Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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3
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How to explain to someone with no knowledge about Buddhism what is meant by "extinguishing" the self?
A person I know has drawn the unwanted conclusion that the entanglement from the self is to be equated with erasing one's personality, feelings and connections in life. That to be extinguished in Nirvana means the complete loss of the contents and meaning of one's life and forever remaining in a sta...
A person I know has drawn the unwanted conclusion that the entanglement from the self is to be equated with erasing one's personality, feelings and connections in life. That to be extinguished in Nirvana means the complete loss of the contents and meaning of one's life and forever remaining in a state of unfeeling lethargy.
I have not answered this person yet for I don't know how.
It happens to most Westerners at some point. It's very hard to grasp Buddhist concepts.
Could someone give me some advice on how to explain to that person what Buddhists mean by the extinction of the self?
Arbuiwer
(245 rep)
Oct 17, 2021, 08:05 AM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2021, 01:14 AM
3
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5
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What is the difference between moha (delusion) and avijja (ignorance)?
What is moha (delusion)? What is avijja or avidya (ignorance)? What is the difference between moha (delusion) and avijja or avidya (ignorance)?
What is moha (delusion)? What is avijja or avidya (ignorance)?
What is the difference between moha (delusion) and avijja or avidya (ignorance)?
ruben2020
(40846 rep)
Apr 29, 2018, 03:11 PM
• Last activity: Oct 18, 2021, 10:26 AM
1
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1
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What is the origin or history of the concept of 'Buddha Sasana"?
There is some information here at [wikipedia][1] [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha%27s_Dispensation I am curious to know if that came from Buddha himself or mentioned in any suttas. The 'sasana' concepts restricts appearence of solitary buddhas or Prateyakabuddhas or paccekabuddhas (as descr...
There is some information here at wikipedia
I am curious to know if that came from Buddha himself or mentioned in any suttas. The 'sasana' concepts restricts appearence of solitary buddhas or Prateyakabuddhas or paccekabuddhas (as described in Isigili Sutta and Rhinocerous Sutta) without a Sangha. Any thoughts...
Susmita Barua
(33 rep)
May 19, 2021, 02:21 PM
• Last activity: Oct 16, 2021, 05:02 PM
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3
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The difference between Arupaloka and Nibbana
> The first level, the Realm of Formlessness (Arupaloka), consists of > four planes of brahmas who have no physical body, consisting entirely > of mind, but who may create a physical body if they want to be seen. > They are not completely free from the fetters of suffering (dukkha), > but the dukkha...
> The first level, the Realm of Formlessness (Arupaloka), consists of
> four planes of brahmas who have no physical body, consisting entirely
> of mind, but who may create a physical body if they want to be seen.
> They are not completely free from the fetters of suffering (dukkha),
> but the dukkha experienced here is much less intense than that
> suffered in the Rupaloka. These brahmas are unable to hear the
> teachings of the Buddha (dhamma) and they can never become
> enlightened.
Buddhist rebirth in different planes of existence
Q1) What is the difference between Arupaloka and Nibbana except Nibbana has no incarnation, no dukkha and has Buddhism teaching ?
Q2) Why brahmas unable to hear the teachings of the Buddha at Arupaloka?
> These brahmas are unable to hear the teachings of the Buddha (dhamma)
little star
(185 rep)
Sep 21, 2021, 05:12 AM
• Last activity: Oct 16, 2021, 09:41 AM
3
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5
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How do handle termite/white ant
Buddhism most basic perception is avoid killing. Assume the house is filled by termite and killing is unavoidable, assume house is too badly affected and without killing need the house to be left unoccupant for months and repair is very expensive. This is question is meant for normal lay Buddhist an...
Buddhism most basic perception is avoid killing.
Assume the house is filled by termite and killing is unavoidable, assume house is too badly affected and without killing need the house to be left unoccupant for months and repair is very expensive.
This is question is meant for normal lay Buddhist and not monk.
How is Buddhism handle in this case ?
