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Buddhism

Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice

Latest Questions

2 votes
4 answers
336 views
How to escape Karma fight
I think the co-worker fighting is normal here: [(YouTube) Horrifying office fight (Leaked video)][1]. It happened to me as well quite a few times with different bosses. How to handle in this scenario in Buddhism? It's related to this previous post: [Dealing with Anger and Criticism][2]. But that doe...
I think the co-worker fighting is normal here: (YouTube) Horrifying office fight (Leaked video) . It happened to me as well quite a few times with different bosses. How to handle in this scenario in Buddhism? It's related to this previous post: Dealing with Anger and Criticism . But that does not directly answer my question. Some solutions may take a 500 lives to practice too such as master in patience as story of Buddha himself so minimum is 500 lives. The situation may could lead to continuous karma such as injury, unhappiness in the company or even death in some cases. We just have few seconds of thoughts in this event of karma. Any other quick guide? I tried these quite useful. Assume the "boss" is aggressive and unreasonable type 1. Personal message or personal discussion with the boss before the karma happens. i.e. if u start to scream like the other day, then how to manage ya. I can't talk properly when being screamed. 2. Can we talk about this in an hour time later ? Or just walk out of the place by saying "I need some fresh air". This tip eventually given from #1 above. Another solution provided in minute 2:03 of (YouTube) 4 Types of Workplace Bullies , for #1 screamer: she said can we have discussion in a respectful way. What if the boss said "No! get the F out of here?" and continue screaming?
little star (185 rep)
Sep 10, 2021, 10:33 AM • Last activity: Sep 28, 2021, 09:50 AM
1 votes
3 answers
195 views
What does "has students" and "has teacher" mean in this sutta?
In [this question][1], we found the metaphorical use of the term "the world", different from its ordinary everyday meaning. Similarly, the sutta [SN 35.151][2] below talks about living the holy life without students and teachers, as well as living the holy life with students and teachers. A deeper l...
In this question , we found the metaphorical use of the term "the world", different from its ordinary everyday meaning. Similarly, the sutta SN 35.151 below talks about living the holy life without students and teachers, as well as living the holy life with students and teachers. A deeper look into the elaboration by the Buddha seems to indicate that "has students" and "has teacher" are metaphors. What do these metaphors mean? And what is the difference between "has students" and "has teacher" in this case? Why are they differentiated into two different things? > “Bhikkhus, this holy life is lived without students and without a > teacher. A bhikkhu who has students and a teacher dwells in suffering, > not in comfort. A bhikkhu who has no students and no teacher dwells > happily, in comfort. > > “And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu who has students and a teacher > dwell in suffering, not in comfort? Here, bhikkhus, when a bhikkhu has > seen a form with the eye, there arise in him evil unwholesome states, > memories and intentions connected with the fetters. They dwell within > him. Since those evil unwholesome states dwell within him, he is > called ‘one who has students.’ They assail him. Since evil unwholesome > states assail him, he is called ‘one who has a teacher.’ > > “Further, when a bhikkhu has heard a sound with the ear … cognized a > mental phenomenon with the mind … he is called ‘one who has a > teacher.’ > > “It is in this way that a bhikkhu who has students and a teacher > dwells in suffering, not in comfort. > > “And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu who has no students and no teacher > dwell happily, in comfort? Here, bhikkhus, when a bhikkhu has seen a > form with the eye, there do not arise in him evil unwholesome states, > memories and intentions connected with the fetters. They do not dwell > within him. Since those evil unwholesome states do not dwell within > him, he is called ‘one who has no students.’ They do not assail him. > Since evil unwholesome states do not assail him, he is called ‘one who > has no teacher.’ > > “Further, when a bhikkhu has heard a sound with the ear … cognized a > mental phenomenon with the mind … he is called ‘one who has no > teacher.’ > > “It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu who has no students and > no teacher dwells happily, in comfort. > SN 35.151
ruben2020 (40846 rep)
Sep 26, 2021, 07:33 AM • Last activity: Sep 26, 2021, 06:49 PM
4 votes
7 answers
663 views
Relying upon a Spiritual Guide, who created this idea? Is it actually a necessity for liberation?
