Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Did Gautama Buddha know his path?
When Siddhartha Gautama started his path, before acknowledging the possibility of achieving and passing on the path to enlightenment, is there reference of his thoughts before making the decision to influence the world and ease its suffering?
When Siddhartha Gautama started his path, before acknowledging the possibility of achieving and passing on the path to enlightenment, is there reference of his thoughts before making the decision to influence the world and ease its suffering?
Beau. D
(168 rep)
Jan 14, 2021, 06:17 PM
• Last activity: Jan 15, 2021, 10:02 AM
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Is their any books where the collection quotation of Milarepa are available?
Is their any books where the collection quotation of Milarepa are available ?
Is their any books where the collection quotation of Milarepa are available ?
jasmine
(147 rep)
Jan 14, 2021, 07:46 PM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2021, 08:43 PM
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What is the meaning of "O Laso"?
Alan Wallace says this regularly, for example, at the beginning of this lecture: http://media.sbinstitute.com/courses/fall2012/13-loving-kindness-1/ Is it Tibetan? What is its direct translation?
Alan Wallace says this regularly, for example, at the beginning of this lecture: http://media.sbinstitute.com/courses/fall2012/13-loving-kindness-1/
Is it Tibetan? What is its direct translation?
Swagath
(111 rep)
Jul 12, 2020, 04:22 PM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2021, 06:11 PM
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What could be some teachings that Buddha has not revealed to us?
In [Maha-parinibbana Sutta][1] Buddha has said: > "there is nothing, Ananda, with regard to the teachings that the > Tathagata holds to the last with the closed fist of a teacher who > keeps some things back." however, in [Simsapa Sutta][2] Buddha says: > "there are many more things that I have foun...
In Maha-parinibbana Sutta Buddha has said:
> "there is nothing, Ananda, with regard to the teachings that the
> Tathagata holds to the last with the closed fist of a teacher who
> keeps some things back."
however, in Simsapa Sutta Buddha says:
> "there are many more things that I have found out, but not revealed to
> you. What I have revealed to you is only a little."
Do we have any knowledge about the teaching that he has not revealed to us? The commentary on accesstoinsight writes, "This famous saying has been taken to justify the doctrines of various Mahaayaana schools, Theosophy and so on."
Could that be the teaching of tantra? I hope there's some good insight here.
user17389
(311 rep)
Jan 6, 2020, 08:43 AM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2021, 05:54 PM
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What is the meaning of Rahula?
I am speaking of course of Siddhartha Gautama's son. I was told Rahula means obstacle. Is this true?
I am speaking of course of Siddhartha Gautama's son. I was told Rahula means obstacle. Is this true?
user2504380
(165 rep)
Sep 22, 2014, 02:03 PM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2021, 05:12 PM
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Circular logic and Practice
After many years of Buddhist considerations, I finally admit to myself that I fight a constant battle for certainty and self-gratification. I guess those encompass the three aspects of dukka well enough. So with somewhat of a renewed determination to practice, I have searched this generous website (...
After many years of Buddhist considerations, I finally admit to myself that I fight a constant battle for certainty and self-gratification. I guess those encompass the three aspects of dukka well enough.
So with somewhat of a renewed determination to practice, I have searched this generous website (and elsewhere online) for "my" book and "my" practice, and possibly my path/teacher.
The circularity I mention in the title of this question refers to the acknowledgement that these self-placating enterprises stand in marked contrast to the work that need to be done.
Sometimes i the past, in going to a website I have wondered if the drop-down for "Reading List" might say none. And more farfetched, if the "Meditation Instructions" say: figure it out yourself; no one is coming to save you.
I'm open and appreciative to any comments, admonitions, and advice.
**EDIT** (In response to @Rain) How to practice? Or better yet, how to find a teacher or some context (book, maybe)? Hence the circularity, so as to be my own teacher and this does not lapse into lip-service.
With kind regards.
user20360
Jan 12, 2021, 08:07 PM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2021, 05:32 AM
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Does any other sect of Buddhism have the stages of insight?
The primary source for the 16 stages of insight (aka 7 stages of insight) is the Theravadan text, the [Visuddhimagga][1]. But do other, unrelated, sects of Buddhism have similar stages? (ie. Do other sects mention things that could be compared to the *dukkha nanas*?) You would think that separate se...
The primary source for the 16 stages of insight (aka 7 stages of insight) is the Theravadan text, the Visuddhimagga . But do other, unrelated, sects of Buddhism have similar stages? (ie. Do other sects mention things that could be compared to the *dukkha nanas*?)
You would think that separate sects of Buddhism, performing the same practices of meditation, would have encountered the same things, and so would have formed their own "maps". Did they? Or is it unique to the Theravadan tradition. And if that's the case, why?
Chuck Le Butt
(166 rep)
Jan 11, 2021, 12:03 PM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2021, 09:41 PM
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If someone insults you what should you do?
There is a famous story of such an encounter between the Buddha and a ‘difficult person’ named Akkosina. Akkosina’s name means “Not Getting Angry” but he was the exact opposite of his name. Akkosina was easily angered and was always angry about something or someone. When he heard that the Buddha did...
