Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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The Account of Other Minds in Chinese Yogācāra Buddhism
https://scholarlypublications.universiteitleiden.nl/handle/1887/80747 "POM1: Presume that other minds can be perceived. Then, they shall be like external forms and have no real existence. POM2: Presume that other minds can be perceived and still have real existence. This epistemic realism contradict...
https://scholarlypublications.universiteitleiden.nl/handle/1887/80747
"POM1: Presume that other minds can be perceived. Then, they shall be like external forms and
have no real existence.
POM2: Presume that other minds can be perceived and still have real existence. This epistemic
realism contradicts the idealist position held by the Yogācārins, insofar as there is one type of
really-existed objects that can be directly given to one’s mind and this givenness is independent
of one’s own mind.
POM3: Presume that other minds cannot be perceived. Then, the doctrine of consciousness-
only also becomes untenable, because there is one type of objects that falls outside of the scope
of one’s experience."
"Other minds are then perceived through the second-person perspective."
**That is, when the Yogacarin communicates with other people, does he directly communicate with other minds? Or does he pretend to communicate with other minds, but in fact he knows that only his mind exists, and all other minds are just imaginations created by his mind Thank you.**
Arny
(147 rep)
Apr 10, 2021, 07:31 AM
• Last activity: Apr 19, 2025, 04:05 AM
0
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5
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Killing Buddha?
I read this: > In Zen, it's generally understood that "When you meet the Buddha, kill > him" refers to "killing" a Buddha you perceive as separate from > yourself because such a Buddha is an illusion." Should we kill illusions of Buddha? I do wonder, in the time of Buddha, some people wanted to kill...
I read this:
> In Zen, it's generally understood that "When you meet the Buddha, kill
> him" refers to "killing" a Buddha you perceive as separate from
> yourself because such a Buddha is an illusion."
Should we kill illusions of Buddha? I do wonder, in the time of Buddha, some people wanted to kill him — perhaps this too is a reason I ask, although that may have been for many reasons.
āḷasu bhikhārī
(2023 rep)
Mar 29, 2025, 08:33 AM
• Last activity: Apr 18, 2025, 02:44 PM
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Important Zen Literature after Dogen and before Hakuin
On researching Zen Buddhist literature I'm seeing a gap after Dogen's Shobogenzo in the 13th century, and before Hakuin's Commentary in the 17th century. Was there any notable Zen writing produced during this period? What was happening in Zen history during this time?
On researching Zen Buddhist literature I'm seeing a gap after Dogen's Shobogenzo in the 13th century, and before Hakuin's Commentary in the 17th century.
Was there any notable Zen writing produced during this period? What was happening in Zen history during this time?
Cdn_Dev
(480 rep)
Feb 13, 2024, 06:25 PM
• Last activity: Apr 18, 2025, 12:07 PM
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5
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Do lions create bad kamma for their next life when they kill?
In Buddhism, bad Kamma begins with a bad intention. What can we say about animals, let's say a tiger or a lion that kills other living beings by instinct? They don't have the same understanding as we do as human beings and they simply cannot become vegetarians: so are they creating bad Kamma that mi...
In Buddhism, bad Kamma begins with a bad intention. What can we say about animals, let's say a tiger or a lion that kills other living beings by instinct? They don't have the same understanding as we do as human beings and they simply cannot become vegetarians: so are they creating bad Kamma that might ripen in a next life? For instance, if I used to be a lion will I suffer bad Kamma consequences in this human life because I killed and ate living beings?
konrad01
(9895 rep)
Aug 10, 2014, 04:25 AM
• Last activity: Apr 17, 2025, 03:10 PM
3
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7
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What EXACTLY do people realise in Self-Realisation?
I asked this question in Philosophy and was advised to ask the question here on Buddhism as I may get better answers HERE. So I am pursuing Spirituality for quite some time now, I've had REALISATIONS but not the Proverbial Self-Realisation because questions remain. So was kinda wondering what is it...
