Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
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What do Buddhists believe in?
Does Buddhism say everything is an illusion? For Buddhist, are all other people just an illusion (philosophical zombies)? For example, when I talk to a Buddhist, he thinks I'm a philosophical zombie without minds,feeling,emotions? It turns out that all people in the world believe that other people h...
Does Buddhism say everything is an illusion? For Buddhist, are all other people just an illusion (philosophical zombies)? For example, when I talk to a Buddhist, he thinks I'm a philosophical zombie without minds,feeling,emotions? It turns out that all people in the world believe that other people have consciousness besides the Buddhism?I don't think this is true, so I want to clarify thanks
Arny
(147 rep)
Feb 1, 2021, 06:48 PM
• Last activity: Feb 2, 2021, 01:22 AM
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Why Buddhists generally uses OM?
In [wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandogya_Upanishad) i read: > The Chandogya Upanishad is ... one of the oldest Upanishads of Hinduism. > [It] opens with the recommendation that "let a man meditate on Om". It calls the syllable Om as udgitha (उद्गीथ, song, chant), and asserts that the s...
In [wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandogya_Upanishad) i read:
> The Chandogya Upanishad is ... one of the oldest Upanishads of Hinduism.
> [It] opens with the recommendation that "let a man meditate on Om". It calls the syllable Om as udgitha (उद्गीथ, song, chant), and asserts that the significance of the syllable is thus: the essence of all beings is earth, the essence of earth is water, the essence of water are the plants, the essence of plants is man, the essence of man is speech, the essence of speech is the Rig Veda, the essence of the Rig Veda is the Sama Veda, and the essence of Sama Veda is the udgitha (song, Om).
Its date is given as "8th to 6th century BCE" i.e. at least 100 years before Gautama.
Now "Om" is also used in Buddhism.
Is its use the same as in Hinduism? If you recite the OM, do you (or not) think it is connected to a Super Consciousness as described in the Vedanta?
Is it difficult to describe the philosophical basis, if the practice is somehow derived from concepts and knowledge from a text whose date is from before Gautama?
Doubtful Monk
(519 rep)
Jul 9, 2020, 09:03 AM
• Last activity: Feb 1, 2021, 10:15 PM
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Can anyone explain the hua-yen sutra accroding to tendai, to me?
Can anyone explain the hua-yen sutra accroding to tendai, to me? I've read a few books of secondary literature on tientai and tendai, a few translations of Zhiyi, the lotus sutra, some of the hua-yen sutra, some translations of hua-yen, some seconadry literature on hua-yen, and assorted scholarship...
Can anyone explain the hua-yen sutra accroding to tendai, to me?
I've read a few books of secondary literature on tientai and tendai, a few translations of Zhiyi, the lotus sutra, some of the hua-yen sutra, some translations of hua-yen, some seconadry literature on hua-yen, and assorted scholarship (both ch'an based and otherwise) on east asian Buddhism.
I'm at a complete loss though!
user2512
Apr 1, 2019, 04:31 PM
• Last activity: Feb 1, 2021, 05:55 PM
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Non-sentient beings and sentient beings
At first I want to say sorry for my English, as it is my second language. My questions: 1. Can non-sentient beings reach nirvana? 2. Can non-sentient beings be reborn? 3. Can sentient beings be reborn as non-sentient beings? 4. Will all beings eventually reach nirvana? Thanks in advance for an answe...
At first I want to say sorry for my English, as it is my second language.
My questions:
1. Can non-sentient beings reach nirvana?
2. Can non-sentient beings be reborn?
3. Can sentient beings be reborn as non-sentient beings?
4. Will all beings eventually reach nirvana?
Thanks in advance for an answer.
user20477
(11 rep)
Jan 31, 2021, 05:22 PM
• Last activity: Feb 1, 2021, 07:44 AM
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What chapter of the Abhidharmartha Pradipika talks about infinite universes?
I've been looking into Buddhist concepts and the topic of infinite universes in existence popped up, and the Buddhist text called the "Abhidharmartha Pradipika" talks about infinite universes? And I was wondering what chapter/verse talks about it so I could look more into it.
