Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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In Buddhism, is “nothingness” ever more than a temporary meditative state?
In many early Buddhist suttas (Pāli Canon), one of the formless absorptions is ākiñcaññāyatana (“the sphere of nothingness”). It is described as a refined state of concentration, attained after transcending sensory form, space, and consciousness. What I’m trying to understand is Once...
In many early Buddhist suttas (Pāli Canon), one of the formless absorptions is ākiñcaññāyatana (“the sphere of nothingness”). It is described as a refined state of concentration, attained after transcending sensory form, space, and consciousness.
What I’m trying to understand is Once one attains the sphere of nothingness in meditation, is “nothingness” regarded doctrinally as ultimate reality, or is it always considered a conditioned, temporary state? How is this “nothingness” distinguished from emptiness (suññatā / śūnyatā) in Buddhist philosophy especially in Theravāda vs. Mahāyāna?
user31584
Oct 5, 2025, 03:26 AM
• Last activity: Oct 5, 2025, 05:22 AM
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Is detachment from loved ones' wellbeings realistically achievable by laity?
I know that there are several stories of monks and nuns leaving behind their families and even young children. However, how realistic is it to live among people and detach from them while in that environment? Also, all the stories of monks/nuns leaving behind their children stem from sayings/religio...
I know that there are several stories of monks and nuns leaving behind their families and even young children.
However, how realistic is it to live among people and detach from them while in that environment?
Also, all the stories of monks/nuns leaving behind their children stem from sayings/religious text.
How realistic is it in general to overcome attachment to people?
As answers, anecdotes would suffice
Gondola Spärde
(461 rep)
Oct 2, 2025, 04:34 PM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2025, 05:35 PM
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What is it that pass from this life to the next?
A friend wanted to know the Buddhist position on rebirth/reincarnation since we don’t believe in a permanent soul. Specifically, what is it that pass from this life to the next? “Karma” was my reply then. There was a look of disappointment; the answer was obviously unsatisfying. I have seen this que...
A friend wanted to know the Buddhist position on rebirth/reincarnation since we don’t believe in a permanent soul. Specifically, what is it that pass from this life to the next? “Karma” was my reply then. There was a look of disappointment; the answer was obviously unsatisfying.
I have seen this question asked in this forum in some form or another; here (1) , here (2) , here (3) , here (4) , here (5) , here (6) and there (7) .
Looking at the number of times this topic appears, I am not trying to get a definitive answer. Instead, how would you answer this question so that it can enlighten/delight/pacify someone from a non-Buddhist tradition (with some inclinations towards an eternal soul). Note that the target audience do not have a deep understanding in Buddhist concepts e.g. the 5 clinging aggregates. Hopefully, the next time another non-Buddhist friend ask a similar question, I won't turn them off but to **entice** them to investigate further.
(Interestingly, looking at the tag info on rebirth in this forum, it says:
“The consciousness in the new person is neither identical nor entirely different from that in the deceased but the two form a causal continuum or stream”, I wonder who wrote this.)
Desmon
(2975 rep)
Jul 15, 2023, 06:21 AM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2025, 04:05 PM
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Have any Madhyamaka scholars responded to Avi Sion’s criticisms of Nāgārjuna?
In his book [Buddhist Illogic: A Critical Analysis of Nāgārjuna's Arguments][1], Avi Sion makes strong criticisms of Nāgārjuna and the Madhyamaka school. Have any Madhyamaka scholars (either traditional or academic) directly responded to Avi Sion’s arguments in this book? If not specifically to Sion...
In his book Buddhist Illogic: A Critical Analysis of Nāgārjuna's Arguments , Avi Sion makes strong criticisms of Nāgārjuna and the Madhyamaka school. Have any Madhyamaka scholars (either traditional or academic) directly responded to Avi Sion’s arguments in this book? If not specifically to Sion, are there published scholarly works that address similar critiques of Nāgārjuna’s reasoning (e.g. accusations of sophistry or inconsistency)?
user31584
Sep 23, 2025, 03:27 PM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2025, 04:48 AM
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What does 'name-and-form' mean?
In the book *In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from Pali Canon* by Bhikku Bodhi, I read: > When there is no *name-and-form*, consciousness does not come to be; with the cessation of *name-and-form* comes the cessation of consciousness. What is the meaning of *name-and-form*; whose na...
In the book *In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from Pali Canon* by Bhikku Bodhi, I read:
> When there is no *name-and-form*, consciousness does not come to be; with the cessation of *name-and-form* comes the cessation of consciousness.
