Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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I am finding myself being unable to enjoy things, my mind keeps going to meditation
I have noticed that while watching TV or trying to do work, my mind keeps getting caught up in the feeling of my breath, or the random noises around me. These are the exact things that I notice while meditating, and while meditating I allow myself to notice those things and observe myself noticing t...
I have noticed that while watching TV or trying to do work, my mind keeps getting caught up in the feeling of my breath, or the random noises around me. These are the exact things that I notice while meditating, and while meditating I allow myself to notice those things and observe myself noticing them. But, when I want to read a book I am finding that I am now noticing those things instead of reading the book, like I am going back to meditating without meaning to.
I’m having a hard time getting into a flow state at work or while doing something enjoyable. It’s bothering me. I don’t want to stop meditating, but if this keeps happening then I will have to stop.
byronaltice
(101 rep)
Feb 18, 2020, 05:35 AM
• Last activity: Feb 19, 2020, 05:00 PM
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Is there a scientific consensus on meditation?
Is there a scientific consensus on meditation? I've seen it said that different parts of the brain are activated during meditation. Is that true for all experienced meditators, all forms of meditation, etc.? It has to do *something*, was originally my take on Buddhism -- at the time merely because i...
Is there a scientific consensus on meditation? I've seen it said that different parts of the brain are activated during meditation. Is that true for all experienced meditators, all forms of meditation, etc.?
It has to do *something*, was originally my take on Buddhism -- at the time merely because it has historically *thrived*: it being pretty obvious that whatever it did was a 'good' thing.
user2512
Oct 25, 2019, 03:38 AM
• Last activity: Feb 18, 2020, 06:42 PM
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Is the Noble Eightfold Path a path of celibacy?
Simple question: Is the Noble Eightfold Path a path of celibacy? *[Note that this isn't given for Sex, stacks, trade, exchange but for escape from this wheel]*
Simple question: Is the Noble Eightfold Path a path of celibacy?
*[Note that this isn't given for Sex, stacks, trade, exchange but for escape from this wheel]*
user11235
Jan 9, 2020, 09:20 AM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 08:57 PM
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Is celibacy intrinsic to Buddhism?
I was reading about Buddhism in Wiki and I just am not able to make out if celibacy is a must for Buddhists?
I was reading about Buddhism in Wiki and I just am not able to make out if celibacy is a must for Buddhists?
Aditya
(287 rep)
Aug 25, 2014, 05:31 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 08:54 PM
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Are all Buddhists vegetarian?
Most if not all Buddhists I know are vegetarian or vegan. Thinking about the [precepts][1] this is not surprising - one should abstain from killing. However is this universally true in all Buddhist traditions? Are there some Buddhist traditions that emphasize vegetarianism more than others? For inst...
Most if not all Buddhists I know are vegetarian or vegan. Thinking about the precepts this is not surprising - one should abstain from killing. However is this universally true in all Buddhist traditions? Are there some Buddhist traditions that emphasize vegetarianism more than others? For instance I believe the Tibetans were originally pastoral farmers which wouldn't lend itself to vegetarianism naturally.
So is Buddhist vegetarianism universal, specific to tradition or culture, or a lot more flexible than that?
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Jun 24, 2014, 06:19 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 08:38 PM
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Is killing vermin and insects justifiable?
The first precept goes something similar to > I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing. Now, I understand that, for instance, eating meat is allowed, but what about, for instance, killing vermin which might damage food or cause disease (such as mosquitos in places where malaria is commo...
The first precept goes something similar to
> I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing.
Now, I understand that, for instance, eating meat is allowed, but what about, for instance, killing vermin which might damage food or cause disease (such as mosquitos in places where malaria is common)?
Is killing justifiable then?
Haedrian
(771 rep)
Jun 18, 2014, 03:35 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 08:34 PM
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If a buddhist should not kill a mouse living in their home, what justification do they have to rid themselves of a parasite such tapeworms
An extension of this question posted earlier: https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/10465/how-not-to-kill-the-mouse-in-my-house Where does one draw the line for which forms of life are ok to destroy, and which ones are not? Is it just a calculation of causing the least suffering? A human has...
An extension of this question posted earlier:
https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/10465/how-not-to-kill-the-mouse-in-my-house
Where does one draw the line for which forms of life are ok to destroy, and which ones are not? Is it just a calculation of causing the least suffering? A human has a more complex nervous system than a worm, so to reduce his suffering is paramount?
I can think of many ways to spin the issue so that the human must allow himself to die, and ways to spin it so that killing living creatures is acceptable. Are there some general guidelines?
Gray
(502 rep)
Aug 12, 2015, 03:41 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 08:33 PM
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What is a "sentient being" in Tibetan Buddhism?
The answer to this question seems to depend on what school one talks about. So my question is about Mahayana Buddhism, more specifically Tibetan Madhyamaka Buddhist schools. I kind of wonder where the line is drawn between beings that are sentient and beings that are not. How about f.ex. corals, alg...