I have a friend who is in/with the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and she states the importance of relying upon a spiritual guide. I know that this meditation practice is a part of the Tibetan Lamrim practice. What I ask is who created this "necessity" or concept in Buddhism? This seems to me that it c...
I have a friend who is in/with the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and she states the importance of relying upon a spiritual guide. I know that this meditation practice is a part of the Tibetan Lamrim practice. What I ask is who created this "necessity" or concept in Buddhism? This seems to me that it completely contradicts the Buddhas teaching! From the mahaparinibbana sutta : > "Therefore, Ananda, be islands unto yourselves, refuges unto > yourselves, seeking no external refuge; with the Dhamma as your > island, the Dhamma as your refuge, seeking no other refuge. There is more to that sutta but I do not want to link massive paragraphs. While conventionally we need teachers to teach us things. We even had a teacher, our parents, teach us how to bathe correctly! Though from my understanding in Buddhism, the Buddha IS the teacher! He IS the example and the dharma IS his teachings of the truth. So who taught this necessity for a teacher and to what degree is this a necessity? From my understanding only a Buddha is self realised, and arhant is a disciple so by definition an arhant has relied upon a teacher, but that teacher can specifically be Buddha, via the suttas.
Remyla (1617 rep)
Sep 25, 2021, 05:41 PM • Last activity: Sep 26, 2021, 01:33 PM
3 votes
3 answers
224 views
Are we Mindful in Jhana?
When a person enters into Jhana (particularly 2nd onward): 1. What is he mindful of? 2. What kind of meta awareness or introspective awareness(Sampajānakārī) is there? Note: it says that the 2nd onward is without vitaka and vicara. So my doubt is, if there is no object of attention, then what is one...
When a person enters into Jhana (particularly 2nd onward): 1. What is he mindful of? 2. What kind of meta awareness or introspective awareness(Sampajānakārī) is there? Note: it says that the 2nd onward is without vitaka and vicara. So my doubt is, if there is no object of attention, then what is one mindful of? And what is one peripherally aware (Sampājano) about? Tripitaka, and even no person, is referring to "co-existence of mindfulness and Jhana". Am I missing something very obvious?
Sachin Sharma (1111 rep)
Sep 24, 2021, 06:19 AM • Last activity: Sep 25, 2021, 12:37 PM
2 votes
4 answers
468 views
Is Buddha Nature the original state, i.e. Awareness/ Consciousness without Existence?
Existence, Consciousness, Bliss is described as Brahman by Vedanta but surely that only applies when viewed through the veil of Maya and experienced as the universe. As awareness/ consciousness is always "on", no matter of what state it's in then surely awareness/ consciousness would still experienc...
Existence, Consciousness, Bliss is described as Brahman by Vedanta but surely that only applies when viewed through the veil of Maya and experienced as the universe. As awareness/ consciousness is always "on", no matter of what state it's in then surely awareness/ consciousness would still experience non-existence, akin to our lack of any experience in deep sleep. Is Buddha Nature Vedanta's opposite of Brahman i.e. Non-Existence, Consciousness, Bliss? Knowing that existence arises from Buddha Nature, non-existence, is this why we start to grasp and cling to the dream of there being any existence at all? Not that there is nothing but that there are no-things, no names or forms, no self, just awareness/ consciousness?
Colin (21 rep)
Jul 31, 2020, 09:25 AM • Last activity: Sep 24, 2021, 04:02 PM
1 votes
0 answers
107 views
What exactly is a Desire?
What exactly is the anatomy of a Desire and why does it have such a potent effect on our psyche and life? Is it a ***thought*** of wanting something we don't have, but then we have so many thoughts about so many things? Is it a ***feeling*** of missing something or something being wrong in the prese...