What is the meaning of *name-and-form*; whose name and what form? How is the arising and cessation of consciousness linked with it?
The White Cloud
(2420 rep)
Dec 24, 2023, 07:56 AM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2025, 08:19 PM
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Is there a free (libre or open) version of Visuddhimagga in a digital text or HTML format?
I can't use the _Path of Purification_ [PDF version][1] of AccessToInsight.org because ... 1. I want to restructure/retranslate Visuddhimagga into english. 2. I want to add the reference link in each word of Visuddhimagga to the source in tipitaka. 3. I want to make the link **directly** to the expe...
I can't use the _Path of Purification_ PDF version of AccessToInsight.org because ...
1. I want to restructure/retranslate Visuddhimagga into english.
2. I want to add the reference link in each word of Visuddhimagga to the source in tipitaka.
3. I want to make the link **directly** to the expected page of Visuddhimagga and make the highlight to the expected text when I answer or make an article.
... so I want the computerised text version, to publish in HTML format on the internet.
It requires a very long time to do a new translation of it all, because English is not my native language -- and I require a very long time as well to translate pāli even in my native language -- and so I think it would be faster and more effective to restructure from another's version/translation.
Therefore:
1. Is there a free (i.e. [libre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratis_versus_libre) or [open](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source)) version of Visuddhimagga in a computerized text format?
2. Is there a computerised text version of the Budaedu's Visuddhimagga version ?
Or can you tell me about obtaining permission (and the data) from a copyright holder?
---
I'm principally looking for something like [a license](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/) which allows:
- Distribution and
- Creating a derivative work
... and a corresponding text format which can be converted to e.g. HTML.
Bonn
(6392 rep)
Jan 11, 2019, 07:50 AM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2025, 06:26 AM
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Why are they called "old kamma"?
The sutta below states that eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind are old kamma. Why are these called old kamma (*purāṇakammā*)? Is it because of rebirth? Or could there be other reasons? If rebirth is the only reason, then I feel that this explanation seems too simple. From [SN 35.146][1]: > And...
The sutta below states that eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind are old kamma.
Why are these called old kamma (*purāṇakammā*)?
Is it because of rebirth? Or could there be other reasons?
If rebirth is the only reason, then I feel that this explanation seems too simple.
From SN 35.146 :
> And what is old kamma?
>
> The eye is old kamma. It should be seen as produced by choices and
> intentions, as something to be felt.
>
> The ear … nose … tongue … body … mind is old kamma. It should be seen
> as produced by choices and intentions, as something to be felt.
>
> This is called old kamma.
>
> And what is new kamma?
>
> The deeds you currently perform by way of body, speech, and mind.
>
> This is called new kamma.
(I replaced "action" with "kamma")
ruben2020
(40836 rep)
Jul 10, 2020, 05:09 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2025, 12:55 PM
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Does the Buddha address varied predispositions toward suffering among different individuals?
Does the Buddha acknowledge that some people, without the Dharma, suffer more than other people, without the Dharma? I remember a monk talking about how it's a fact that some people are more skilled, better looking, more innately peaceful than others, and that especially those lacking in material at...
Does the Buddha acknowledge that some people, without the Dharma, suffer more than other people, without the Dharma?
I remember a monk talking about how it's a fact that some people are more skilled, better looking, more innately peaceful than others, and that especially those lacking in material attributes should seek to transcend their suffering.
I wonder if there's a basis for this opinion in the suttas.
Gondola Spärde
(461 rep)
Sep 30, 2025, 04:52 PM
• Last activity: Oct 1, 2025, 11:13 PM
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Fundamentally Speaking, is Western Mindfulness a Zazen or Insight Meditation Based Practice?
I've always been fascinated by MBSR. It includes Vipassana techniques of breathing, but also Zen philosophy of non-judgmental awareness. Jon Kabat-Zinn himself had training in both Zen and IMS. Fundamentally speaking, is the whole MBSR thing derived from Zen or Vipassana?
I've always been fascinated by MBSR. It includes Vipassana techniques of breathing, but also Zen philosophy of non-judgmental awareness.
Jon Kabat-Zinn himself had training in both Zen and IMS.
Fundamentally speaking, is the whole MBSR thing derived from Zen or Vipassana?
BRAD ZAP
(209 rep)
Sep 29, 2025, 12:32 AM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 12:48 PM
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Why is sustained attention toward a thought bad?