There is a famous story of such an encounter between the Buddha and a ‘difficult person’ named Akkosina. Akkosina’s name means “Not Getting Angry” but he was the exact opposite of his name. Akkosina was easily angered and was always angry about something or someone. When he heard that the Buddha did not get angry with anyone he immediately decided to visit him. He went up to the Buddha and scolded him for all sorts of things, insulting him and calling him awful names. At the end of this angry speech, the Buddha asked this man if he had any friends or relatives. “Yes.” Akokosina replied. “When you visit them, do you take them gifts?” the Buddha asked. “Of course, I always bring them gifts.” The angry man replied. “Then what happens if they don’t accept your gifts?” The Buddha asked. “Well I take them home and enjoy them with my own family” “And likewise,” said the Buddha, “You have brought me a gift here today that I do not accept, and so you may take that gift home to your family.”
source: Akkosa sutta (SN 7.2)
Is there more to learn from the story of the angry man? If someone insults you, it is hard to not be affected by it. So how to balance out your emotions and begin the day from a place of happiness, and how to respond in the same light?
Saptha Visuddhi
(9725 rep)
Jun 13, 2016, 03:45 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2021, 06:35 PM
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Saving for the future
Is it okay to save money, asset for the future financial security for a person with family following the Buddhist Path? There is always this dilemma in making financial decisions based on the Path and security for future. How to go about it?
Is it okay to save money, asset for the future financial security for a person with family following the Buddhist Path? There is always this dilemma in making financial decisions based on the Path and security for future. How to go about it?
user5256
(501 rep)
Nov 12, 2015, 06:16 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2021, 06:07 PM
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Taming the mind and Homelessness
In the Buddha's teachings we learn how to see things as a product of our own mind, for example, if you "fall in love" everything happens in your own mind, the other person is nothing but an external stimulus, so in theory if we tam our mind we can live in this world without suffering wordly conseque...
In the Buddha's teachings we learn how to see things as a product of our own mind, for example, if you "fall in love" everything happens in your own mind, the other person is nothing but an external stimulus, so in theory if we tam our mind we can live in this world without suffering wordly consequences of attachments and desires.
Even with this deep knowledge, in Buddhism we are encouraged to abandon desires, wealth and go to homeless life (for monks!). So the question is: Is it impossible to tame the mind completely? Is that an utopia? Because if one could tame his mind completely, there would be no need to abandon things as the way he relates to them would be completely free and deattached.
If material things have the potential to create problems, does it mean a full tamed mind is impossible?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Aug 29, 2014, 03:21 PM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2021, 05:49 PM
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The 4 Elements and it’s relation with electricity
I did a guided meditation today on Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village app. It was based on the 4 elements. Fire, Earth, Air and Water. As I was midway through it, I was contemplating the electrical energy that causes my body to interact with my nervous system and brain. I also thought about how it was p...
I did a guided meditation today on Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village app. It was based on the 4 elements. Fire, Earth, Air and Water. As I was midway through it, I was contemplating the electrical energy that causes my body to interact with my nervous system and brain. I also thought about how it was present in thunder storms in the form of lightning. Clouds would be what I consider part of the water element and electricity can also create fire. I was wondering if there was any writing about electricity in the Buddhist tradition that might shed light on my contemplation?
Grateful Practicioner
(87 rep)
Jan 13, 2021, 06:32 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2021, 03:21 PM
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Niddesa Translations
I've hunted around a bit online but haven't found much besides some vague "probably not" answers. Has anyone ever come across an English (or other western language) translation of both parts of the Niddesa? I have the Pali Text Society's printings thanks to the Internet Archive, and enough resources...
I've hunted around a bit online but haven't found much besides some vague "probably not" answers. Has anyone ever come across an English (or other western language) translation of both parts of the Niddesa? I have the Pali Text Society's printings thanks to the Internet Archive, and enough resources to get started learning Pali if I need to, but figured I should try asking here before I attempt that.
user19522
Jan 13, 2021, 03:36 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2021, 02:41 PM
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Very speed mind and calm mind
With mindfulness experience that there is a mind operating very speed and realized not worth. After little time of thinking get rid of uneasiness happens automatically .That leed to feel happiness. What was the state of mind at this stage of meditation?is it the stage where mind operates on it's own...
With mindfulness experience that there is a mind operating very speed and realized not worth. After little time of thinking get rid of uneasiness happens automatically .That leed to feel happiness. What was the state of mind at this stage of meditation?is it the stage where mind operates on it's own?Mindfulness mind is very calm but feel like not worth attach to it even.
Buddhika Kitsiri
(517 rep)
Nov 6, 2020, 02:22 AM
• Last activity: Jan 13, 2021, 04:09 AM
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How to deal with fixation towards an old relationship?
I broke up with my girlfriend a couple of years ago. We haven't talked to each other since then. A few months back we met at a job interview. We spoke to each other and she was very friendly. I thought she is no longer mad at me. Few days ago I came to know that we both got the job. I texted her to...