What exactly is the anatomy of a Desire and why does it have such a potent effect on our psyche and life? Is it a ***thought*** of wanting something we don't have, but then we have so many thoughts about so many things? Is it a ***feeling*** of missing something or something being wrong in the present moment, but then we have so many other feelings? Is it a mental reaction, or ***perception*** of thought and feeling? Is it some mental energy illumined by ***consciousness***? Or is it will want? The Buddha went as far as saying, ***taṇhā*** ("craving, desire or attachment") is the cause of suffering. I want to understand what is this as a phenomenon?
The White Cloud (2420 rep)
Sep 24, 2021, 05:32 AM • Last activity: Sep 24, 2021, 02:09 PM
3 votes
2 answers
159 views
Canki Sutta (MN95) Buddha's use of "Bharadvaja" as a term of address
In the Canki Sutta (MN95) the Buddha talks to a Brahmin youth called Kapathika, but addresses him as "Bharadvaja". Does this litterally mean "supporter of the cow pen"? What might a more poetic translation be?
In the Canki Sutta (MN95) the Buddha talks to a Brahmin youth called Kapathika, but addresses him as "Bharadvaja". Does this litterally mean "supporter of the cow pen"? What might a more poetic translation be?
Nāgakuśala Dharmacharin (31 rep)
Sep 22, 2021, 07:24 PM • Last activity: Sep 23, 2021, 08:31 PM
2 votes
2 answers
309 views
Mahasi Sayadaw / Yuttadhammo noting question
When I'm sitting, I have a lot of trouble making it through all the touching points. One issue I'm thinking that I might be having is that maybe the progression of objects is incorrect: I do rising-falling-sitting-touching and then repeat for the entire hour that I sit. Maybe I am supposed to be doi...
When I'm sitting, I have a lot of trouble making it through all the touching points. One issue I'm thinking that I might be having is that maybe the progression of objects is incorrect: I do rising-falling-sitting-touching and then repeat for the entire hour that I sit. Maybe I am supposed to be doing: rising-falling-sitting and then rising-falling-touching and repeat those two progressions alternatively? Assuming the former is correct - is it ever permissible to, I'm weary about using the word but, ignore very subtle objects of awareness and continue noting through the progression? I just feel like I'm forcing it every time I make it to a touching point. I try to be as mindful as possible but it's hard to feel like I'm doing it correctly when I can't even make it to a touching point. feels like it's creating needless doubts. and maybe I'm just practicing incorrectly. Thanks in advance!
inquirewithin (41 rep)
Feb 15, 2020, 11:44 PM • Last activity: Sep 23, 2021, 12:07 PM
1 votes
6 answers
331 views
Would 10 days Vipassana a waste of time, if not practised afterwards?
People who have done 10 Days of Vipassana Meditation retreat 5 to 100 times often say that from 5th day the Mind becomes very subtle & remains 24 * 7 like that. However when they're back to their families & life an average normal lifestyle. The Mind becomes similar to what it was before (in most cas...
People who have done 10 Days of Vipassana Meditation retreat 5 to 100 times often say that from 5th day the Mind becomes very subtle & remains 24 * 7 like that. However when they're back to their families & life an average normal lifestyle. The Mind becomes similar to what it was before (in most cases, as per my experience). Is our Mind is similar to any other muscle of the body, The bodybuilders can come back in shape quicker than someone who has never achieved it before. If someone is doing the vipassana 1st time & someone else has a good experience. Would a 10 days vipassana a waste of time if not practiced after?
Ritesh.mlk (918 rep)
Jan 17, 2021, 09:34 AM • Last activity: Sep 22, 2021, 01:20 PM
6 votes
9 answers
2475 views
How to reconcile 'You are already enlightened. There's no need to strive!' with 'You should strive for enlightenment. Purify your mind!'
There are some teachings that go along the lines of: 'You are already enlightened. You just need to realize it. Actually there's no need for you to do anything. If you try to strive for enlightenment you just end up falling into the trap of dualism. Samsara, Nirvana, treat it all like a dream' On th...
