Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Did Buddha ever say how to overcome shyness?
In AN 9.5, the Buddha said that whoever is endowed with the four powers has left behind the fear of embarrassment in assemblies. Is this the same as shyness? If not then did the Buddha ever say how to overcome shyness? >There are, monks, four powers. The power of wisdom, the power of energy, the pow...
In AN 9.5, the Buddha said that whoever is endowed with the four powers has left behind the fear of embarrassment in assemblies. Is this the same as shyness? If not then did the Buddha ever say how to overcome shyness?
>There are, monks, four powers. The power of wisdom, the power of energy, the power of an unblemished life and the power of benevolence....Now, monks, a noble disciple endowed with these four powers has left behind five fears: the fear for his livelihood, the fear of disrepute, the fear of embarrassment in assemblies, the fear of death and the fear of an unhappy future destiny.
>
>AN 9.5
user14213
Nov 17, 2018, 05:32 PM
• Last activity: Dec 31, 2021, 01:32 PM
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Did Lord Buddha teach a meditation technique called Shunya to close disciples?
I recently heard from an Indian Guru that Lord Buddha taught a meditation technique called Shoonya to his closest disciples. Is there any technique like that or resembling it which is mentioned in the Buddhist scripture? Related [question][1] ---------------------------- Edit: What was meant by clos...
I recently heard from an Indian Guru that Lord Buddha taught a meditation technique called Shoonya to his closest disciples.
Is there any technique like that or resembling it which is mentioned in the Buddhist scripture?
Related question
----------------------------
Edit: What was meant by close disciples was not that there was some kind of secrecy, but as Lord Buddha was a travelling monk, and this meditation technique takes time to teach, he could only teach it to the close disciples who were travelling with him.
user20787
Dec 27, 2021, 04:48 AM
• Last activity: Dec 28, 2021, 02:27 PM
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What other meditation techniques are attributed to Buddha apart from Anapanasati?
Anapanasati is a meditation technique attributed to Buddha himself and it is from Tripitaka. What other meditation techniques are present in Tripitaka and are attribited authoritatively to Buddha himself other than Anapanasati?
Anapanasati is a meditation technique attributed to Buddha himself and it is from Tripitaka.
What other meditation techniques are present in Tripitaka and are attribited authoritatively to Buddha himself other than Anapanasati?
user20787
Dec 11, 2021, 07:57 AM
• Last activity: Dec 27, 2021, 04:50 AM
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Did Lord Buddha teach any other meditation technique than the Anapana?
Meditation and cultivating awareness is the heart of Buddhism. You need meditation for attaining jhanas and also for doing Vipassana, metta bhavana... So as far as I've discovered, the only meditation that Lord Buddha taught was sitting and watching the breath. But nowadays many masters and mystic h...
Meditation and cultivating awareness is the heart of Buddhism. You need meditation for attaining jhanas and also for doing Vipassana, metta bhavana...
So as far as I've discovered, the only meditation that Lord Buddha taught was sitting and watching the breath. But nowadays many masters and mystic have very different techniques for different kind of people. Because not all people has the same temperament and cannot go into trance by just one single method. And as tathagata also had so many different disciples, did anapana worked for all of them and all of them attained jhanas, stillness of mind, etc. by practicing anapana alone or there was other meditation techniques, if so what are these techniques?
P.s. I know about walking meditation, loving-kindness and other awareness meditations explained in satipatthana but they are not specifically techniques. What I'm looking for is the sitting meditation techniques when anapana does not work.
Behnam K.
(101 rep)
Nov 6, 2018, 01:40 PM
• Last activity: Dec 27, 2021, 04:48 AM
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3
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What is the proper name for the Myanmar temple in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon?
I am looking for the proper/correct spelling of the Buddhist Temple structure in Yangon, Myanmar. I have seen two names and I think they are both referencing the same place. The names are: Shwedagon Paya and Shwezigon Pagoda (I believe Paya and Pagoda can also be switched in the above two names) Are...
I am looking for the proper/correct spelling of the Buddhist Temple structure in Yangon, Myanmar. I have seen two names and I think they are both referencing the same place.
The names are:
Shwedagon Paya and Shwezigon Pagoda
(I believe Paya and Pagoda can also be switched in the above two names)
Are these name referring to the same Buddhist temple complex?
I plan on visiting this site next year.
Thank you.
