past and future still exist, and if so do they exist in the same way as the present does? And if not, why ? From Dogen's Genjo-koan: Firewood becomes ash. Ash cannot turn back into firewood again. However, we...	Past is the transitive closure of all its causes, and future is the superset of dharmas directly or indirectly conditioned by a given dharma.
Can the change due to impermanence be considered intelligent? What is the nature of the change due to impermanence ,is it just a random change or intelligent change ?,are the actions resulting from it considered right action or that depends on the degree of identification that the impermanent person/thing is having tow...	Change seems to be intelligent to a human till it makes one happy ,otherwise it seems to be a curse.
Buddhism and Losing Determination I noticed that I tend to very well know what I must do, and that I also strive and attempt to do these things, but that often I am filled with a kind of 'defeatism' or 'pessimism'. I know the right way, attempt the right way, but this heavy and saddening discouragement just makes me go...	My advice is to: Be mindful and guard the sense faculties Find a good teacher Do a 10 day (or longer) intensive meditation course One becomes...disillusioned. Defeatism and pessimism are just other activities of the mind; it's the thinking mind getting sulky because it's bored and not being allowed to do what it wants ...
What does zen have to do with spontaneity? Someone told me that I don't need to read about Dogens teachings of zen. They said that "zen is just about being spontaneous and free from rules." Are they right? Why or why not? Is it deeper than just being spontaneous? <Q> They said that "zen is just about being spontaneous...	Zen has everything to do with spontaneity!
"true love", compassion and suffering According to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, "true love" has four elements: Loving kindness: this produces a lot of joy and happiness. Compassion: it makes us and the other people suffer less. Joy: "If love does not generate joy, it is not [true] love." Inclusiveness: "In true lo...	Being compassionate towards another means to see the roots of their suffering — the cravings and discontentments that drive it — not to embrace it or enter into it.
Why Mind is Fickle? Monkey mindI don't think.I live in present.My mind always thinking.Past thinking Future thinking. Hate thought.. Worry thought.. Pleasure thought.. Lust thought.. <Q> Bhante Vimalaramasi talks about this in his talk about MN182015 Day 4 Easter Retreat 2 <S> "Perceptions" MN18 - Bhante Vimalar...	You must understand that if you mind frequently allows itself to get distracted, then it means you don’t have control of it, and it’s easy for you to become defiled.
When we do any moral act on the basis of greed, we get merit or sin I am hindu. So My mind say if you Will help anyone . you get rewards for example job,beautiful wife, health,Rebirth good place and rebirth in healthy human beings.So I do good act for rewards. This is also my greed .?This is sin?This is good deed...	If you do good you will be given good.
How to cultivate good q: 1) How do you cultivate good? 2) what is good? <Q> Elsewhere in the Dhammapada <S> it suggests to cultivate good "drop by drop": <S> Think not lightly of evil, saying, "It will not come to me." <S> Drop by drop is the water pot filled. <S> Likewise, the fool, gathering it little by lit...	Good is harmony and what leads to harmony (i.e. not to discord).
Buddhism and Integrative Complexity I noticed a coincidence between something I read in a book by Thich Nhat Hanh, and an article on research about a psychological phenomenon known to facilitate inner and outer peace. My question is: What Buddhist concepts are similar or have something in common with the "integration"...	They are conjoined but are not the same thing, having delineated the difference it is still not possible to separate them.
How not to alter breathing in Anapana meditation? When I practice Anapana meditation ,I often get a feel that I tried to alter my breathing instead of observing natural breathing.So,how can I observe natural breath?What are the best tips for this? <Q> A simple and natural way to relinquish breath obsessions is to coun...	But as you watch yourself trying to control your breathing your breathing will become natural, because you're no longer identifying with the part of you that's trying to control it.
If teacher punishing student is also supposed bad karma? Either school teacher or Buddhist teacher in monastery, if they would punish their students is also supposed bad karma even if it cause of bad behavior of students? <Q> Buddha did not do any violence. <S> The suttas say: it is true, Kesi, that it's not proper f...	I punish any student..if I feel guilt for punishment.