The answer to this question seems to depend on what school one talks about. So my question is about Mahayana Buddhism, more specifically Tibetan Madhyamaka Buddhist schools.
I kind of wonder where the line is drawn between beings that are sentient and beings that are not. How about f.ex. corals, algae, amoeba, crill and living creatures like that.
As far as I can understand (which is probably not very far) this has got to do with whether the being has consciousness/mind or not. Is that so? Maybe the question should be "what does it mean to say that a being is conscious or has a mind?
Is there a generally accepted definition of what a sentient being is? Anywhere in the suttas the Buddha is talking about this?
Mr. Concept
(2683 rep)
Dec 8, 2015, 12:02 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 08:31 PM
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What is kriyacitta according to various Buddhist schools?
And to whom does it arise? Also know as the Smile of the Arahant (hard to look On google) Asking for a friend. Pass this on wont you?
And to whom does it arise?
Also know as the Smile of the Arahant (hard to look On google)
Asking for a friend. Pass this on wont you?
4N4G4M1N
(325 rep)
Feb 17, 2020, 10:01 AM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 06:42 PM
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How to find an appropriate sex partner for a sakadagami?
Is it true that sakadagami can have sex that is pure so between a wife and husband. how can one gain the attention of a wise man who intends to marry and upholds The Way of Noble Ones.
Is it true that sakadagami can have sex that is pure so between a wife and husband. how can one gain the attention of a wise man who intends to marry and upholds The Way of Noble Ones.
4N4G4M1N
(325 rep)
Feb 14, 2020, 08:42 AM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 06:17 PM
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Relationship between the 5 higher fetters and the Three Characteristics or the Three Doors
I use the definition of Three Doors posted here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/6rrbl8/any_commentaries_on_the_three_doors_of_liberation/dl7h0e1/ To me, it looks like there is a connection: * Desire for existence in the realm of form * Desire for existence in the immaterial realms They a...
I use the definition of Three Doors posted here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/6rrbl8/any_commentaries_on_the_three_doors_of_liberation/dl7h0e1/
To me, it looks like there is a connection:
* Desire for existence in the realm of form
* Desire for existence in the immaterial realms
They are about the tension between being and non-being. In other words, existence or non existence of the self, and that pretty much is **Emptiness** of the self.
* Conceit
The conceit "I am... (this or that)". This looks related to **Signlessness** (there are no inherent attributes).
* Restlessness
Seems related to **Wishlessness**.
* Ignorance
This kind of encompasses everything.
Of course, the Three Doors are related to the Three Characteristics too.
* Emptiness -> no-self.
* Signlessness -> impermanence.
* Wishlessness -> unsatisfactoriness.
I am understanding the fetters wrong and making up the relation or does this makes sense? I'm trying to understand them as good as I can.
Exequiel
(383 rep)
Feb 17, 2020, 02:35 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 04:37 PM
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Is HH Dalai Lama conceited?
I heard that Theravada presupposes HH Dalai Lama is not even reached initial bodhisattva enlightenment and that His existence is mocked. Is it not so?
I heard that Theravada presupposes HH Dalai Lama is not even reached initial bodhisattva enlightenment and that His existence is mocked. Is it not so?
4N4G4M1N
(325 rep)
Feb 16, 2020, 11:53 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 01:10 AM
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Is there a reason that monasticism is an afterthought?
In the same way that Mahayana is an afterthought. Does it matter that something comes second not first does that make it less valid? Chicken or the egg? Asking for a friend
In the same way that Mahayana is an afterthought. Does it matter that something comes second not first does that make it less valid? Chicken or the egg?
Asking for a friend
4N4G4M1N
(325 rep)
Feb 16, 2020, 09:42 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2020, 12:15 AM
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What is the self cherishing attitude?
And to whom does it arise? As spoken about by Dr. Berzin? Listen to Seven Point Mind Training by Study Buddhism on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/studybuddhism/7-point-mind-training
And to whom does it arise?
As spoken about by Dr. Berzin?
Listen to Seven Point Mind Training by Study Buddhism on #SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.com/studybuddhism/7-point-mind-training
4N4G4M1N
(325 rep)
Feb 16, 2020, 10:51 PM
• Last activity: Feb 16, 2020, 11:36 PM
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What are the resources a Buddhist can use during very hard times?
I will try to fit that in a question so it will make sense in this forum: What are the resources a Buddhist can use during very hard times? Currently I'm working 12h a day under a lot of pressure, everybody is so stressed out, on their limits, that it is easy to see all kinds of bad things: Anger, g...
I will try to fit that in a question so it will make sense in this forum: What are the resources a Buddhist can use during very hard times?
Currently I'm working 12h a day under a lot of pressure, everybody is so stressed out, on their limits, that it is easy to see all kinds of bad things: Anger, gossip, divisible speech, blame game, fears... we are living a serious economic crisis and no one wants to lose their jobs, people are terrified, this is the background.