I've been looking into Buddhist concepts and the topic of infinite universes in existence popped up, and the Buddhist text called the "Abhidharmartha Pradipika" talks about infinite universes? And I was wondering what chapter/verse talks about it so I could look more into it.
Orionixe
(310 rep)
Dec 8, 2020, 02:05 AM
• Last activity: Jan 30, 2021, 02:21 PM
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Is it possible to share merit to all beings like Angels, hungry ghosts, animals etc
I read stories in Petavatthu which describe how people offer donations to the sangha and transfer the merit to their deceased relatives who are born as hungry ghosts, so that they can get alleviate the suffering experienced by the hungry ghosts. In the same way, is it possible to share merit to othe...
I read stories in Petavatthu which describe how people offer donations to the sangha and transfer the merit to their deceased relatives who are born as hungry ghosts, so that they can get alleviate the suffering experienced by the hungry ghosts. In the same way, is it possible to share merit to other beings like Angels, animals, etc, because I haven't come across this in the texts.
Nithin Manmohan
(322 rep)
Jan 27, 2021, 06:02 PM
• Last activity: Jan 29, 2021, 06:40 PM
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What are the common buddhist practices to eliminate sleepiness?
I sleep the hours which are said to be needed, but I still feel sleepy. I've been drinking coffee recently to eliminate grogginess, and it does work for me. However, I was wondering if there are other methods of eliminating grogginess?
I sleep the hours which are said to be needed, but I still feel sleepy. I've been drinking coffee recently to eliminate grogginess, and it does work for me. However, I was wondering if there are other methods of eliminating grogginess?
DLV
(1009 rep)
Nov 7, 2014, 05:48 PM
• Last activity: Jan 29, 2021, 09:42 AM
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In the Tibetan book of the dead, Chapter 2, what is the significance of NOT renouncing the 3 poisons
I am reading the Tibetan Book of the Dead Chapter 2 page 26, "A prayer for union with the spiritual teacher [entitled], Natural Liberation, without renunciation of the three poisons". Now in reading this chapter it seems that is a call for union with the fundamental buddha bodies of Reality, Resourc...
I am reading the Tibetan Book of the Dead Chapter 2 page 26, "A prayer for union with the spiritual teacher [entitled], Natural Liberation, without renunciation of the three poisons".
Now in reading this chapter it seems that is a call for union with the fundamental buddha bodies of Reality, Resource, and Emanation.
I find it curious that the chapter EXPLICITLY states what the three poisons are, makes a mention "how needing of compassion ..." are buddha bodies that engage in these poisons and proceeds to give an explicit solution, yet renunciation of the poisons is not asked of the reader in fact the title of the prayer explicitly states they will not be renounced.
Why is it important NOT to renounce these poisons at this stage of prayer? The beginning of the book makes it clear that much will be renounced (including the desire of sympathy) as it merely perpetuates our cyclic existence yet here an explicit effort is being made to acknowledge the poisons but NOT renounce them.
What reason is there for this? At best I can theorize that this has to do with avoiding the type of extreme asceticism that the buddha believed did not allow one to break the cycle, but surely anyone engaging in the poisons described without some renunciation will be trapped all the same.
Sidharth Ghoshal
(111 rep)
Jan 29, 2021, 06:14 AM
• Last activity: Jan 29, 2021, 08:12 AM
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Did aliens come to meet Lord Buddha?
In lord Buddha's daily routine, divided into five parts as follows. 1. the morning session 2. the afternoon session 3. the first watch 4. the middle watch **(10.00 P.M. TO 2.00 A.M.)** 5. the last watch So the 4th part is The Middle Watch, from 10.00 PM to 2.00 AM. In that time Lord Buddha will answ...
In lord Buddha's daily routine, divided into five parts as follows.
1. the morning session
2. the afternoon session
3. the first watch
4. the middle watch **(10.00 P.M. TO 2.00 A.M.)**
5. the last watch
So the 4th part is The Middle Watch, from 10.00 PM to 2.00 AM.
In that time Lord Buddha will answer the questions from "Devas", and these Devas come to see Buddha by flying Machine called "Wimanas" (or [Vimana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimana)) .
So my question is, does "Devas" here means Aliens? Did Aliens came to see Lord Buddha, and learn about Buddhism?