Problems of a Lay Mediator Questions: Is it normal to shy away from your family when it is hard to interact with them because they are so caught up in defilement and shaming my practices? And is it proper to not respond to other people's questions or comments such as "wasn't that so good" or "do you like/dislike...	There is no shame in doing any of the above.
Is it OK for a Buddhist teacher to charge their students an hourly rate for their time? Charging money for teaching time seems like it goes against the spirit of the dharma. I’m asking because I was looking for a teacher and came across one that did charge money. <Q> It's not OK. <S> “It’s not easy to teach the Dham...	If you are teaching someone to pass an exam on Buddhism, it's ok to accept a payment.
Who is experiencing the non self? There is no self that is permanent. All this results from 5 aggregates, then who is experiencing the non self? <Q> There are several questions on this site which are more-or-less about this topic. <S> One which I found helpful was, <S> How is it wrong to believe that a self exists,...	The mind experiences not-self.
Is upaya a lie? According to upaya, the doctrine of 'skillful means', as it appears in the Lotus Sutra, was the Buddha lying when he said that there are three vehicles? Presumably he knew there was only one: so why wasn't his deception evil? I am referring to the claim in e.g. the parable of there being three chario...	In a very meaningful sense, every action of the Buddha whether of body, speech, or mind was upaya : skillful means. Insofar as all conceptualizations or elaborations are mere approximation of the truth and tainted by ignorance, then you could say they are lies.
Misconception about remembering past lives? I have been digging really deep into the philosophy of Buddha. What I have come to know is that Buddha has never talked about remembering past lives in any original text. If he has then please let me know. Now, what he may have said is the idea of Dependent Origination, that...	The Buddha did talk quite explicitly about physical rebirths before and after the physical death of the body.
Attention to itching makes me unable to focus on anything else I am spending some time alone in a day (in solitude). During that alone time and during the rest of the day i am feeling itching and tingling. I can ignore both by just watching it as someone described in the below article about itching. However, both are r...	I often get itches during meditation, and I find that if I simply unattach from the sensation, not thinking about it, most itches go away fairly soon. This experience is quite normal.
Is it fine to learn Vipassana meditation online? Is it essential to go to SN Goenka centre for 10 days to learn Vipassana ? Or is it fine to learn Vipassana online? <Q> Doing an intensive course at a dedicated meditation centre is incomparably better than online learning, but doing an online course or something simi...	So, yes, online meditation is perfectly valid, but I think it serves better as a preparation, rather than a replacement, for intensive practice which is best done with a teacher at a centre.
How a sotapanna person experiences the mind? What is the difference between lay person and a person who achieves sotapanna?Does sotapanna person experience less thoughts?Would they experience as dukka,happiness,pain like mind states? <Q> Maybe the simplest answer to this question is that a sotāpanna does experience t...	They are immersed in their thoughts, emotions, and urges, and cannot effectively separate themselves from these mental conditions. Instead of thinking "this thing is so" / "this thing is not so" like the regular people blindly do - stream-enterer thinks "my mind delineates this object and assigns it such and such quali...
Joining and then leaving the monastic order? One thing that seems fascinating about the rules of the monastic life, the rules of poverty and celibacy, and so forth, is that as strict as the rules are, it seems that compliance is voluntary. A monk could, at any moment, choose to disrobe and leave the order, and he wou...	If they find the process of development too difficult, or come to believe that they will not make progress on the path, or otherwise become disenchanted with the monastic life, then there is no harm in leaving the order.
Reincarnation of a Sotapanna person (Stream Enterer) When the life of a Sotapanna ends, let's say he/she reincarnates as a human. Does that mean, the reincarnated is capable of demonstrating the qualities of a Sotapanna since a very young age? Or, does it take years of practice (again) to regain Sotapanna qualities ?...	It's says that 7years is the minimum age that it would take to understand Dhamma. There are no stories in the suttas of a child born with Supramundane Knowledge.
