Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
0
votes
3
answers
105
views
Is it necessory to attain higher Jhana to experience Nibbana?
Can some one experience nibbana just being in 1st Jhana. or 2nd..or 3rd..? I read in one of sutta that to be arhant even 1st Jhana is sufficient. But when someone becomes sotapanna, or higher Arya by just practicing 1st Jhana.then technically what happes? (1) **Either unknowingly and quickly he goes...
Can some one experience nibbana just being in 1st Jhana. or 2nd..or 3rd..?
I read in one of sutta that to be arhant even 1st Jhana is sufficient.
But when someone becomes sotapanna, or higher Arya by just practicing 1st Jhana.then technically what happes?
(1) **Either unknowingly and quickly he goes through** 2,3,4,5,6,7,8, Jhana and then 9th.
(2) **or he jumps** 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and directly expirience 9th (Nibbana)
enRaiser
(1091 rep)
Jun 8, 2024, 11:31 AM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2024, 06:17 PM
1
votes
4
answers
126
views
Meditation brings no joy just calm
When I meditate I never feel any sense of happiness, bliss or joy. I I just feel calm but not so good that I want to continue for more than an hour. Am I missing something?
When I meditate I never feel any sense of happiness, bliss or joy. I I just feel calm but not so good that I want to continue for more than an hour. Am I missing something?
Sati
(728 rep)
Apr 19, 2024, 09:17 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2024, 05:42 PM
8
votes
8
answers
3562
views
What is a pandaka?
I can understand that within the social context of the historical Buddha, being homosexual or bisexual could have possibly been damaging to the Sangha's image as there is still a lot of gay/bisexual/transgender discrimination today. On Wikipedia, it said a pandaka is unable to attain enlightenment....
I can understand that within the social context of the historical Buddha, being homosexual or bisexual could have possibly been damaging to the Sangha's image as there is still a lot of gay/bisexual/transgender discrimination today.
On Wikipedia, it said a pandaka is unable to attain enlightenment. It sounded like a pandaka might be someone who swings both ways to fulfill sexual desires but I am unclear.
What about someone who has sexual relations with men but who is heterosexual?
Possibly with the shedding of an identity view we lose our interpretation of ourselves as one way, but I don't know.
I probably need to learn Pali.
Colburn Paul Clark
(81 rep)
Aug 31, 2015, 04:56 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2024, 05:35 PM
2
votes
2
answers
105
views
Practical steps in sense restraint
Right Effort in the Noble 8 fold path has 4 components, the first being the prevention of the arising of unarisen unwholesome states. I've found in Bhikhu Bodhi's 'The noble eightfold path: Way to the end of suffering', a kind of general description of what is called 'sense restraint' as a tool one...
Right Effort in the Noble 8 fold path has 4 components, the first being the prevention of the arising of unarisen unwholesome states. I've found in Bhikhu Bodhi's 'The noble eightfold path: Way to the end of suffering', a kind of general description of what is called 'sense restraint' as a tool one can use to prevent these states from arising. I find the book to be a great resource. However, I think that his description here does not give me enough detail to be able to implement it. Can someone suggest additional reading material that will give more detail and perhaps examples? Kind regards and much metta!
Andre
(125 rep)
Jan 11, 2024, 10:47 AM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2024, 03:01 AM
0
votes
2
answers
60
views
Does anicca mean inconstancy? Or dissolution?
I read the following on the internet: > Anicca means inconstancy - the aggregates are constantly changing and thus unreliable, making them stressful. Does anicca primarily mean inconstancy, i.e., the aggregates continue to exist but fluctuate, including getting 'reborn'? Or does anicca primarily mea...
I read the following on the internet:
> Anicca means inconstancy - the aggregates are constantly changing and thus unreliable, making them stressful.
Does anicca primarily mean inconstancy, i.e., the aggregates continue to exist but fluctuate, including getting 'reborn'? Or does anicca primarily mean the aggregates are subject to both change & dissolution? Please offer quotes from the Pali Suttas to support different interpretations.
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(46093 rep)
May 30, 2024, 08:08 PM
• Last activity: Jul 1, 2024, 10:05 PM
2
votes
6
answers
541
views
How bad is the karma of feeding meat to your children?
I have a girlfriend who has a daughter from another man. If I raise this kid not vegetarian, will that be bad karma? Her mother is an omnivore and the kid is being raised in an omnivore household. It would be very difficult to change her diet. Is it my reponsibility to make her vegetarian?
I have a girlfriend who has a daughter from another man. If I raise this kid not vegetarian, will that be bad karma? Her mother is an omnivore and the kid is being raised in an omnivore household. It would be very difficult to change her diet. Is it my reponsibility to make her vegetarian?
luigiman
(133 rep)
Apr 27, 2020, 02:07 AM
• Last activity: Jul 1, 2024, 03:03 PM
0
votes
1
answers
73
views
Why the three characteristics not included in Satipatthana Sutta?