I asked this question in Philosophy and was advised to ask the question here on Buddhism as I may get better answers HERE. So I am pursuing Spirituality for quite some time now, I've had REALISATIONS but not the Proverbial Self-Realisation because questions remain. So was kinda wondering what is it EXACTLY that they realise. I've been told, you realise, "YOU ARE THE ONE" but it does nothing to me, no effect. So DEFINITELY IT'S NOT THE WORDS. What is it then?
Ashish Shukla
(139 rep)
Apr 15, 2025, 02:55 AM
• Last activity: Apr 17, 2025, 02:38 PM
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Are beliefs in a fixed, eternal self seen as harmful in Buddhism? If so, why?
Are beliefs in a permanent, unchanging soul / self considered detrimental to spiritual progress in Buddhism? If so, why? Please explain in detail.
Are beliefs in a permanent, unchanging soul / self considered detrimental to spiritual progress in Buddhism? If so, why? Please explain in detail.
user29294
Apr 12, 2025, 10:19 AM
• Last activity: Apr 12, 2025, 11:40 AM
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What are the criteria of a 'school' of Buddhism?
I read the following on the internet: > Questions must be about Buddhism – any school of Buddhism – usually > about doctrine or about practice; or perhaps about history, culture or > art. What are the criteria of a 'school' of Buddhism? Is [Dhamma Dhatu](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/users/8157...
I read the following on the internet:
> Questions must be about Buddhism – any school of Buddhism – usually
> about doctrine or about practice; or perhaps about history, culture or
> art.
What are the criteria of a 'school' of Buddhism? Is [Dhamma Dhatu](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/users/8157/dhamma-dhatu) a school of Buddhism?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(47799 rep)
Apr 11, 2025, 08:02 PM
3
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4
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Is thought included in 'sila' (ethics) in the Pali Suttas?
I read the following in the internet: > Right View and Right Aspiration, would be part of Sila, as Dr Rod > Bucknell 1984 and I have confirmed by comparative studies of > teachings. At least the Visuddhimagga of Buddhaghosa also appears to include the mind in its CHAPTER I Description of Virtue (Sil...
I read the following in the internet:
> Right View and Right Aspiration, would be part of Sila, as Dr Rod
> Bucknell 1984 and I have confirmed by comparative studies of
> teachings.
At least the Visuddhimagga of Buddhaghosa also appears to include the mind in its CHAPTER I Description of Virtue (Sila):
> 25. (v) Now, here is the answer to the question, HOW MANY KINDS OF VIRTUE ARE THERE?
>
> .17. As virtue of Pátimokkha restraint, **of restraint of sense faculties**, of
purification of livelihood, and that concerning requisites
>
> (a) The virtue described by the Blessed One thus: “Here a bhikkhu dwells
restrained with the Pátimokkha restraint, possessed of the [proper] conduct and
resort, and seeing fear in the slightest fault, he trains himself by undertaking the
precepts of training, (Vibh 244)” is virtue of Pátimokkha restraint.
(b) That described thus: “On seeing a visible object with the eye, he
apprehends neither the signs nor the particulars through which, if he left the eye
faculty unguarded, evil and unprofitable states of covetousness and grief might
invade him; he enters upon the way of its restraint, he guards the eye faculty,
undertakes the restraint of the eye faculty. On hearing a sound with the ear … On
smelling an odour with the nose … On tasting a flavour with the tongue … On touching a tangible object with the body … On cognizing a mental object with the
mind, he apprehends neither the signs nor the particulars through which, if he left
the mind faculty unguarded, **evil and unprofitable states of covetousness and grief
might invade him**; he enters upon the way of its restraint, he guards the mind
faculty, undertakes the restraint of the mind faculty ([M I 180](https://suttacentral.net/mn27/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=main¬es=none&highlight=false&script=latin#15.1)) , is virtue of restraint of the sense faculties.
>
> [Page 18](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nanamoli/PathofPurification2011.pdf)
However, when examining [M I 180 (MN 27)](https://suttacentral.net/mn27/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=main¬es=none&highlight=false&script=latin#15.1) cited by Buddhaghosa, the impression is Buddhaghosa misread the text. In a sentence, [MN 27](https://suttacentral.net/mn27/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=main¬es=none&highlight=false&script=latin#15.1) appears to summarize sila together with sense-restraint, although does not appear to say these practices are the same thing (i.e., types of sila), as follows:
> They refrain from... mutilation, murder, abduction, banditry, plunder,
> and violence. They’re content (santuṭṭho) with robes to look after the
> body and almsfood to look after the belly. Wherever they go, they set
> out taking only these things. When they have this entire spectrum of
> noble **ethics** (ariyena **sīla**kkhandhena), they experience a blameless
> happiness inside themselves.