Is being conscious of actions' consequences enough to attain nibbana? I apologize if this has an answer on this site or if this does not make any sense. I am wondering if being conscious alone is enough to attain nibbana? If not, why? I think conscious person will (always?) act in a way that will not cause sorrow to t...	Being conscious is just a tool,and yes it can be enough ,but once you realize nibbana ,the tool doesn't have to be a concern anymore. You have to delineate what you mean by conscious.
Trying to Meditate Longer I am currently meditating thirty minutes per day. I wonder whether I should meditate an hour instead or meditate for thirty minutes twice. Basically, I meditate on compassion and after thirty minutes I'm not generating much of anything. I just sit there moving about on my chair, wondering ab...	So I think you should try your best to prolong the time you focus on your meditation subject without any trivial thoughts arising. Instead, better try to listen to your mind when 30 minutes is about to finish. But whatever are the minutes, the benefit is the same if you manage to maintain this kind of awareness of your...
Overcoming sensual craving for food I've become interested in Buddhism a couple of months ago, and I try to meditate daily, which had very positive effects on my anxiety and overall feeling so far. I am prone to feeling overwhelming cravings for unhealthy, sugary food. Although the intensity of the cravings has been ...	As already mentioned, there are various suttas that deal with sensual cravings such as MN 19 & MN 20. You can periodically reflect on the advantages & disadvantages of your food craving (both short & long term). For me, I find it very helpful to say that I have a craving, (acknowledging that it is present), that usuall...
how do we know about parts of Buddha's life where he was clearly alone? for example, when he was being tempted by Mara, he said "the Earth bears witness." how do we know this? he was clearly alone, right? no one was there witnessing this to write about it. did Buddha just tell it to everyone later? not just that, there...	From my reading I've come across the Buddha recounting his enlightenment to the disciples in the Mahisasaka-vinaya - brought back by Faxian (400CE) from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to China but this vinaya doesn't exist in the Pali "Tipitaka".
Can a Buddhist mix Buddhism with other religions? Is there any authoritative sourced that a man can have more than one religion if he pleases? <Q> It seems significant that HHDL advises us not to abandon the religion of our birth yet also encourages us to strive for realisation. <S> This is the view that religion is a ...	It depends whether we see our religion as a proscribed set of beliefs or a set of methods and practices for transcending belief.
Looking for help for Practise / Method to overcome distubring external sounds Can anyone recommend a practice to overcome disturbing sounds. Many times when I meditate or turn inwards I am disturbed by a neighbors loud barking dogs or other loud sounds. I've tried doing visualization, clearing the space energy, Feng Sh...	When the sound is sufficiently reduced, it is possible to introduce distraction by concentration on something interesting and to generate 'friendly vibrations' towards the dog. One needs a focus for meditation. Try changing the thing you are focusing on to the experience of the external "disturbance". Try thoroughly so...
What is the meaning of "Nothing new will be said here, nor have I any skill in composition. Therefore I do not imagine that I can benefit others." To my knowledge, Bodhicaryāvatāra expressed the Nothing new will be said here, nor have I any skill in composition. Therefore I do not imagine that I can benefit others. I ...	It is a verse which is full of humility and self-deprication designed to counteract conceited and prideful thoughts.
Guidance for how to handle stomach problems arising during Vipassana? During concentration the main thing I can feel during the first half hour or so is the feeling of the stomach/ top part of the intestine area or feelings inside the belly. There's really nothing else for me to feel, especially when mediating topless ...	If you can't feel anything then note whatever reality is in your attention at that moment It just seems that lying down or sitting, as soon as I put attention to the belly area I am more aware of an internal sensation which leads to discomfort and gurgling noises/ feelings.but as a result, is easy to concentrate on.
How could the Buddha know that he had attained enlightenment when he didn't know what it was? Having learned and gained complete mastery from the two most famous teachers of his time, he decided to apply extreme austerities for some six years. With these skills acquired, driving a powerful concentration, he abandoned ...	Enlightenment isn’t like being drunk, but like that state, entrance into it is unmistakable. Buddha is a general term given to one that knows the truth of everything.