I broke up with my girlfriend a couple of years ago. We haven't talked to each other since then. A few months back we met at a job interview. We spoke to each other and she was very friendly. I thought she is no longer mad at me. Few days ago I came to know that we both got the job. I texted her to congratulate. She has seen it but hasn't replied. Now I can't stop checking my messages on the phone to see if she has replied. I know this is fixation but just don't know how to deal with it. What could be a way out of this?
Noob
(348 rep)
Jan 11, 2021, 06:31 PM
• Last activity: Jan 12, 2021, 04:47 AM
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Anapanasati (Forced Breathing)
Is the breath all important? I know that the breath conditions the body, in that the breath tranquilizes the body, but often I read about NOT volitionally breathing in and out and this is exactly what I am doing. Can I use an alternative object or even open monitorin, that is many objects in a succe...
Is the breath all important? I know that the breath conditions the body, in that the breath tranquilizes the body, but often I read about NOT volitionally breathing in and out and this is exactly what I am doing. Can I use an alternative object or even open monitorin, that is many objects in a succession?
Val
(2570 rep)
Apr 5, 2018, 04:05 AM
• Last activity: Jan 11, 2021, 04:58 PM
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breathing techniques in buddhism
My name is Prakash Karki. I am from Nepal. . I have just read 1 book on buddhisam and that is biography and philosophy of buddha. I became very serious about this spiritual stuff. I have been researching about spirituality for 2 years now. I want to know about the journey. how to be more serious abo...
My name is Prakash Karki. I am from Nepal. . I have just read 1 book on buddhisam and that is biography and philosophy of buddha. I became very serious about this spiritual stuff. I have been researching about spirituality for 2 years now. I want to know about the journey. how to be more serious about it and what should I do at first step as a beginner ?
Prakash
(31 rep)
Jan 8, 2021, 07:27 AM
• Last activity: Jan 11, 2021, 02:55 PM
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Being more spiritual
I have been practicing different kinds of meditation for a year and more. But I don't know where I am and what my next step is. What should I do ?
I have been practicing different kinds of meditation for a year and more. But I don't know where I am and what my next step is. What should I do ?
Prakash
(31 rep)
Jan 8, 2021, 02:49 PM
• Last activity: Jan 11, 2021, 02:31 PM
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When the Dharma will have been forgotten by most
It is said that the next Buddha will arise when the Dharma will have been forgotten by most. Forgetting about the time period, which seems to be around 5000 years after the previous Buddha, what does "by most" actually mean? It there a definition of most, or is it open to interpretation?
It is said that the next Buddha will arise when the Dharma will have been forgotten by most. Forgetting about the time period, which seems to be around 5000 years after the previous Buddha, what does "by most" actually mean? It there a definition of most, or is it open to interpretation?
Danny
(395 rep)
Aug 20, 2020, 11:00 PM
• Last activity: Jan 11, 2021, 02:05 PM
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Is chanting mantras a common practice in Theravada Buddhism?
In Mahayana Buddhism chanting mantras is one of the core practices and each mantra is associated with a certain Buddha form (yidam). Since in Theravada Buddhism there is no meditations on yidams (or am I wrong?), I'm wondering what is the role of mantra chanting. Are there secret mantras which can b...
In Mahayana Buddhism chanting mantras is one of the core practices and each mantra is associated with a certain Buddha form (yidam).
Since in Theravada Buddhism there is no meditations on yidams (or am I wrong?), I'm wondering what is the role of mantra chanting. Are there secret mantras which can be recited only after receiving the transmission from the teacher or can the mantras be shared publicly and used by anyone? And finally, are prayer beads (malas) commonly used?
Rabbit
(2796 rep)
Aug 2, 2014, 09:17 PM
• Last activity: Jan 11, 2021, 01:50 PM
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5
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Among 9 jhanas which is deep sleep?
Please provide suttas I plan to do a meditation until I can achieve the same experience as my deep sleep but I don't know whether it's the first jhana or even cessation of feeling and perception or even nibbana hence my question After that kind of meditation I won't sleep forever because I think tha...
Please provide suttas
I plan to do a meditation until I can achieve the same experience as my deep sleep but I don't know whether it's the first jhana or even cessation of feeling and perception or even nibbana hence my question
After that kind of meditation I won't sleep forever because I think that meditation is enough that meditation itself is deep sleep
I am inspired by dipa ma who did meditation for 2 days non stop and buddha Siddhartha(7 weeks non stop)
I think my meditation should be more sublime than my deep sleep if it's not then it's a shame it just doesn't make sense that my deep sleep gives me more peace than my meditation
Because bhikku thanissaro states that even during 4 rupa jhanas you can still hear sound while during my deep sleep I can't hear any sound I assume the deep sleep experience can be attained after the 4th jhana but I am not sure which
I think it's not cessation of feeling stage either because during cessation your upper brain won't function (flat zero brainwave) while deep sleep still gives you delta brainwave but I am not sure
Thanks 😊😊
May you all be happy my friends,
Sorry for my bad english I am still learning friends
user646989
(43 rep)
Jan 8, 2021, 12:03 PM
• Last activity: Jan 10, 2021, 07:45 PM
Showing page 135 of 20 total questions