>
> When they see a sight with their eyes, they don’t get caught up in the
> features and details.... They act with situational awareness when
> going out and coming back...
>
> When they have this entire spectrum of noble ethics (sīla), this noble
> contentment (santuṭṭhiyā), this noble sense restraint
> (indriyasaṁvarena) and this noble mindfulness and situational
> awareness (satisampajaññena), they frequent a secluded lodging—a
> wilderness, the root of a tree, a hill, a ravine, a mountain cave, a
> charnel ground, a forest, the open air, a heap of straw.
>
> [MN 27](https://suttacentral.net/mn27/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=main¬es=none&highlight=false&script=latin#15.1)
Is thought included in 'sila' (ethics) anywhere in the Pali Suttas?
Note: this question is explicitly about 'sila' and not about 'kamma'.
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(47799 rep)
Mar 1, 2025, 08:27 AM
• Last activity: Apr 11, 2025, 07:19 PM
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Brahmavihara/four immeasurables commentary/practical actual meditation practice
Does anyone have a commentary, source, YT video of teachings or any sort of explanation of the actual method for meditations of the four immesurables (Brahmavihara) Either Mahayana or Theravada. I don't mean sutta sources, but actual explanation of the method of meditation practice. I did search the...
Does anyone have a commentary, source, YT video of teachings or any sort of explanation of the actual method for meditations of the four immesurables (Brahmavihara) Either Mahayana or Theravada.
I don't mean sutta sources, but actual explanation of the method of meditation practice.
I did search the questions but could not find an adequate explanation I am seeking.
Feel free to close the question and provide source if one had been provided in questions before. Though again I am looking for actual explanation of method, not just concept or translations of suttas.
Remyla
(1617 rep)
Apr 9, 2025, 03:38 AM
• Last activity: Apr 11, 2025, 03:33 PM
5
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5
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Meditating on sound, am I right and need sutra reference?
I have done S.N.Goenkas Vipassana and Anapana sati meditation. In both the cases my mind remains active and I have lot of thoughts while meditating. I learnt from Eckhart Tolle that the sensory perception can be portal to silent present moment awareness. In other words being aware of sensory percept...
I have done S.N.Goenkas Vipassana and Anapana sati meditation. In both the cases my mind remains active and I have lot of thoughts while meditating. I learnt from Eckhart Tolle that the sensory perception can be portal to silent present moment awareness. In other words being aware of sensory perceptions can lead to meditative states of no-thought or no-mind. When I remain aware of sound, I am in the present moment as sound can only be heard in present moment.
So, currently I am meditating on sounds that I hear. I am doing lot of progress as i am having less and less thoughts. Also, after some time i can hear a humming sound which is uncreated which I learnt on youtube is called Anahat Naad, but there is no such reference in Buddhist scriptures on Anahat Naad or any formal sound meditation instructions.
I have two questions. Firstly, am I doing right meditation by being aware of the sounds. And secondly, is there any scriptural reference of meditating on sound.
thanks.
The White Cloud
(2420 rep)
Mar 23, 2025, 01:10 PM
• Last activity: Apr 11, 2025, 12:30 PM
6
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4
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1328
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What are the three poisons?
You will often hear reference to the three poisons in Buddhism, What are they referring to exactly when they talk about the three poisons?
You will often hear reference to the three poisons in Buddhism, What are they referring to exactly when they talk about the three poisons?
hellyale
(2543 rep)
Jun 26, 2015, 03:28 AM
• Last activity: Apr 10, 2025, 03:22 PM
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10
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Even if those offended are just ignorant about the word "Hinayana", why use it?