Causes of downfall of a Man, pointed by Buddha in Mangala Sutta As, pointed out by Buddha in Mangala Sutta, the causes of downfall of a man. Among those following is the one among them;1) Those who have ample wealth does not support his old aged father and mother has a downfall! Question remains, How if pursuing the g...	When the time was right The Buddha gave the gift of Dhamma to his parents which surpasses any material benevolence he could have given them.
Is there something specifically wrong with keeping the 8 precepts as a lay person? I know that the 5 precepts were intended for lay people. I know that in lay life, most people choose to only keep the 5 precepts, and there is no requirement to keep any more. I know that sometimes lay people take the 8 precepts temporar...	Taking the eight precepts is the best thing you can do to calm the mind.
How can you know that meditating isn't selfish? Perhaps 'selfish' isn't the right word for it as the 'self' is not the goal. But if you define the 'self' as your inner core/soul is it still possible to meditate selfish? If so how to know this and how to prevent this? How to distinguish between 'good' and 'bad' ('achiev...	One purpose of meditation is to deepen your understanding for anatta, non-self.
How anger is developed? Most of the time I experience the situations that provoke my anger.I hate people. How to overcome this?how to let go anger? <Q> Generally speaking anger can be the result of any/all of the three root kleshas. <S> They are: not knowing the full reason for our anger (moha) holding on too ha...	Lastly, metta bhavana meditation can also help in easing your anger, by developing warmth towards others (the opposite of anger, essentially), and by seeing the others side of things. Let anger get through you, like a wind that passes through your being.
How does rebirth fit with the fact that everything is impermanent? One of the lessons Buddhism teaches is that everything is impermanent. Our thoughts, our feelings, our emotions, our bodies, our life. Everything. We are surrounded by death. We are mortals. There is an end to this. However, Buddhism also has the conc...	We die and are reborn in every moment of this very life!
What is mind contain of? What are the contain of the mind?Are emotions being mind contain or they are from of mind energy?how does mind differ from each other?how person being act differently.? <Q> Here's the standard answer of what the mind is according to Buddhism. <S> 4 aggregates. <S> Feelings. <S> (Pleasant, ...	“The Mind” that we think we have doesn’t exist.
What does buddhism say about mind and heart? Some gurus like osho says that the heart should dominate mind but reverse is happening in real world.Some like sadhguru from isha foundation says that heart is just a pumping device. It is driven by our mind. What point of view does buddhism have on heart and mind. I mean i...	The Buddhism I was taught is pretty much in favor of re-discovering and utilizing one's "heart".
How to find an appropriate sex partner for a sakadagami? Is it true that sakadagami can have sex that is pure so between a wife and husband. how can one gain the attention of a wise man who intends to marry and upholds The Way of Noble Ones. <Q> With all due respect, many people overestimate their "achievements". <S> J...	If you seek for a more loving relationship, make sure to look for a person who has somewhat same interests and goals as you do, and ideally both should practise Buddhism (or some other spiritual endeavor).
About suffering, expectations and unfalsifiable beliefs I've been wondering if it's possible to "progress" towards enlightenment if one has certain set of beliefs which may (or may not) be false (or illogical), but which do not generate conflict between expectations and experience. If we understand dukkha as the result...	One doesn't make progress toward enlightenment by starting out with all the correct views and beliefs.
Intensifying sensations during meditation after switching to an Ayuverdic lifestyle I've been a Vipassana meditator for some time (2 10-day retreats and regular meditation on a near-daily basis). I've found it tremendously helpful and life changing. I'm also a type-1 diabetic. I sought the advice of a good Ayuverda do...	Although I have not personally noticed any changes in my Buddhist practise from reducing my meat/fish intake, it is possible that, as another user has said, that you are more focused because plant food digests more quickly. Embrace slow, steady and gentle practices and observances.
I am finding myself being unable to enjoy things, my mind keeps going to meditation I have noticed that while watching TV or trying to do work, my mind keeps getting caught up in the feeling of my breath, or the random noises around me. These are the exact things that I notice while meditating, and while meditating I a...	Attend to the breath on each inhalation. Anyway, if it is becoming a habit so strong that it's interfering with your life, maybe you can mix in other meditations to try to get enough change to brake the habit.