Despite the hard times and the very long and stressful hours at work (that are killing my meditation practice) I'm trying, with not much success, to avoid bad kamma and protect my mind from this crazy situation, hoping it will pass next year. The problem is: I recognize I'm losing the battle, I'm being dragged by these things around me. So, what Buddhist tools can I use, assuming I will not have time for a decent meditation, assuming also the environment will not change and I cannot quit the job. Any advice?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Jul 23, 2015, 12:20 PM
• Last activity: Feb 16, 2020, 10:30 PM
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What does Buddhism literature and tradition say about transgender folks?
This may seem like a question that is far too modern for an ancient tradition, but when I traveled in Thailand I learned that katoeys (male-to-female) are a legal gender in Thailand. What does Buddhism say about the folks who experience discomfort or distress because there is a mismatch between thei...
This may seem like a question that is far too modern for an ancient tradition, but when I traveled in Thailand I learned that katoeys (male-to-female) are a legal gender in Thailand. What does Buddhism say about the folks who experience discomfort or distress because there is a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity?
As it becomes less dangerous for transgender folks to change, I am finding out that several of my friends are transgender and I would like to know what Buddhism offers them.
user50
Jun 26, 2014, 04:35 AM
• Last activity: Feb 16, 2020, 10:04 PM
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When were women first welcomed into Buddhist orders?
I know that in the early days of Buddhism, it was for men only. To practice, you had to be a monk, and to be a monk, you had to be a man. Perhaps this reflects the attitudes of the time, but today, my experience of Buddhism has been as something that welcomes men and women equally, even when that's...
I know that in the early days of Buddhism, it was for men only. To practice, you had to be a monk, and to be a monk, you had to be a man. Perhaps this reflects the attitudes of the time, but today, my experience of Buddhism has been as something that welcomes men and women equally, even when that's still in a segregated way.
Historically, when did this change come about, and what first triggered it?
Dan Hulme
(475 rep)
Jun 17, 2014, 08:07 PM
• Last activity: Feb 16, 2020, 09:50 PM
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Do buddhists fall in love?
I'm new to the concept of Buddhism, and am failing to understand perhaps something very basic. I understand that one is not expected to hold anything close or dear as it is impermanent and could change at any moment so how does one love another person? How does one become close to another person. As...
I'm new to the concept of Buddhism, and am failing to understand perhaps something very basic. I understand that one is not expected to hold anything close or dear as it is impermanent and could change at any moment so how does one love another person? How does one become close to another person. As I understand it, a relationship would just consist of two people who aren't _that_ close to one another.
"Therefore hold nothing dear, for separation from the dear is painful" - this seems to suggest that you should build a wall around yourself and separate yourself from potentially wonderful feelings just because they could cause pain, and pain is bad.
I think pain is a part of life; denying that pain, or ignoring it is not part of a healthy life. I think of this concept of Buddhism similar to "don't smell the flowers because you may prick yourself on a thorn" thus denying yourself of the delights found in the smell and also the growth / knowledge from the pain of the thorn prick. Both of which you can learn and grow from.
Am I missing something here?
user3791372
(511 rep)
Sep 2, 2015, 09:35 PM
• Last activity: Feb 16, 2020, 08:49 PM
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5
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About suffering, expectations and unfalsifiable beliefs
I've been wondering if it's possible to "progress" towards enlightenment if one has certain set of beliefs which may (or may not) be false (or illogical), but which do not generate conflict between expectations and experience. If we understand dukkha as the result of a dissonance between worldview a...
I've been wondering if it's possible to "progress" towards enlightenment if one has certain set of beliefs which may (or may not) be false (or illogical), but which do not generate conflict between expectations and experience. If we understand dukkha as the result of a dissonance between worldview and experience, one could a priori think that unfalsifiable theories may not generate such dissonances (and therefore, may not contribute to the perpetuation of the conditions of dukkha), because there's no experience that can disprove such notions.
For example, if one says that "our true self is formless, without comprehensible features", how could this view be a hindrance in the path? After all, that belief does not seem to necessarily contradicts the essence of anattā, because no khandha can be considered that alleged "true self", and so, non-attachment to khandhas may also be the path to attain that "true self".
Being more general: can someone attain Nibbana while still holding some false notions about self or reality?
Kind regards!
Brian Díaz Flores
(2115 rep)
Feb 16, 2020, 12:44 AM
• Last activity: Feb 16, 2020, 07:20 PM
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How can one define luxurious beds and seats in the eighth precept?
The precept, > Uccasayana mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami in eight precepts suggests that one should abstain from high and luxurious beds and seats. How should one define which bed or seat is not high and which one is not luxurious? Can this precept be practiced at home?
The precept,
> Uccasayana mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
in eight precepts suggests that one should abstain from high and luxurious beds and seats. How should one define which bed or seat is not high and which one is not luxurious?
Can this precept be practiced at home?
dmsp
(4313 rep)
Aug 28, 2014, 04:42 PM
• Last activity: Feb 16, 2020, 06:47 PM
Showing page 174 of 20 total questions