RANSARA009
(1051 rep)
Sep 24, 2016, 09:51 AM
• Last activity: Jan 29, 2021, 12:00 AM
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Is the Avatamsaka Sutra the only Buddhist scripture that talks about multiverse?
I know the Avatamsaka Sutra teaches about a multiverse flower garland, which represents all of reality, is made up of infinite universes which all reflect one another. Is this the only scripture that talks about multiverses?
I know the Avatamsaka Sutra teaches about a multiverse flower garland, which represents all of reality, is made up of infinite universes which all reflect one another.
Is this the only scripture that talks about multiverses?
Orionixe
(310 rep)
Jan 28, 2021, 02:09 AM
• Last activity: Jan 28, 2021, 01:05 PM
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What is called an intentional thought?
I'm a 16 old student and I'm getting weird and intrusive thoughts which are unwanted and unintentional. I got those thoughts about buddha which can be greater insult for Him. But none of them are intended or wanted. Do this collect bad kamma? I've begun to fear those thoughts as I'm someone who fear...
I'm a 16 old student and I'm getting weird and intrusive thoughts which are unwanted and unintentional. I got those thoughts about buddha which can be greater insult for Him. But none of them are intended or wanted. Do this collect bad kamma? I've begun to fear those thoughts as I'm someone who fear sinning more than anyone. Please help me, what should I do?
madelaine clinton
(91 rep)
Jan 28, 2021, 02:14 AM
• Last activity: Jan 28, 2021, 12:01 PM
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Does kamma define the universal law of cause & effect?
I read the following verbal kamma on the internet: > Karma can be expressed like the magnetic push or pull that defines the > universal law of 'cause and effect'. Karma follows a similar rule as > le Chatelier's principle in chemistry and in physics Newton's third > law of motion What is the univers...
I read the following verbal kamma on the internet:
> Karma can be expressed like the magnetic push or pull that defines the
> universal law of 'cause and effect'. Karma follows a similar rule as
> le Chatelier's principle in chemistry and in physics Newton's third
> law of motion
What is the universal law of cause & effect in Buddhism?
Does kamma define the universal law of cause & effect?
Does kamma also involve an equal and opposite reaction?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(47818 rep)
Jan 26, 2021, 11:24 PM
• Last activity: Jan 28, 2021, 08:15 AM
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Monks chosen for Tibetan Telepathy
In Tibetan Buddhism there is a sect of monks who specialize in "Telepathy". Their job essentially is to protect the Tibetan people from natural disasters. Does anyone know the process on how these Tibetan monks are chosen? And why are not all worthy Tibetan monks allowed in this position?
In Tibetan Buddhism there is a sect of monks who specialize in "Telepathy". Their job essentially is to protect the Tibetan people from natural disasters. Does anyone know the process on how these Tibetan monks are chosen? And why are not all worthy Tibetan monks allowed in this position?
Soto
(171 rep)
Apr 19, 2016, 11:45 AM
• Last activity: Jan 27, 2021, 05:15 PM
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Does anatta cause dynamic emotions?
I read the following on the internet: > In an uncultivated individual the emotions rule the self. This is the > result of lack of understanding of Anatta and somehow the individual > is putting conscious effort into the stagnation of their naturally > dynamic emotions. > > Emotions are naturally dyn...
I read the following on the internet:
> In an uncultivated individual the emotions rule the self. This is the
> result of lack of understanding of Anatta and somehow the individual
> is putting conscious effort into the stagnation of their naturally
> dynamic emotions.
>
> Emotions are naturally dynamic and a result of environmental
> influence, which is also dynamic - so in that sense Anatta is
> applicable.
What are "dynamic emotions" in Buddhism?
Does anatta or its realisation stop the stagnation of naturally dynamic emotions?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(47818 rep)
Jan 26, 2021, 11:56 PM
• Last activity: Jan 27, 2021, 03:40 PM
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How we collect bad karma?
I'm a student, and I'm getting weird instant bad thoughts to hurt my mom without any reason coz of my anxiety. they are not delibarete by any means.but I have never hurt her verbally or physically. But this anxious thoughts annoy me a lot coz I love my mom a lot. She is the best. I try my best to av...