How to not to attach to the vinaya? I feel very guilty when I break the vinaya / shila. Now it became a couse for suffering. Some times I feel very bad about people who not follows vinaya.How do I get out of this ? How to follow vinaya without attaching to it ? <Q> We can derive some clues about how to deal with kukkuc...	One should not scold himself but instead, mindfully recall what went wrong and how the specific precept was broken.
How come enlightened people don't have any laziness? I just heard that enlightened people have zero laziness. How is it possible? What is "laziness" ? What is the connection between laziness and ego/desire? Edit: Also that monk said: "Laziness is caused by ignorance." <Q> Speaking from the first hand experience, lazi...	Laziness often is due to a lack of desire or motivation.
Is lazyness a killer? If so, in how far is it a killer, a quality that harms? How does it arises, when arising? How does it vanish? [Note that this isn't given/asked for trade, exchange, stakes or other layziness supporting means but for liberation] <Q> Once the Exalted One spoke to the Venerable Maha-Moggallana thus...	One way to kill Laziness is to realize the true knowledge.
Are monks expected to accept life lessons from (time spent with) the laity? In general, the monks are expected to preach the Dhamma and the laity should listen. But "behind the scenes", so to say, should monks really be learning from at least some situations they run into without the attitude they know better or that...	I think there were several cases where the Buddha "learned life lessons" from monks's interactions with laypeople --
Is it a bad heavy karma to criticize or give up your guru? "However it is said in the Guhyasamaja Root Tantra:" "If sentient beings commit an action As grave as the five heinous crimes He [still] can attain the superior Vajra Vehicle, But who from within disregards his master Shall never attain, even if exerted." "Th...	Briefly, when someone with full understanding of what they are getting into, chooses to take the vajrayana vows with regard to a particular guru, then if they break those vows ... there is very heavy karmic cost.
What is the difference between panna vimutti and ceto vimutti? I wonder if the difference has something to do with the permanent destruction (through vipassana bhavana) vs. the temporary destruction (through samatha bhavana) of the kilesas? <Q> I wonder if the difference has something to do with the permanent destruct...	They're just different in regards to the specific pathway as a result of the practitioner's dominant faculty on either concentration or insight.
Are the Pali-words Patinissagga and Vossagga synonyms? Are both Pali-words synonyms or is there a slight difference between 'patinissagga' and 'vossagga'? <Q> While not always, paṭinissagga is often used for more lofty situations, such as connected to Nibbana (in SN 56.11; AN 3.32 & MN 118). <S> Vossagga appears alwa...	The difference, if any, appears to be in a greater emphasis of vossaga on the mental or personal side of the issue of letting go.
Is it necessary to be socialize to understand dhamma? If some one is a anti-social person , there is no reason to get angry, to be jealous, to have conciet .... All those problems arise when people socialize. So, Is it necessary to be socialize ? If it is, Why buddha said, go to a forest to meditate ? Get a free and ...	Too much time alone may make us less accustomed to relate to others, even though we may have good intentions. Prosocial virtues, such as the brahmaviharas is most likely impossible to cultivate in complete solitude. A mendicant with good friends, companions, and associates can expect to develop and cultivate the noble ...
Is understanding a practice? Enlightened people doesn't have any desire, because they see impermanence in everything. All the things are useless to them. To achieve enlightenment , one required to practise deattachment, uncertainty through out the samsara. So , Is understanding a practise ? If it is: We loose skills ...	I think that the first stage of enlightenment includes "right view" and seeing the tilakkhaṇa -- "understanding" the dhamma, in general.
Are there any sila / vinaya for mind? There are five precepts. I don't kill living species. I don't do sexual miaconduct. ........ Similary, Are there any for mind ? Like, I don't think ...... .... We can think according to the five precepts , Not thinking about killing or harming others etc. However, are th...	Yeah, actually there any sil and vinaya.