There are some teachings that go along the lines of: 'You are already enlightened. You just need to realize it. Actually there's no need for you to do anything. If you try to strive for enlightenment you just end up falling into the trap of dualism. Samsara, Nirvana, treat it all like a dream' On the other hand, there are teachings which are like this: 'Work hard to rid your mind from its negative qualities, ignorance, greed, delusion. Do this practice. Purify your mind. Abandon worldly attachment. Also please do this sadhana everyday if not you break your empowerment vows and fall into vajra hell' How to reconcile this dichotomy? Is asking this question even necessary? I am aware that asking this question is inherently dualistic, and that these views don't necessarily contradict because the first is an expression of the truth at the ultimate level, while the second is the conventional level. For someone whose mind isn't at the level to embody the first view, should I continue practicing? Or am I missing something entirely?
cgtk (566 rep)
Sep 20, 2021, 08:20 AM • Last activity: Sep 21, 2021, 12:08 PM
5 votes
8 answers
1000 views
Can you explain how cessation of existence is known to be possible?
People from other sects may argue against Buddhism on the following grounds. I invite the community of BSE to explain by reasoning or analogy how cessation of existence, which is known as the Nibbana-principle, as it is explained in Buddhism, isn't a philosophical fallacy of "something turning into...
People from other sects may argue against Buddhism on the following grounds. I invite the community of BSE to explain by reasoning or analogy how cessation of existence, which is known as the Nibbana-principle, as it is explained in Buddhism, isn't a philosophical fallacy of "something turning into nothing" in order to refute those arguments. I call the idea of "something turning into nothing" a fallacy because it can be explained to contradict the law of conservation of energy or simply put; supposedly no existant thing known to a man is known to simply disappear without a trace and thus destroyed without being somehow transformed into some other state, in particular neither matter, nor energy or information can be deleted without a trace, afaik this has been experimentally established as a truth. If cessation of existence, an abandoning of all being with no fuel for a future is possible, then how is it logically acceptable? You are welcome to try showing how "something turning into nothing" is not a fallacy if you want to try that. Extra points if you substantiate your answer with EBTs. Put shortly the problem here is such that a person says; 'Buddha Gotama teaches annihilaton and it's impossible, it cannot happen that existant things can be annihilated.' It's a strawman argument.
user8527
Jul 11, 2020, 12:02 PM • Last activity: Sep 21, 2021, 08:50 AM
1 votes
0 answers
311 views
Where is Buddha Now?
Namaste to Buddha. How and where is Buddha now? Does he still teaching now? I am trying to understand Nibbana and where Buddha is now. What I understand is that Nibbana is a state rather than a location or place. This state has no physical body, no desire, no dukkha and no more incarnation. Many hav...
Namaste to Buddha. How and where is Buddha now? Does he still teaching now? I am trying to understand Nibbana and where Buddha is now. What I understand is that Nibbana is a state rather than a location or place. This state has no physical body, no desire, no dukkha and no more incarnation. Many have mentioned this state appears as in empty space but I would think the "empty" is a meaning of Buddhism that is 100% free from dukkha . > Endless space is called in Atthasālini ajatākāsa, 'unentangled', i.e. > unobstructed or empty space. Why don't we realise space instead of Nibbana? In Quantum Physics, a state is a source of energy so it's quantifiable and appears as a particle wave. An energy cannot be null or void state too as the law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed - only converted from one form of energy to another. Wave–particle duality Conclusion is can I say that Buddha is still teaching and around, appears as the supreme particle wave and possibly can be communicated via meditation? Any form of energy can be interfered/communicated/entangled with based on Physic theory ? > The universe encompasses everything that exists, according to our > current understanding: spacetime, forms of energy and the physical > laws that relate them, history, philosophy, mathematics and logic. > Buddhists refer to the Universe, both visible and invisible phenomena, > as the Dharma. The Origin of Meditation: Making Bonds with the Universe Anyone could verify my understanding above?
little star (185 rep)
Sep 21, 2021, 04:01 AM • Last activity: Sep 21, 2021, 07:00 AM
5 votes
5 answers
291 views
Non-striving and happiness
I have only an informal understanding of Buddhism, so please excuse the informal language used in this question. My intent is to understand Buddhism better, and I welcome any answers or resources that will help me do that. Being present is focusing on the here and now, because that is all you ever h...