Namaste
tale852150
(125 rep)
Dec 15, 2021, 08:15 PM
• Last activity: Dec 25, 2021, 06:09 PM
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The commonly acceptable hypotheses/theories among scholars to explain how come Prajñāpāramitā sutra have existed so early as about 75 CE?
> In 2012, Harry Falk and Seishi Karashima published a damaged and partial Kharoṣṭhī manuscript of the Mahāyāna Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra. It is carbon dated to ca. 75 CE, making it one of the oldest Buddhist texts in existence. > > [Wikipedia: Gandhāran Buddhist texts - The "Split" Co...
> In 2012, Harry Falk and Seishi Karashima published a damaged and partial Kharoṣṭhī manuscript of the Mahāyāna Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra. It is carbon dated to ca. 75 CE, making it one of the oldest Buddhist texts in existence.
>
> [Wikipedia: Gandhāran Buddhist texts - The "Split" Collection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandh%C4%81ran_Buddhist_texts#The_%22Split%22_Collection)
Here's a copy of that paper by Harry Falk and Seishi Karashima: [A first-century Prajñāpāramitā manuscript from Gandhāra](https://docdro.id/PyJF9z5)
Question (1): What are the commonly acceptable hypotheses/theories among Buddhist-studies scholars in order to explain how come Prajñāpāramitā sutra (which belongs to the so-called 'Mahayana') have existed since so early (no later than 75 CE)?
Question (2): Is it sensible to hypothesize/theorize (or even accept) that, Prajñāpāramitā thoughts, in fact, have developed early parallel with thoughts in Āgama and Nikāya (which belongs to the so-called 'Hinayana')?
user21001
Dec 19, 2021, 04:13 PM
• Last activity: Dec 23, 2021, 08:04 AM
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Isn't it insane Bodhidharma cut his own eyelids?
I am not questioning the path of Zen. It just exist as it is. But I read this legend about Bodhidharma. To stay awake he cut off his eyelids and tea was flourished. Upto now I have felt tranquility in meditation. But isn't it an insane act. How people tell this story about a great Zen master? Or is...
I am not questioning the path of Zen. It just exist as it is. But I read this legend about Bodhidharma. To stay awake he cut off his eyelids and tea was flourished. Upto now I have felt tranquility in meditation. But isn't it an insane act. How people tell this story about a great Zen master? Or is it mystical way of delivering something which I am not understanding?
Yugandhar Chaudhari
(153 rep)
Dec 25, 2015, 10:23 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2021, 10:07 PM
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What did the Buddha said and taught about sharing demerit?
"It seems not customary to share demerit in certain Buddhist traditions. However, I've recently heard demerit can't really be shared. What did the Buddha say about this?" What's the matter with bringing others to approve, or rejoice, or appreciate ones demerits made by body, speech, thoughts? What's...
"It seems not customary to share demerit in certain Buddhist traditions. However, I've recently heard demerit can't really be shared. What did the Buddha say about this?"
What's the matter with bringing others to approve, or rejoice, or appreciate ones demerits made by body, speech, thoughts?
What's the result for one if joining anothers demerits?
And refined: What's the different between demerits and sharing them, for an 'unfettered' heart?
user21905
(1 rep)
Oct 5, 2021, 02:07 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2021, 10:07 PM
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Complex lifestyle and leads us to get on the correct path
Today, we are living in very complex world. Various lifestyles inspire us greatly. So as being a modern layperson, it is difficult to know good karma and bad one. How would I will be on good path and eventually attain Nirvana with 21 century lifestyle? I wouldn't know which activities and deeds have...
Today, we are living in very complex world. Various lifestyles inspire us greatly. So as being a modern layperson, it is difficult to know good karma and bad one. How would I will be on good path and eventually attain Nirvana with 21 century lifestyle? I wouldn't know which activities and deeds have to stop from doing. Which Buddha teachings do I have to follow, differentiating current lifestyles and livings?
CPMM
(21 rep)
Dec 17, 2021, 01:51 PM
• Last activity: Dec 18, 2021, 05:11 AM
2
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4
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Which language will get you deeper into Buddhism, Pali or Sanskrit?
I seem to have read that the "original" or "oldest" Tripitaka was written in Pali, but at the same time the Sanskrit language is much older than Pali. How do Sanskrit and Pali relate in terms of Buddhism? I would like to collect as many Buddhist terms and their meanings in one of these two languages...