We can focus on thoughts or lay attention on them. It is advised not to do that. Why should there be a return of focus on breathe, or current action, or the like? Why should we not pay prolonged attention to thoughts?
We can focus on thoughts or lay attention on them. It is advised not to do that.
Why should there be a return of focus on breathe, or current action, or the like?
Why should we not pay prolonged attention to thoughts?
Gondola Spärde
(461 rep)
Sep 28, 2025, 04:21 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 10:03 AM
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What is the relationship of namarupa and appearance?
i read [this][1] on a website: "...Nama is the appearance of Rupa, 'what it looks like' and not 'how it is',.." is it correctly said? [1]: https://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebdha262.htm
i read this on a website:
"...Nama is the appearance of Rupa, 'what it looks like' and not 'how it is',.."
is it correctly said?
āḷasu bhikhārī
(2023 rep)
Jun 7, 2024, 06:50 PM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 08:35 AM
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Is it ideal to be a stream entrant(Sotopanna) before you begin the practice of Anapanasati?
**Are there Pali Sutta teachings or other Buddhist teachings that suggest:** - Anapanasati is an ideal practice for non-stream entrants (beginners) and it can lead them to stream entry? - Attainment of stream entry is a prerequisite for Anapanasati's proper or 'ideal' practice? - Other practices are...
**Are there Pali Sutta teachings or other Buddhist teachings that suggest:**
- Anapanasati is an ideal practice for non-stream entrants (beginners) and it can lead them to stream entry?
- Attainment of stream entry is a prerequisite for Anapanasati's proper
or 'ideal' practice?
- Other practices are prescribed as an ideal path for attaining stream entry, separate from Anapanasati?"
Also, I assume that Satipatthana is a form of Anapanasati, is that true?
Lowbrow
(7468 rep)
Sep 29, 2025, 12:32 AM
• Last activity: Sep 29, 2025, 06:16 AM
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Why do we sustain attention toward a thought?
What's the core driver or mechanism behind the tendency of focusing on thoughts, or any particular thought? Why would a person in daily life be stuck in their head, thinking about things that aren't there? What makes a person do that, according to Buddhism?
What's the core driver or mechanism behind the tendency of focusing on thoughts, or any particular thought?
Why would a person in daily life be stuck in their head, thinking about things that aren't there?
What makes a person do that, according to Buddhism?
Gondola Spärde
(461 rep)
Sep 28, 2025, 04:23 PM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2025, 08:52 PM
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What does this prayer flag say?
I don't know much about Buddhism. Sorry if this is off-topic. Where I live, Buddhism is rather uncommon, but in recent years, Tibetan prayer flags have become more and more widespread. These ones were installed close to my workplace, and made me curious. For what I've learned, these are _lungdhar_ o...
I don't know much about Buddhism. Sorry if this is off-topic.
Where I live, Buddhism is rather uncommon, but in recent years, Tibetan prayer flags have become more and more widespread. These ones were installed close to my workplace, and made me curious.
For what I've learned, these are _lungdhar_ or _lung ta_, and the design involves the _lung ta_ horse in the center, as well as the "four mythical animals, tiger, snow lion, dragon and Garuda" in each corner.
But there is one thing I have found little information about, and it involves the text. I've read they are supposed to be mantras, but I have a (composite) question about the meaning:
**What exactly do they say?** Is the text always the same, or it varies from one to the other? If the latter is the case, **I'm particularly interested in this specific flag**. I believe they are written in Tibetan script, but Google translate wasn't able to tell the language or give a translation.
I'm sorry for the low quality of the photo. I know I just cut the text, but I hope it's enough to identify at least some of the general meaning (if the text is different from flag to flag).
Rafael
(113 rep)
Apr 5, 2024, 12:07 AM
• Last activity: Sep 28, 2025, 05:07 PM
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Origin of craving and attachment
Does the Buddha explain anywhere why the mind is capable to be unskillful and cause suffering for itself in the first place? Specifically, why do we become attached, and why do we crave things? Does the Buddha ever acknowledge that these mechanisms can be helpful? Does he ever describe our ability t...
Does the Buddha explain anywhere why the mind is capable to be unskillful and cause suffering for itself in the first place?
Specifically, why do we become attached, and why do we crave things?
Does the Buddha ever acknowledge that these mechanisms can be helpful?
Does he ever describe our ability to become attached or to crave things as mere design errors?