I have only an informal understanding of Buddhism, so please excuse the informal language used in this question. My intent is to understand Buddhism better, and I welcome any answers or resources that will help me do that. Being present is focusing on the here and now, because that is all you ever have. Not striving to feel differently, just accepting and observing what is. It is my understanding that this mindset helps do away with the suffering that comes from an over fixation on striving. In other words dropping the expectation that if only this one aspect of life was different or you had a little bit more money you would be happy. Unless your circumstances are truly dire and your basic human needs are not being met, striving for a change in life is a recipe for always wanting more and not being satisfied. This seems to be consistent with the concept of hedonic adaptation . It is my understanding that part of accepting the present and non-striving is believing that every road has an end. Every career path chosen, every hobby taken up, every life decision made will ultimately come to an end in one way or another, and there you will be on the other side still only having the present moment. This is a deeply depressing mindset to me. Viewed through this lens, what is the point of doing anything? Why strive for an experience or accomplishment when it is fleetingly temporary? There seems to be some critical components missing from my understanding of these aspects of Buddhism. What am I missing?
Jim (51 rep)
Sep 16, 2021, 05:34 AM • Last activity: Sep 20, 2021, 09:51 AM
1 votes
4 answers
438 views
Is OM an imported religious term from Hinduism?
OM or AUM is used in "OM MANI PADME HUM" and some other mantras. To my knowledge, OM is found only in Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. It's not found in Theravada. The 14th Dalai Lama explained the meaning of OM here: [On the meaning of OM MANI PADME HUM][1]. It's an extremely important and venerated...
OM or AUM is used in "OM MANI PADME HUM" and some other mantras. To my knowledge, OM is found only in Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. It's not found in Theravada. The 14th Dalai Lama explained the meaning of OM here: On the meaning of OM MANI PADME HUM . It's an extremely important and venerated word in Hinduism -- see "What is the significance of ॐ (Om/Aum)? " on Hinduism.SE. Is OM in Buddhism an imported religious term from Hinduism? Or like "namo " which means "salutations" or "adoration", does OM have an ordinary meaning and therefore not considered an imported religious term?
ruben2020 (40846 rep)
Mar 21, 2018, 11:36 PM • Last activity: Sep 20, 2021, 04:59 AM
3 votes
3 answers
473 views
What is the meaning of 'Om mani padme hung'?
I found on google that 'om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha..'. I want more about this.
I found on google that 'om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha..'. I want more about this.
jitin (1502 rep)
Feb 1, 2015, 04:07 PM • Last activity: Sep 20, 2021, 04:35 AM
2 votes
10 answers
351 views
How is it that everyone's cocksure of their own religion or spiritual path?
This question may not appear as exactly Buddhist or related to Buddhism but considering a bigger picture of Buddhism as a religion I want to know the answer to this. We Buddhists consider 'Doubt' in the dhamma or the Buddha as one of the hindrances to meditation, so most of us who do sincere practis...
This question may not appear as exactly Buddhist or related to Buddhism but considering a bigger picture of Buddhism as a religion I want to know the answer to this. We Buddhists consider 'Doubt' in the dhamma or the Buddha as one of the hindrances to meditation, so most of us who do sincere practise are totally convinced with the Buddhist ontology and overall framework. So if we are true then definitely, the Advaita Vedantists or Christians or Islamists have something which is wrong. But considering the average human intelligence of practitioners of other religions, they do not find any thing wrong, in turn, people are hundred percent sure of their religion or spiritual practice. In fact, up to the last century, we were ready to die and kill each other for our religious beliefs. I have met some school students who go on preaching faith in the bible on roads, keeping their arguments aside, their conviction was admirable. I come from a Hindu background and most of the Hindu practices are about pleasing gods so that they will give their blessings or favor or some or other material boon. There is still so much poverty around but nobody seems to question the religion at large which is a major part of their lives. So to sum up my question, how is it that everybody is cocksure or their own religion?