Why work on one thing at a time? Why work on one thing at a time according to the buddhism ? Did Lord Buddha advise us to do that ? Are there any deep desires in multi-tasking ? (Like wanting to gain more in short amount of time) Edit: I mean by "doing one thing at a time" is working on 2 different subjects at the ...	When you practice Samatha you keep your attention only on the meditation object. Multi-tasking entails that one momentarily averts attention from one task in order to attend to other things in rapid succession.
Difference between Kamma, Kammanto, and Kammanta? Question Hi all, i would like to ask if anyone knows the difference in meaning between these three pali words: Kamma Kammanto Kammanta What i've found so far I can see from looking at the pali words for "right action" that this is called "samma kammanto" (someti...	So kammanta is a way of specifying that one is merely talking about actual mundane action or work. Kammanta is the basic or 'stem' word for kammanta.
Why we must have a confident mind? “Here, bhikkhus, some person has a confident mind. Having examined his mind with my mind, I know that if this person were to die at this time, as if carried there he would be placed in heaven. What is the reason for that? It is because his mind is confident. It is because of the mind’...	Confidence may arise without conceit and clinging to views. Pasannacitta literally means devoted mind, and can be interpreted as a person having faith (saddha).
Why do I get a feeling on my forehead as if someone is touching it during meditation? I do meditate sometimes,not everyday. After 5 to 10 minutes during meditation I start getting a feeling on my forehead as if someone is touching in it. Sometimes after listening to binaural waves or do yoga, I get this same feelin...	The main thing is not to attach too much importance to these experiences as thinking about it will be a distraction main task at hand which is the meditation and also perhaps a source of attachment or aversion on how you react to it which is also decremental to meditation. It's very normal and common for people to feel...
How can I overcome the breathing trouble while meditating and increase concentration? At certain point of meditation,I feel like I can't breathe properly as in the beginning of meditation(lose of oxygen) and thus I stop meditating and try to get oxygen into my brain.I do no know why this is happening or how to overcom...	Just be aware of the breath as it is, and if it is not clear, simply wait for it In Buddhist meditation, the face should be relaxed and the mind/brain bright, awake & open. Your body is going to take what air it needs.
Is there a pali term for "natural concentration"? In the book, "Handbook for mankind" Buddhadhasa Bikkhu describes two types of concentration: One "as a result of organized practice", which he refers to as vipassana-dhura, and is mentioned in post-tipitaka commentaries. One that "come about naturally". In the text...	Concentration (ekaggatā), the mental focus on one object to the exclusion of all other objects is a universal mental state applicable to all mental states.
Is wanting to do something = desire? Is wanting to do something = desire ? Doesn't enlightened people want to do anything ? They just react to whatever comes ? ( "react" may not be a suitable word). A related question that I hope to ask in Buddhism SE: How a enlightened monk differs from a enlightened lay person ? As...	Followers of Buddhism tries to mitigate these desires and understand that everything is impermanent.
How do you understand the Cakkavatti Sutta? https://suttacentral.net/dn26/en/sujato How could humans have lived 80 000 years in the past? And how could we live 10 years in the future, with people reaching sexual maturity at five, when life expectancy is constantly increasing? <Q> I have never read the sutta. <S> Bhikk...	Life expectancy in the human realm (collectively all humanoid planets in the universe) vary based on the ethics of the era.
What does Buddhism teach on cultivating energy for those who are drowsy? This is rather a personal question. Sometimes, I am a very depressed individual, and besides other things, I'm struggling with a lack of energy. It happens that I sleep for 10 or more hours. Usually, after waking up, I'm not actually awake, but ...	I personally tend towards couch potato, so walking meditation has been very helpful and allowed me to develop energy. To develop energy we need initiative, persistence and exertion:
What would be the karmic result of worrying? How come worrying is a bad karma ? Buddha stated that Having a confident mind gives a good rebirth ( in heaven etc.). Most of the time, I worried about not able to complete a task within the desired time. What would be the karmic effect of this worrying and any other worri...	On the mental level, worry and stress created very unlucky events for me.