Why are the [three marks (consolidated)][1] not directly included in the [Satipatthana Sutta][2] - supposedly the most important of all discourses? Not in the section of principles, but indirectly with regards to the body: > *They meditate observing the body as liable to originate, as liable to vani...
Why are the three marks (consolidated) not directly included in the Satipatthana Sutta - supposedly the most important of all discourses? Not in the section of principles, but indirectly with regards to the body:
> *They meditate observing the body as liable to originate, as liable to vanish, and as liable to both originate and vanish.*
Perhaps it is due to the later historical ontological organization of those three messages? Any tangential ideas are welcome.
nacre
(1919 rep)
Feb 1, 2024, 05:48 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2024, 08:06 PM
3
votes
1
answers
96
views
If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life & don't need anything anymore, does it mean they ceased craving & became Buddhas
If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life and don't need anything anymore, then they ceased carving right? Did they become Buddhas? Their last mindstream's moment will not be conditioned by craving, so no rebirth right?
If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life and don't need anything anymore, then they ceased carving right? Did they become Buddhas? Their last mindstream's moment will not be conditioned by craving, so no rebirth right?
setszu
(324 rep)
Jun 27, 2024, 10:18 AM
• Last activity: Jun 28, 2024, 03:23 AM
-1
votes
1
answers
79
views
Can anyone explain this meditation experience pls?
I recently did a two week mindfulness retreat (with focus on Primnordial Awareness) with beautiful conditions and I was grateful to have achieved a degree of concentration, which led to a few meditation experiences. I'm a little bit unclear about this one. Please may someone suggest either a text or...
I recently did a two week mindfulness retreat (with focus on Primnordial Awareness) with beautiful conditions and I was grateful to have achieved a degree of concentration, which led to a few meditation experiences. I'm a little bit unclear about this one. Please may someone suggest either a text or a book to explain this please?
What occurred:
I used the gap between breaths to go into the groundless ground.
Experienced it as vibrations.
Saw multiple white circles of lights.
Then Tibetan Tankha type shapes.
Then had the circle of light at the centre of my forehead swivel (like it was a stage set).
Had the sense that my vision was turning around to look inwards.
Saw the shapes of my eyes and cavernous holes instead of my eyeballs.
This lasted for 2 seconds. Then the phenomenon faded, and I felt a snake like spiral of energy go down from my third eye.
Then it was back to 'normal'.
If anyone has any explanations, or has had similar experiences, and knows what it means for my practice, I'd be v grateful. With metta.
user26222
(1 rep)
Jun 22, 2024, 08:57 PM
• Last activity: Jun 25, 2024, 07:55 PM
1
votes
3
answers
53
views
Karma and complicity etc.?
Suppose I suggest that someone else eats meat or steals someone's property: is the karma the same as performing the act? What if I allow them to do so, explicitly or implicitly? Is the karma defined by e.g. what I want the other person to do or what I expect and plan them to do?
Suppose I suggest that someone else eats meat or steals someone's property: is the karma the same as performing the act? What if I allow them to do so, explicitly or implicitly? Is the karma defined by e.g. what I want the other person to do or what I expect and plan them to do?
user26068
Jun 22, 2024, 08:45 PM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2024, 10:13 PM
1
votes
4
answers
220
views
What is happening?
Sometimes when I meditate it feels like I completely lose all awareness of where I am and what I'm doing. Its like I blink and the hour has gone. I don't remember anything. It's like a blackout. I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing?
Sometimes when I meditate it feels like I completely lose all awareness of where I am and what I'm doing. Its like I blink and the hour has gone. I don't remember anything. It's like a blackout. I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing?
Sati
(728 rep)
Dec 18, 2023, 08:09 AM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2024, 05:13 PM
1
votes
3
answers
97
views
Does karma say anything about reasonableness?
AFAIK, reasonableness is more often linked to theist natural law based ethics, but I would be surprised if people that cannot be reasoned (do you not see what will happen if you keep acting this way?) with have good karma, because karma is often interpreted as habit energy, and many philosophers say...
AFAIK, reasonableness is more often linked to theist natural law based ethics, but I would be surprised if people that cannot be reasoned (do you not see what will happen if you keep acting this way?) with have good karma, because karma is often interpreted as habit energy, and many philosophers say that reason frees us from the nicities of our emotional passions, so why not think that *reason* in some sense undercuts bad karma/habits.
user26068
Jun 19, 2024, 08:46 PM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2024, 01:41 PM
0
votes
1
answers
82
views
I want to ask about the bad karma of speech when cursing and insulting Buddha and enlightened beings.?
I have a question. When I was a child, about 6 years old, I accidentally said insulting and blasphemous words to the Buddha's name. To be more specific, I said the Buddha's name with vulgar and insulting words. It was a mischievous act of an ignorant child. But later when I grew up and realized my w...