The White Cloud (2420 rep)
Sep 15, 2021, 04:24 PM • Last activity: Sep 19, 2021, 02:51 PM
4 votes
6 answers
267 views
How to teach sympathy/empathy in Buddhism?
I have been following Buddhism and mindfulness for a while now. I have a 5 year old son and want to teach him to be sympathetic/empathetic and grateful but im struggle to reconcile some of the Buddhist ideals. In my understanding, Buddhism teaches that we should be thankful for exactly the things we...
I have been following Buddhism and mindfulness for a while now. I have a 5 year old son and want to teach him to be sympathetic/empathetic and grateful but im struggle to reconcile some of the Buddhist ideals. In my understanding, Buddhism teaches that we should be thankful for exactly the things we have (not to desire more/less) but to trust in the unfolding of our life. This is easy to say since I was lucky enough to be born into a productive family and am living a mostly positive life, etc. But when I look at the less fortunate people, homeless, poor, addicted, etc., I struggle. To tell them to just trust the unfolding of their life or to see the silver lining in what they have seems insensitive or even wrong. Ive also taught my son to feel lucky that he is fortunate to have things like a home, toys, opportunity, etc., and usually compare his life to those who are less fortunate in order to make the point that he is lucky and that he should be sensitive to other's misfortune. I don't want to teach him that we are any better than they are, but I want him to understand the difference between his luck and others. Although I am not religious (deity), I find myself wanting to pray for those people as I feel like i was simply lucky to be born into a family with opportunity, money, education, etc., whereas they were not. I guess I am a determinist for a lack of a better word. I guess what im asking is what place does sympathy/empathy or even being grateful have in Buddhism when Buddhism teaches that you should accept life for what it is and not to desire more? I can see how that narrative would work for me because i have the things i want, but for people who aren't as fortunate, how do you reconcile that in theory? Even to be motivated to help others, comes down to wanting more for them but Buddhism teaches we shouldn't want more than what has been given to us... Im confused and having trouble reconciling my desire to be grateful, empathetic, help others, etc., when Buddhism says just sit still and accept life for what it is (rich, poor, good, evil, etc.).
user982853 (141 rep)
Sep 14, 2021, 08:05 PM • Last activity: Sep 18, 2021, 01:19 PM
2 votes
3 answers
297 views
How difficult is it to be a foreign monk in Asia?
I wonder about the practicalities of being a foreign monk in Asia, especially Theravada-majority countries. In particular; About the Visa arrangements, can this at all be handled without much stress by one who doesn't use money? What about the rule of not driving a car or using vehicles, is this a r...
I wonder about the practicalities of being a foreign monk in Asia, especially Theravada-majority countries. In particular; About the Visa arrangements, can this at all be handled without much stress by one who doesn't use money? What about the rule of not driving a car or using vehicles, is this a rule that can be kept by one in such a predicament? Anything relevant is of interest.
user8527
Sep 13, 2021, 05:16 PM • Last activity: Sep 18, 2021, 11:28 AM
2 votes
3 answers
1469 views
Which are the best Thai amulets for love, job, and career?
Which are the best Thai amulets that can help to get my love back, and also help in my life, jobs, and career?
Which are the best Thai amulets that can help to get my love back, and also help in my life, jobs, and career?
Spammer McSpamface (21 rep)
Feb 4, 2016, 12:35 PM • Last activity: Sep 17, 2021, 10:57 AM
1 votes
4 answers
1687 views
Origin of the Thai letter ฑ (tho montho)
How did the character Montho from Ramayana make it into the name of the Thai letter ฑ (tho montho) of the Thai alphabet. Where is the relationship and in what year was this connection established?
How did the character Montho from Ramayana make it into the name of the Thai letter ฑ (tho montho) of the Thai alphabet. Where is the relationship and in what year was this connection established?
Jack Maddington (113 rep)
Jul 9, 2016, 12:40 AM • Last activity: Sep 17, 2021, 07:42 AM
Showing page 108 of 20 total questions