Or are these things just left unjudged and taken as axiomatic starting points, without ever trying to describe their origin or their larger place in the world?
reign
(418 rep)
Sep 24, 2025, 06:46 PM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2025, 03:12 PM
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What's the point of teaching 12 Nidanas?
In my personal practice, I've come to see that the inner voice craving for external things can be acknowledged and contemplated on, and ultimately stilled. The result is that entanglement with the external world is minimized. I'm trying to be more mindful of this internal voice, and I'm trying to im...
In my personal practice, I've come to see that the inner voice craving for external things can be acknowledged and contemplated on, and ultimately stilled. The result is that entanglement with the external world is minimized.
I'm trying to be more mindful of this internal voice, and I'm trying to improve my contemplation, so I try to understand more things in Buddhism.
One thing I do not understand, is the big importance attributed to dependent origination and the 12 Nidanas.
I do not understand why the Buddha goes into such depth explaining sense organs and sense objects and contact, and the like.
Contact of cocaine with nose causes a sensation that you can come to crave, thus resulting in suffering.
I'd also say that I was relatively clear on things being interdependent. You get good grades if and only if you study well.
Hoping someone can give me a hint to how I could gain any value from the 12 Nidanas.
Gondola Spärde
(461 rep)
Sep 25, 2025, 03:32 PM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2025, 05:53 AM
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How do different Buddhist traditions avoid the charge of epistemological nihilism while still affirming emptiness (sunyata)?
In Madhyamaka and other Buddhist schools, emptiness (śūnyatā) is a central doctrine: all phenomena are said to lack inherent existence. But at the same time, many Buddhist traditions place significant emphasis on knowledge and valid cognition (pramāṇa), as developed in the epistemological works of D...
In Madhyamaka and other Buddhist schools, emptiness (śūnyatā) is a central doctrine: all phenomena are said to lack inherent existence. But at the same time, many Buddhist traditions place significant emphasis on knowledge and valid cognition (pramāṇa), as developed in the epistemological works of Dignāga, Dharmakīrti, and their followers.
This raises an important philosophical issue: if all phenomena including concepts, perceptions, and inferences too are ultimately empty, Would this not imply epistemological nihilism , where no knowledge of any sort of 'absolute truth' is possible?
Are there specific texts or commentaries where Buddhist philosophers explicitly address the concern that asserting emptiness might undermine knowledge itself? I’m looking for explanations that clarify how Buddhism maintains a coherent epistemology without contradicting its central teaching of emptiness.
user31584
Sep 20, 2025, 01:20 PM
• Last activity: Sep 23, 2025, 01:56 PM
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What does one contemplate to become a sotāpanna?
What does a Buddhist practitioner, based on the 8 fold path, and deepening practice contemplate to become a sotāpanna (a stream-enterer)?
What does a Buddhist practitioner, based on the 8 fold path, and deepening practice contemplate to become a sotāpanna (a stream-enterer)?
Bhikkhu111
(671 rep)
Nov 23, 2024, 04:22 AM
• Last activity: Sep 23, 2025, 07:14 AM
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How can Buddhism deny the existence of souls yet affirm the existence of ghosts and spirits?
The doctrine of anattā denies any soul or self, yet the suttas mention beings like petas, yakkhas which are supposed to be Ghosts and spirits. If there is no soul, what is said to persist as a ghost or spirit?
The doctrine of anattā denies any soul or self, yet the suttas mention beings like petas, yakkhas which are supposed to be Ghosts and spirits. If there is no soul, what is said to persist as a ghost or spirit?
MAITREYA
(69 rep)
Aug 20, 2025, 03:42 PM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2025, 08:23 PM
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Is there an ultimate self according to zen masters such as Dogen?
Is there an ultimate self according to zen masters such as Dogen? I think that in the scholastic tradition of the mahayana, that is not the standard interpretation of the sutras etc.. I guess I mean what I am all along, rather than something "fixed". The snake was merely a rope all along, rather tha...
Is there an ultimate self according to zen masters such as Dogen? I think that in the scholastic tradition of the mahayana, that is not the standard interpretation of the sutras etc.. I guess I mean what I am all along, rather than something "fixed".
The snake was merely a rope all along, rather than nothing whatsoever or nothing more than the illusion of a snake/myself.
user27316
Sep 21, 2025, 10:45 PM
• Last activity: Sep 22, 2025, 02:56 PM
Showing page 13 of 20 total questions