Are there any similar characteristics between Nama and Rupa? We can define location, size, velocity for rupa. Can we define these for Nama ? Can we say "a moving mind", "mind is located inside the body", "after the death, mind leaves the body and step into a new body" ? Can we imagine "How mind looks like" ? <Q> The ...	To answer your original question above, yes, there are similar characteristics between rūpa and nāma. No, neither rūpa nor nāma can move.
Why we need Samadhi to attain enlightement? Why we need Samadhi to attain enlightement ? Do people with better samadhi can think more than the people with less within short amount of time ? experiment of people with low IQ, and high IQ, put them in the same room, and you give them the same job. Rob a bank. You’ll fi...	Samadhi helps you steady your mind on one object to see it clearly like steadings your hands and focusing your touch on a particular object of interest like a snake on the path.
A person with almost zero sati vs A person with perfect sati What are the characteristics of a person with zero sati and a person with higher level of sati ? How does this level of sati affects day to day life ? What does it really mean to have sati ? <Q> Zero sati is a sad situation: <S> AN8.29:7.1 : <S> Furthe...	Mindfulness (sati): this is alertness, which makes us aware of what is happening to us, from moment to moment, through the five physical senses and the mind. Zero sati would be insanity: breaking precepts, acting on every urge...
How to stop a war according to Gouthama Buddha? Are there any scriptures discussing on how to prevent wars? I mean for example, from the insights of scriptures, if Buddha were alive then how would Buddha have tried to stop World War 2? <Q> There's a description of that here: <S> Why Was the Sakyan Republic Destroyed?...	So the Buddhist way to prevent war is to explain the dangers of limited thinking and promote the virtue of enlightened mindset that does not take sides based on generalizations.
Minimum common grounds for all sotapanna and all arahant I'd like to know what will all sotapanna have in common with each other. And the same for arahants (both for separate, please, not comparing a sotapanna with an arahant). What are the common grounds in terms of what has been uprooted? What do they share in terms...	Identity view, doubt, misapprehension of precepts and observances, sensual desire, and ill will.
What can I practise to avoid expectations? Today, I have realized that I have lot of expectations about my life and about others. Until today, I didn't aware of it because,today I face a big disappointment.So, Experiences of expectations and hopes breakings are way to understand the nature of expectations. Other than ...	Try to always see the good side of things even of the outcome is bad. I don't think one can avoid having expectations in general because if we know the possibilty of an outcome we can be said to expect it to the extent to which it is known to be a possibility. No Attachment to Dust Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the T'a...
Can I plan for future while doing meditation on death? Buddha said about meditation on death : "Even if a person aware about his death can be happen within that day is late. If someone thinks, his death can be happen within current breath is not late". According to that, Can we think about future at all? How can we man...	Recollection and Mindfulness of the death is a meditation for people who have weak willpower to acheieve nibbana and it could also be used for worldy achievments as well but is not recommended. Planning about the future cannot be stopped if you are living as a layperson
How to do the Koan study? I want to work on the Koan, 'What was your original face before you were born' and ' Who am I ',How do I go about it. Should I constantly ask myself this question? Should I write it down? How is the Koan practise done? <Q> Koans break the intellectual mind and require deeper investment. ...	When meditating, one could silently speak the koan.
Is there a Buddhist school / tradition wich recognizes the endless cycle of rebirth but doesn't teach that we should get liberated from it? And even more, that we should embrace it and accept it (while at the same time avoiding the sufferings) ? <Q> But suffering is not to be avoided. <S> It is to be prevented. <S> The...	Many Mahayana Buddhist traditions believe that liberation is specifically freedom from suffering rather than freedom from being present in the universe. If the definition of buddhism is adherence to the four noble truths, the answer to your question is no.
How to stop thinking about metaphysical questions? I have been practicing seriously for a month now. I'm mindful a lot of the time but not 100% yet and whenever I'm not I start thinking about metaphysical questions or what could be after death or if it is nothing etc. How can I stop this? Or how to stop thinking about ...	Practice Vipassana meditation using breath or walking. Think about something else, which is skillful Scrutinize the drawbacks and unskillfulness of the distracting thoughts and see how they result in suffering Pay no attention to those distracting thoughts
Do insects feel less pain and humans more? Buddha has asked to refrain from killing. However if small insects do not feel any pain then what is the harm in killing them? To simply put : Do insects feel less pain and humans more ? <Q> The purpose of the precept is to protect you and lift you up in terms of virtue ...	Feeling pain is a mark of having a life.