I seem to have read that the "original" or "oldest" Tripitaka was written in Pali, but at the same time the Sanskrit language is much older than Pali. How do Sanskrit and Pali relate in terms of Buddhism? I would like to collect as many Buddhist terms and their meanings in one of these two languages but not sure which would provide the deepest, most concise, clear, and complete terminology for the Buddhist cosmology and theories of mind and such. Sanskrit seems like it has a richer more established etymological system so it might be easier to understand concepts that way, but perhaps Pali is closer to the original meaning or something? Which language would be better for a beginner or advanced student of Buddhism?
Lance Pollard
(790 rep)
Dec 7, 2021, 04:05 PM
• Last activity: Dec 17, 2021, 04:46 PM
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8
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Isn't giving to attain good Kamma "greedy" and therefore Unwholesome (akusala)?
I'm currently reading [In the Buddha's Words][1] by Ven. Bikkhu Bodhi. In the introduction to **The Way to a Fortunate Rebirth** he states that the roots of what make an action unwholesome (akusala) are: > "greed, hated and delusion" Well that confirms a hypothesis I got from reading Dawkin's [The S...
I'm currently reading In the Buddha's Words by Ven. Bikkhu Bodhi. In the introduction to **The Way to a Fortunate Rebirth** he states that the roots of what make an action unwholesome (akusala) are:
> "greed, hated and delusion"
Well that confirms a hypothesis I got from reading Dawkin's The Selfish Gene that *'there are no truly altruistic actions'*.
People often give to the needy to feel better, to get good karma, to get into heaven. Whatever the case may be they are giving for "greedy" reasons. They're own gratification in some form or another. There is no such thing as kusala. Unless you have a complete lack of self awareness and/or do it purely on instinct.
Therefore I ask: **Is this not a paradox?**
Is it even possible under the Dhamma to commit a wholesome act (kusala) like giving, without it being rooted in "greed"? Therefore making all positive actions such as donating to charity, giving to homeless, giving gifts, anything positive is actually unwholesome (akusala)?!
In summary: **It's impossible to gain good karma without it being routed in your greed for good karma**
I'd appreciate your ideas, discussion and/or answers?
RustyFluff
(127 rep)
Oct 31, 2021, 04:15 PM
• Last activity: Dec 17, 2021, 03:54 PM
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Why are Buddhist monks not as extreme as Jain monks when it comes to non-violence?
Why are Buddhist monks not as extreme as Jain monks when it comes to non-violence? For example Jain monks sweep the floor in front of them to avoid stepping on insects/microbes. As far as I'm aware, Buddhist monks don't do this. I'm guessing it is just that the traditions of the two religions throug...
Why are Buddhist monks not as extreme as Jain monks when it comes to non-violence? For example Jain monks sweep the floor in front of them to avoid stepping on insects/microbes. As far as I'm aware, Buddhist monks don't do this. I'm guessing it is just that the traditions of the two religions through time have been different. But wouldn't it make sense for the Buddhist monks to be as extreme as Jain monks as they also try to avoid harming any living thing? Or maybe Buddhist monks could justify not doing these things as it would eat up more time in their day thus leaving less time for meditation practice? Thoughts anyone? Thanks
TPP
(21 rep)
Dec 11, 2021, 09:58 PM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2021, 05:32 PM
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2
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Is Upekṣā (equanimity) a feeling or simply numbness?
Is Upekṣā (equanimity) a certain kind of feeling which if attained, everyone will feel in a similar way, or its a kind of numbness to sensory input? From the [wiki][1] the definition of equanimity says > is a state of psychological stability and composure which is > undisturbed by experience of or e...
Is Upekṣā (equanimity) a certain kind of feeling which if attained, everyone will feel in a similar way, or its a kind of numbness to sensory input? From the wiki the definition of equanimity says
> is a state of psychological stability and composure which is
> undisturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other
> phenomena
It is not clear to me, as a Brahmavihara, is it a special kind of feeling, or it simply is maintaining calm composure in all circumstances,kind of indifference attitude, but this sounds like if practiced, is certain kind of numbness to sensory input, meaning, no matter what is the sensory input is, you stop or repress any kind of feeling that may arise.
The White Cloud
(2420 rep)
Dec 13, 2021, 04:06 AM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2021, 03:36 PM
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Is there a future Buddha?
Did the Buddha (Shakamuni) say another Buddha will appear in the future? Which text does that appear in? didn't he say he would not be born again? I recall that's what he said.
Did the Buddha (Shakamuni) say another Buddha will appear in the future? Which text does that appear in?
didn't he say he would not be born again? I recall that's what he said.