Why use a word thought by some to be offensive even if the meaning isn't meant to be offensive? There is no other word that can be used? Would using another word (or phrase) be compassionate towards those who might get offended by it's use even if the intent wasn't to offend or provoke? Is "Hinayana...
Why use a word thought by some to be offensive even if the meaning isn't meant to be offensive?
There is no other word that can be used? Would using another word (or phrase) be compassionate towards those who might get offended by it's use even if the intent wasn't to offend or provoke?
Is "Hinayana" so sacred, useful and descriptive that it must be used even when talking to an audience that likely has people in it who would be offended?
Lowbrow
(7468 rep)
Jul 25, 2016, 06:54 PM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2025, 02:33 PM
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4
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Why no inclusion of anusaya/ asava in dependent origination?
Is there a compelling reason, those that draw diagrams for visualization of pratityasamutpada (dependent origination), don't want to include anusaya/asava, obviously not to misrepresent Dhamma? Because from my search, only [MN9][1] details these hidden layers of anusaya/asava as conditioning ignoran...
Is there a compelling reason, those that draw diagrams for visualization of pratityasamutpada (dependent origination), don't want to include anusaya/asava, obviously not to misrepresent Dhamma? Because from my search, only MN9 details these hidden layers of anusaya/asava as conditioning ignorance, vice-versa?
> Ignorance originates from defilement. Ignorance ceases when defilement
> ceases. The practice that leads to the cessation of ignorance is
> simply this noble eightfold path …”
> Defilement originates from ignorance. Defilement ceases when ignorance
> ceases. The practice that leads to the cessation of defilement is
> simply this noble eightfold path,
āḷasu bhikhārī
(2023 rep)
Apr 5, 2025, 04:01 PM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2025, 12:24 PM
0
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1
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53
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How is *vicikitsa* related to learned backgrounds?
The hindrance of vicikitsa,vicikicchā(Pali) is related to 'doubt in Buddha'. What a vague phrasing, right?If you can, I am looking for the sutta where Buddha describes the difficulty of teaching to those of diverse backgrounds.
The hindrance of vicikitsa,vicikicchā(Pali) is related to 'doubt in Buddha'. What a vague phrasing, right?If you can, I am looking for the sutta where Buddha describes the difficulty of teaching to those of diverse backgrounds.
āḷasu bhikhārī
(2023 rep)
Apr 8, 2025, 09:54 AM
• Last activity: Apr 8, 2025, 08:04 PM
1
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1
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169
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Strange zen movie - what happens here?
Can someone precisely explain what is actually happening (and why) on this movie? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-9pxBANek [![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/xEoJX.jpg
Can someone precisely explain what is actually happening (and why) on this movie?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-9pxBANek
Kamil Kiełczewski
(131 rep)
Oct 9, 2023, 06:40 PM
• Last activity: Apr 8, 2025, 06:07 AM
3
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3
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356
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What is mirror wisdom?
What is the right way to understand (or apply) mirror wisdom? Is it buddha-nature, bodhisattva (ripe for awakening), or both? Is it cultivated, or does it spring up naturally with enlightenment? If it's a method, how can it be utilized to curb conceit? Is it a prerequisite for non-duality? Does it h...
What is the right way to understand (or apply) mirror wisdom? Is it buddha-nature, bodhisattva (ripe for awakening), or both? Is it cultivated, or does it spring up naturally with enlightenment? If it's a method, how can it be utilized to curb conceit? Is it a prerequisite for non-duality? Does it have a place in mindfulness meditation?
EDIT: from what i understand it's one of five wisdom types. that's about all i know. that and wondering about the people across from me on the subway, when i think maybe this is when i should work with the mirroring...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_wisdoms
āḷasu bhikhārī
(2023 rep)
Feb 15, 2023, 01:57 PM
• Last activity: Apr 6, 2025, 09:50 PM
1
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8
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720
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Can someone provide explanation on dependent origination
According to this law, every phenomenon owes its origin to another phenomenon prior to it. It may simply be expressed as “depending on this, this originates”. An example of Dependent Origination in nature is given below: There being clouds in the sky it rains. It having rained, the road becomes slip...
According to this law, every phenomenon owes its origin to another
phenomenon prior to it. It may simply be expressed as “depending
on this, this originates”. An example of Dependent Origination in
nature is given below:
There being clouds in the sky it rains.