There was a Mahayana Buddhist Scholar answered is to recite Mantra to the ants that been killed as much as possible n hope ants can incarnate to a better place.
little star
(185 rep)
Sep 12, 2020, 02:20 PM
• Last activity: Oct 16, 2021, 09:24 AM
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Most efficient practices you will quickly do to recover/re-generate Bodhicitta and/or right view of Śūnyatā if realizing losing mindfulness of?
In daily (secular) life, if you realize that you are being or have been losing (or forgetting) mindfulness of Bodhicitta and/or right view of Śūnyatā, what (most efficient practices) you will quickly do to recover/re-generate Bodhicitta and/or right view of Śūnyatā in you? 🙏 Thanks in advanc...
In daily (secular) life, if you realize that you are being or have been losing (or forgetting) mindfulness of Bodhicitta and/or right view of Śūnyatā, what (most efficient practices) you will quickly do to recover/re-generate Bodhicitta and/or right view of Śūnyatā in you? 🙏
Thanks in advance for any possible answer and/or instruction for the question in this post you can and will give. 🙏
P.S. I am unsure having figure out a good title for this post so everyone is welcome to help.
user21001
Oct 9, 2021, 03:12 PM
• Last activity: Oct 15, 2021, 04:03 PM
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Did Buddha endorse caste system in kannakathala sutta
Some Brahmins say Buddha endorsed caste system in kannakathala sutta
Some Brahmins say Buddha endorsed caste system in kannakathala sutta
Vithashoka
(11 rep)
Oct 15, 2021, 07:30 AM
• Last activity: Oct 15, 2021, 01:56 PM
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If the chain of dependent origination (Pratītyasamutpāda) ends, then isn't the last part independent?
Dependent Origin or Pratītyasamutpāda is defined as > It states that all dharmas (phenomena) arise in dependence upon other > dharmas And then there are these 12 causes one after another, each depending on the next one starting from Aging or decay, and death (Jarāmaraṇa) which depends on Birth, Rebi...
Dependent Origin or Pratītyasamutpāda is defined as
> It states that all dharmas (phenomena) arise in dependence upon other
> dharmas
And then there are these 12 causes one after another, each depending on the next one starting from Aging or decay, and death (Jarāmaraṇa) which depends on Birth, Rebirth (Jāti) and so on, which **finally ends in Ignorance, nescience (Avidyā).**
But notice Avidya seems to be not depending on anything. But as a rule all dharmas should be dependent on another dharma. How is this contradiction reconciled?
Source
user20787
Oct 14, 2021, 12:11 PM
• Last activity: Oct 14, 2021, 03:40 PM
2
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2
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had an episode of psychosis - can I ever become a monk?
Background: As the title suggests, I had an episode of psychosis this year. With medication and meditation I quickly recovered, and am basically back to normal. The doctors expect that I can eventually go off the medication if things continue as they have (very well so far). Apparently this can happ...
Background:
As the title suggests, I had an episode of psychosis this year. With medication and meditation I quickly recovered, and am basically back to normal. The doctors expect that I can eventually go off the medication if things continue as they have (very well so far). Apparently this can happen to some people, and a good percentage never have a return of any symptoms, it's just something that can happen to a person, from which they recover.
Now for my question:
I am particularly wishing to some day take ordination, and I am attracted to the thai forest tradition. Their website specifically says that if you have had psychosis in the past you cannot ordain or even go as a novice, since it would be a burden if your psychosis reappeared. I understand this, but where am I to go, then? Is there any school which sticks closely to the buddha's teachings, with a focus on meditation and the path of purification, where I can some day ordain? Or will I just have to live the rest of my life as a householder?
Nick Hunter
(21 rep)
Oct 13, 2021, 10:57 PM
• Last activity: Oct 14, 2021, 01:09 PM
2
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5
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What is life like after having achieved nirvana?
So , if someone defeats death and ends birth...actually achieves nirvana. What is that like pragmatically? Of course you have that old saying about carrying water and chopping wood but what is the actual experience of reality like for someone who has done this?