āḷasu bhikhārī
(2043 rep)
Dec 8, 2021, 02:48 PM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2021, 02:29 PM
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What to do in order to get back to meditating?
I meditated for many years and read quite a few Buddhist books by famous authors from here in America and abroad. Unfortunately, I have fallen away from meditating on a regular basis and reading Buddhist books. I would like anyone who can help me in trying to get back into the practice of meditation...
I meditated for many years and read quite a few Buddhist books by famous authors from here in America and abroad. Unfortunately, I have fallen away from meditating on a regular basis and reading Buddhist books. I would like anyone who can help me in trying to get back into the practice of meditation. If anyone has a suggestion on a book to read or a video to watch, that would inspire me to get back to daily meditation, I would really appreciate it. Thank you for your time.
tale852150
(125 rep)
Dec 11, 2021, 06:30 AM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2021, 06:10 AM
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3
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is formless better than formed?
I recall it being said by the Buddha that the formless - jhana perhaps - is better than the formed. in which sutta does this say this? I remember reading that, but I can no longer find the text
I recall it being said by the Buddha that the formless - jhana perhaps - is better than the formed. in which sutta does this say this? I remember reading that, but I can no longer find the text
āḷasu bhikhārī
(2043 rep)
Dec 8, 2021, 03:48 PM
• Last activity: Dec 11, 2021, 10:11 AM
3
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2
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Avataṃsaka Sutra in Sanskrit
I've recently begun reading up on the Avataṃsaka Sutra and was curious if anyone here is aware of any available Sanskrit text. Thank you.
I've recently begun reading up on the Avataṃsaka Sutra and was curious if anyone here is aware of any available Sanskrit text. Thank you.
M-2
(332 rep)
Oct 23, 2018, 01:05 AM
• Last activity: Dec 10, 2021, 12:10 PM
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Moggaliputta-tissa Kathavatthu
Anyone knows where I can find an english translation of Moggaliputta’s work “Kathavatthu” (The Points of Controversy) where he somehow “saved” the Buddha’s message of the middle way contained in the Dhammacakkappavattana-sutta, which then later has been rejected by Theravada and Mahayana schools but...
Anyone knows where I can find an english translation of Moggaliputta’s work “Kathavatthu” (The Points of Controversy) where he somehow “saved” the Buddha’s message of the middle way contained in the Dhammacakkappavattana-sutta, which then later has been rejected by Theravada and Mahayana schools but flourished under Nagarjuna?
Doubtful Monk
(519 rep)
Dec 8, 2021, 05:31 PM
• Last activity: Dec 9, 2021, 10:40 AM
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7
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Do monks have big ups and downs in their life?
Buddhist and non Buddhist people have a lot of ups and downs in their lifes, doubts, fears, anxiety, regrets etc... we understand that as impermanence. Do monks experience similar things of aftet joining the Sangha their lifes are pretty much "peaceful and flat"?
Buddhist and non Buddhist people have a lot of ups and downs in their lifes, doubts, fears, anxiety, regrets etc... we understand that as impermanence.
Do monks experience similar things of aftet joining the Sangha their lifes are pretty much "peaceful and flat"?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Sep 16, 2014, 05:13 PM
• Last activity: Dec 9, 2021, 08:03 AM
2
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2
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What does the word Bodhi mean etymologically?
Looking up the [Pali bodhi](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bodhi#Pali) leads to [Sanskrit bodhi](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BF#Sanskrit), which says "perfect knowledge or wisdom", from Proto-Indo European "to be awake". Perfect wisdom and being awake are not the...
Looking up the [Pali bodhi](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bodhi#Pali) leads to [Sanskrit bodhi](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BF#Sanskrit) , which says "perfect knowledge or wisdom", from Proto-Indo European "to be awake". Perfect wisdom and being awake are not the same thing from a layman's perspective, so they are hinting at some underlying unity. Is that present in the components of the word? What about parts of speech of the word, what is its part of speech and how is it composed? Also, it seems to be related to the word Buddha (
b*dh*), but I am not sure.
[Bod](https://www.shabdkosh.com/dictionary/english-sanskrit/bod/bod-meaning-in-sanskrit) seems to mean "body", and [hi](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF) , I dunno. I may be doing this wrong :)
Lance Pollard
(790 rep)
Dec 7, 2021, 04:32 PM
• Last activity: Dec 8, 2021, 02:27 PM
Showing page 101 of 20 total questions