It having rained, the road becomes slippery.
The road becoming slippery, a man falls down.
The man having fallen down becomes injured.
Here a shower of rain depends on the clouds in the sky.
The road becoming slippery depends on the rain.
The fall of the man depends on the road becoming slippery.
The injury of the man depends upon his fall:
Conversely:
If there were no clouds in the sky, it would not have rained.
Then the road would not have become slippery.
Then the man would not have fallen.
Then he would not have become injured.
So this is understandable and clear to anyone. So can anyone explain (in simplified way)dependent origination step by step with practical examples?
danuka shewantha
(627 rep)
Jan 13, 2018, 01:23 PM
• Last activity: Apr 6, 2025, 11:40 AM
3
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5
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3835
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How to calculate the number of years in a kalpa?
Wikipedia's [Kalpa(aeon) in Buddhism][1] article says, > In another simple explanation, there are four different lengths of kalpas. A regular kalpa is approximately 16 million years long (16,798,000 years `[1]` ), and a small kalpa is 1000 regular kalpas, or about 16 billion years. Further, a medium...
Wikipedia's Kalpa(aeon) in Buddhism article says,
> In another simple explanation, there are four different lengths of kalpas. A regular kalpa is approximately 16 million years long (16,798,000 years
<a href="/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKalpa_%2528aeon%2529%23Buddhism" class="external-link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">[1] <i class="fas fa-external-link-alt fa-xs"></i></a>), and a small kalpa is 1000 regular kalpas, or about 16 billion years. Further, a medium kalpa is roughly 320 billion years, the equivalent of 20 small kalpas. A great kalpa is 4 medium kalpas, or around 1.28 trillion years.
I just went through the Visuddhimagga, and could not find where or how that time in years is calculated.
I was wondering how to calculate it.
Please explain how it's calculated, with reference to scripture where Lord Buddha mentioned it, and/or where the calculation or the result of the calculation is described, perhaps in the Thripitaka or Visuddhimagga?
---
<a href="/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKalpa_%2528aeon%2529%23Buddhism" class="external-link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">[1] <i class="fas fa-external-link-alt fa-xs"></i></a> Wikipedia's reference is to a book:
> Epstein, Ronald B.(2002). Buddhist Text Translation Society's Buddhism A to Z p. 204. Buddhist Text Translation Society. ISBN 0-88139-353-3, ISBN 978-0-88139-353-8.
Perhaps that book may have a reference to where they found it, but I still haven't find that book.
Imantha Ahangama
(39 rep)
Nov 9, 2014, 02:19 PM
• Last activity: Apr 6, 2025, 09:55 AM
2
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4
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294
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Sexual Misconduct involving Breast (Women)?
I have read somewhere (possibly Dalai Lama) that certain sexual activity comes under sexual misconduct (like Oral, Anal ...). So my question is whether using breast for sexual activity is considered sexual misconduct.
I have read somewhere (possibly Dalai Lama) that certain sexual activity comes under sexual misconduct (like Oral, Anal ...). So my question is whether using breast for sexual activity is considered sexual misconduct.
Manish Kumar Singh
(21 rep)
Jan 23, 2022, 11:22 PM
• Last activity: Apr 6, 2025, 08:37 AM
3
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4
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1141
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Quotes from the Buddha about sexual desire
I am trying to find sources of info of if the Buddha ever explained any reason why we as humans are afflicted by sexual desire. Conventionally we are animals so are innately afflicted with a predisposition towards reproduction, with sexual desire itself being enticed by physical pleasure. Just want...
I am trying to find sources of info of if the Buddha ever explained any reason why we as humans are afflicted by sexual desire.
Conventionally we are animals so are innately afflicted with a predisposition towards reproduction, with sexual desire itself being enticed by physical pleasure.
Just want to know if the Buddha explained this desire in any depth.
Obviously this issue would have come up within the sangha.
Remyla
(1617 rep)
Dec 8, 2022, 04:34 AM
• Last activity: Apr 6, 2025, 07:05 AM
Showing page 24 of 20 total questions