So , if someone defeats death and ends birth...actually achieves nirvana.
What is that like pragmatically?
Of course you have that old saying about carrying water and chopping wood but what is the actual experience of reality like for someone who has done this?
Kevin Schulte
(21 rep)
Oct 11, 2021, 10:07 PM
• Last activity: Oct 12, 2021, 05:43 PM
3
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2
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Can a monk live with a male lay person?
I've found a similar question; https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/9687/are-theravada-monks-allowed-to-stay-in-lay-peoples-house However it was asked by a woman and nobody answered otherwise. What i wonder is if there are any restrictions on living in the same house as a male lay disciple a...
I've found a similar question;
https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/9687/are-theravada-monks-allowed-to-stay-in-lay-peoples-house
However it was asked by a woman and nobody answered otherwise.
What i wonder is if there are any restrictions on living in the same house as a male lay disciple and relying on the lay person for alms and requisites?
Thank you.
user8527
Jun 30, 2020, 05:37 PM
• Last activity: Oct 12, 2021, 11:07 AM
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3
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Ex-monk reliable Teacher?
While even most teacher today are ex-monks (someone who rejected the refuge and went back to the lower life), isn't it clear that such a person has own problems with his faith? How could one nevertheless rely on such people often "patiseit" the Gems? My person wonders if there is any reliable story...
While even most teacher today are ex-monks (someone who rejected the refuge and went back to the lower life), isn't it clear that such a person has own problems with his faith? How could one nevertheless rely on such people often "patiseit" the Gems?
My person wonders if there is any reliable story of an ex-monk having become a , by the Buddha, by the Sanga and good people, praised Dhamma teacher.
Can any reference in the history, beside of the modern degenerated, be found that one leaves the Buddhas religion (bond) by dis-jointing/robing, the Savaka Sangha, takes on "a wordily mission" and made even some merits while doing so?
(Not that there are also those going back to lower life but still wearing the clothers of the Arahats. And there are those never weared the robe but lived the holly life a while who went back to lower life for "missions of gains in the world".)
*[This question is not for trade, exchange, stackes or what ever bonds to the world given, but for cleansing and liberation, receiving and serving it]*
Samana Johann
(93 rep)
Feb 16, 2019, 05:29 AM
• Last activity: Oct 12, 2021, 10:11 AM
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1
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116
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Pressing palms together in respect for the lotus sutra - a boddhisattva?
I listened to the lotus sutra as an audiobook. There I heard that when one presses the palms together in respect for the lotus sutra, it means that one has paid already homage to myriads of Buddhas in the past. Does that mean if I do this I am eligible to become a Buddha?
I listened to the lotus sutra as an audiobook. There I heard that when one presses the palms together in respect for the lotus sutra, it means that one has paid already homage to myriads of Buddhas in the past. Does that mean if I do this I am eligible to become a Buddha?
Malik A
(143 rep)
Feb 6, 2020, 04:10 PM
• Last activity: Oct 12, 2021, 09:07 AM
2
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4
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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 they look similar to me and the...
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 they look similar to me and the samadhi of Buddhism is also the last stage of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Kalapa
(826 rep)
Sep 29, 2019, 04:29 AM
• Last activity: Oct 12, 2021, 07:08 AM
2
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8
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Devotion to parents
As a Buddhist, I believe devotion to mothers is very important if we want to have a good life. Since I was child I followed my mother's instructions until I became an adult. This included getting married and having a child. Now that I'm an adult, I think I need to become more independent, and to mak...
As a Buddhist, I believe devotion to mothers is very important if we want to have a good life. Since I was child I followed my mother's instructions until I became an adult. This included getting married and having a child.
Now that I'm an adult, I think I need to become more independent, and to make my own decisions, both for myself and my son. However, my mother is very upset and thinks I’m arrogant because I’m no longer follow her rules.