Why am I getting upset after meditation and sleepy during meditation? I've started to meditate in recent days. After meditation, one day I feel happy and the other day I feel upset, angry and depressed. Also, at the end of the meditation I feel like I just woke up from sleep.Why is this happening to me? Is there any so...	Here's an easy way to prevent this: Meditate with your eyes open.
Is being emotional means worthless? When it is come to "dana" I heard many times "First do something for loved ones". I don't have any confusion regarding "dana" generosity. But lately I'm thinking indulge partner is means worthless (being emotional or emotionally doing something for partner) or just fragile thin...	All feelings are inferred to be impermanent, inconstant, an ill, and you can say worthless to that extent sure.
Over control and energy dissipation As a beginner, after 3 months of quiet intensive meditation, i feel exhausted. And I understand that it’s linked to my relation with every type of duty during my life. Studying, working, relations or just simply living, where i feel “ have to do “ emotions, and being extreme with beh...	If you feel tired of practicing sitting meditation right now, you can always try to look into what the dhamma has to say about the experiences you've made. The important thing is that you're aware in the right way: not trying to manipulate what's happening, seeing them as they are.
Did the Buddha himself say anything about 'greater good'? The phrase comes up -- especially when discussing 'militarism' -- in the secondary literature; e.g. that “one must sacrifice the lesser good for the greater good”; so too must “our heroes sacrifice their lives in order to preserve the naition... Buddhism an...	If by giving up small pleasures great happiness is to be found, the wise should give up small pleasures seeing (the prospect of) great happiness.
Unintentionally killing insects when playing sports and running I jog everyday and teach children how to play basketball. There are some insects on the path where I jog and on the basketball court, and I’m sure we unintentionally kill a few of them. We live in a place where there are lots of trees and forests so it wou...	If you unintentionally killed an insect on a regular jogging track, that's ok.
Shouldn't we care only "What I think" instead of "What I + Others think"? Our own thoughts make something wholesome or unwholesome. Not what other's think. So, is there a need to care about what others think regarding a certain thing? We can do good for others, but they might think that we do something bad for them....	If we act with a wholesome intention, this is not wrong.
Can lay people acheive enlighment (Arahanthship) in this life by adhering to Buddhist principles? During the time of Buddha, it is said many people at one gathering attained enlightenment by listening to only one one of his sermons. How can a mind develop such a achieving within matter of hours. There are millions o...	At the time of Buddha, as SarathW said, people who attained stages of awakening already perfected Sila and Samadhi therefore it was easy for them to understand the Buddha's teachings.
How do experienced Buddhists preserve their equanimity and well-being in unfavourable circumstances? What are the examples in ancient texts or in history when a trained Buddhist sustained their equanimity and well-being through torture, forced isolation or other unfavourable circumstances? Which tools given in Dhamma ...	Of course killing oneself would be the easy way out. Tibetan Buddhism in general has a recurring theme of teachings about "putting all obstacles on the path" - meaning, using every real life problem as a practice aid, instead of seeing it negatively.
Basic readings and references: where to start Although I have read some basic articles and book about buddhism, they are all written by modern western sources, and I would like to get to know the foundations. Even when reading this site, I sometimes feel at a loss because I miss so many of the particular terms, and all...	There are several online resources for that -- grammar and dictionaries -- an introductory one is https://www.buddha-vacana.org/toolbox.html My advice is to stick around where people quote and recite texts known to be true.
Is this nibbana or god? There is, bhikkhus, a not-born, a not-brought-to-being, a not-made, a not-conditioned. If, bhikkhus, there were no not-born, not-brought-to-being, not-made, not-conditioned, no escape would be discerned from what is born, brought-to-being, made, conditioned. But since there is a not-born, a not-...	Nibbana is the cessation of the manifested, cessation of perception of the manifested, and cessation of the memory of the manifested.

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.