I'm a student, and I'm getting weird instant bad thoughts to hurt my mom without any reason coz of my anxiety. they are not delibarete by any means.but I have never hurt her verbally or physically. But this anxious thoughts annoy me a lot coz I love my mom a lot. She is the best. I try my best to avoid them. Does this collect bad karma? Please help me I feel so guilty without any reason as I never want to hurt my dear mom even with a thought. At times I feel like I overthink about it even. She doesn't know that those things exist even.
madelaine clinton
(91 rep)
Jan 26, 2021, 03:52 AM
• Last activity: Jan 27, 2021, 07:32 AM
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Is intention "conscious energy" in Buddhism?
I read the following intentional thought on the internet: > Intention is directed conscious energy. When we think about doing > something, where does that energy go? Thoughts like these are created > before every conscious action as a means to mitigate the quantity and > quality of the repercussion....
I read the following intentional thought on the internet:
> Intention is directed conscious energy. When we think about doing
> something, where does that energy go? Thoughts like these are created
> before every conscious action as a means to mitigate the quantity and
> quality of the repercussion. If an individual cultivates an intention
> enough, the chances of inadvertently performing the action is more
> within reason.
1. What is "conscious energy" in Buddhism?
2. In Buddhism, does "conscious intention" mean "wise intention"?
2. If cultivating intention leads to action more within reason, are ignorant actions without intention or unintentional in Buddhism?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(47818 rep)
Jan 26, 2021, 11:29 PM
• Last activity: Jan 27, 2021, 04:50 AM
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How did the Buddha define success?
I read somewhere that Buddha said "Those who fear death have not lived wisely". **What did he meant by "Living Wisely" ?** I sometimes interpret this to mean that I should take a chance, quit my job, and become an entrepreneur. What I want to ask is about mind, should I become hard work in a field a...
I read somewhere that Buddha said "Those who fear death have not lived wisely". **What did he meant by "Living Wisely" ?**
I sometimes interpret this to mean that I should take a chance, quit my job, and become an entrepreneur.
What I want to ask is about mind, should I become hard work in a field according to the interest of my mind or should it does not matter, and keep on doing my work like robot (consciously).
Here's my problem: Some say that in order to achieve true success I should do something that interests my mind (so I will not be distracted or bored). If we are talking about spirituality, shouldn't what is interesting to me be less important?
That is, should I do things that I find fulfilling so as to achieve my success, or should i just keep working hard at what I am doing now, but with more focus?
**The Buddhist goal is Nirvana**, But I have a family and I want to give them a better life, Why earning money is seen as attachment ?
Ritesh.mlk
(918 rep)
Jan 24, 2017, 11:17 AM
• Last activity: Jan 26, 2021, 07:24 PM
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What is the importance of intention in Buddhism?
Do any scriptures discuss the importance of intention? Why is intention rather than action important?
Do any scriptures discuss the importance of intention? Why is intention rather than action important?
Hari
(484 rep)
Jan 17, 2018, 11:45 AM
• Last activity: Jan 26, 2021, 02:09 PM
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5
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Can a bad karma happen just only with a thought without any physical or verbal action?
Do we collect bad karma just only with an instant thought without any physical action or verbal action?
Do we collect bad karma just only with an instant thought without any physical action or verbal action?
madelaine clinton
(91 rep)
Jan 24, 2021, 12:24 PM
• Last activity: Jan 26, 2021, 03:57 AM
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Buddhism and theory of relativity
> “The religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend personal God and avoid dogma and theology. Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things natural and spiritual as a meaningful unity. Buddhism...
> “The religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend personal God and avoid dogma and theology. Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things natural and spiritual as a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description. If there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism.” – Albert Einstein.
As per above quotes it give us some clues that Albert Einstein the greatest scientist of the century immensely influenced by Buddhism. When we study the theory of relativity seems to get root from Buddhism with the descriptions of time flow in six realms. Do anyone have descriptions "Theory of relativity" and are there any relationship with Buddhist teaching?
danuka shewantha
(627 rep)
Jan 9, 2018, 09:34 AM
• Last activity: Jan 25, 2021, 11:18 AM
Showing page 133 of 20 total questions