Am I wrong if I create my own rules for my life? Am I a very bad daughter?
sherly
(961 rep)
Dec 13, 2019, 02:26 AM
• Last activity: Oct 12, 2021, 06:03 AM
2
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2
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963
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How are the Seven Purifications (satta-visuddhi) practiced in daily life?
What are the 7 Purifications in laymans terms and how is this practiced in daily life?
What are the 7 Purifications in laymans terms and how is this practiced in daily life?
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
(37227 rep)
Aug 11, 2014, 04:35 AM
• Last activity: Oct 11, 2021, 06:29 AM
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2
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Why is the 16th Karmapa visualized rather than the 17th Karmapa in Karma Kagyu?
From what I have seen observing Kagyu ceremonies, the 17th Karmapa (either of them, actually) is treated with great awe, respect and reverence. However in their daily rituals, Kagyu buddhists usually visualize the late 16th Karmapa. I assume this is the result of a certain prescription within Karma...
From what I have seen observing Kagyu ceremonies, the 17th Karmapa (either of them, actually) is treated with great awe, respect and reverence. However in their daily rituals, Kagyu buddhists usually visualize the late 16th Karmapa. I assume this is the result of a certain prescription within Karma Kagyu but I was unable to find explanations of this on the Internet.
So, why do Kagyu followers visualize the late instead of the current holders of the Karmapa office? Does this have to do with the status of the late living Buddha as opposed to the living living Buddha?
user17882
Mar 17, 2020, 03:23 PM
• Last activity: Oct 10, 2021, 08:03 PM
3
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2
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Does reality fight back when you want to meditate?
Whenever I want to meditate (down to Nirvana), it seems that the whole world wants to confront me to stop me. Does reality fight back when you want to meditate? Have other people encountered this? i assume you know how anxiety affects our focus, The world always seems to find a way to disrupt my foc...
Whenever I want to meditate (down to Nirvana), it seems that the whole world wants to confront me to stop me.
Does reality fight back when you want to meditate?
Have other people encountered this?
i assume you know how anxiety affects our focus, The world always seems to find a way to disrupt my focus.
Achmed
(202 rep)
Oct 9, 2021, 06:47 AM
• Last activity: Oct 10, 2021, 08:55 AM
-1
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1
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129
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Regarding Zodiac signs in authentic and classic Buddhist scriptures
There is still considerable amount of controversy regarding Lord Buddha's dating and the dating of incorporation of Zodiac signs of Mesha, Vrishaba etc into Indian and Asian culture. Their mentioning in ancient Buddhist scriptures may help in dating both the events. Are there any mentions of Aries,...
There is still considerable amount of controversy regarding Lord Buddha's dating and the dating of incorporation of Zodiac signs of Mesha, Vrishaba etc into Indian and Asian culture. Their mentioning in ancient Buddhist scriptures may help in dating both the events.
Are there any mentions of Aries, Taurus resembling Mesha and Vrishabha in ancient and classical Buddhist scriptures?
user20787
Oct 8, 2021, 11:08 AM
• Last activity: Oct 9, 2021, 03:59 PM
4
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2
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6485
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Why is Budai often associated with the future Buddha Maitreya?
Many times I've heard of [Budai][2] (pictured below) being associated with Maitreya, the future Buddha. Why is this so and how widespread is this belief? Wikipedia lists a short verse uttered before Budai's death: >Maitreya, the true Maitreya has billions of incarnations. Often he is shown to people...
Many times I've heard of Budai (pictured below) being associated with Maitreya, the future Buddha. Why is this so and how widespread is this belief? Wikipedia lists a short verse uttered before Budai's death:
>Maitreya, the true Maitreya
has billions of incarnations.
Often he is shown to people at the time;
other times they do not recognize him.
Is there more to this association or was the simple utterance of that verse so long ago the sole reason for believing that Budai was the bodhisatta?
user143
Apr 23, 2015, 12:15 AM
• Last activity: Oct 9, 2021, 03:46 AM
Showing page 106 of 20 total questions