I have a question. When I was a child, about 6 years old, I accidentally said insulting and blasphemous words to the Buddha's name. To be more specific, I said the Buddha's name with vulgar and insulting words. It was a mischievous act of an ignorant child. But later when I grew up and realized my wrongdoing, I deeply regretted it. At that time, I did not think it was a serious insult. Now I am a Buddhist, but I am always worried that it will cause me the retribution of falling into hell? What should I do? I really need advice, thank you and I wish you peace.
P/s: I know Buddha and enlightened beings are very compassionate and will not pay attention to the words of sentient beings. But I still worry about the bad karma of my speech. Maybe this is a silly question but it has haunted me for a long time.
Ryota Sakai
(33 rep)
Jun 20, 2024, 06:45 PM
• Last activity: Jun 21, 2024, 06:56 AM
0
votes
2
answers
477
views
Talking to dead loved ones
💚Could talking with dead loved ones be in line with the proper practice of the Buddha? If proper practice permits talking to dead loved ones, then what is the proper way to talk to dead loved ones and/or the improper way to talk to dead loved ones?
💚Could talking with dead loved ones be in line with the proper practice of the Buddha? If proper practice permits talking to dead loved ones, then what is the proper way to talk to dead loved ones and/or the improper way to talk to dead loved ones?
Lowbrow
(7349 rep)
Oct 7, 2022, 09:03 AM
• Last activity: Jun 19, 2024, 05:06 AM
3
votes
2
answers
103
views
What is the difference between absolute and positive Samadhi?
Reading through Sekida's translation of The Blue Cliff Record I keep coming across mentions of both absolute and positive Samadhi, and I'm interested in hearing some clearer definitions of these two terms. My interpretation of them is that: - when we're in absolute samadhi we recognize the unity of...
Reading through Sekida's translation of The Blue Cliff Record I keep coming across mentions of both absolute and positive Samadhi, and I'm interested in hearing some clearer definitions of these two terms.
My interpretation of them is that:
- when we're in absolute samadhi we recognize the unity of reality but we haven't attained a state of pro-activity yet. Reality seems unchangeable
- positive samadhi is when our meditative state becomes intrinsically tied with our everyday behavior, we embody the meditative state in everything we do, and take an active role in the world
Does this sound correct?
Cdn_Dev
(480 rep)
Apr 2, 2024, 01:28 PM
• Last activity: Jun 18, 2024, 01:28 AM
16
votes
10
answers
54601
views
What is the meaning of the Zen quote: "Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment chop wood, carry water"?
In the question [*"A question regarding the level of worldly participation for a buddhist monk"*][1], Bhante gave an answer containing a Zen quote. The quote is; >"Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment chop wood, carry water". - What is the origin of the quote? - What is t...
In the question *"A question regarding the level of worldly participation for a buddhist monk"* , Bhante gave an answer containing a Zen quote.
The quote is;
>"Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment chop wood, carry water".
- What is the origin of the quote?
- What is the meaning of the quote?
Thank you for your time.
user2424
Jul 19, 2016, 11:09 AM
• Last activity: Jun 17, 2024, 06:09 AM
1
votes
1
answers
193
views
Does Theravada have the role of priest like Japanese Mahayana?
I'm aware that they both have monks generally, but what about priests? If so, do they perform the same function?
I'm aware that they both have monks generally, but what about priests? If so, do they perform the same function?
setszu
(324 rep)
Jun 17, 2024, 03:28 AM
• Last activity: Jun 17, 2024, 05:42 AM
-1
votes
1
answers
35
views
Seeking Information on Theravada Bhikkhuni Monasteries in Canada, USA, and New Zealand
I am a student from the UK interested in pursuing PhD research focused on Bhikkhuni ordination within Theravada Buddhism. As part of my research, I am seeking information on Theravada Bhikkhuni monasteries located in Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, where fully ordained Bhikkhunis reside and practi...
I am a student from the UK interested in pursuing PhD research focused on Bhikkhuni ordination within Theravada Buddhism. As part of my research, I am seeking information on Theravada Bhikkhuni monasteries located in Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, where fully ordained Bhikkhunis reside and practice.
I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or resources regarding these monasteries. I am particularly interested in gaining firsthand experience with Bhikkhunis to enrich my research and inform my future academic pursuits.
Anne Anderson
(1 rep)
Jun 14, 2024, 10:50 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 11:39 AM
1
votes
4
answers
223
views
How should a bodhisattva respond to evil?
Not saying I have bodhicitta, one assumes I would know the answer if I did, but we can all emulate enlightening beings. What is the best way to respond to an nominally (nothing like that is innate) evil person doing evil (whatever you think amounts to that enough to at know not only that they should...
Not saying I have bodhicitta, one assumes I would know the answer if I did, but we can all emulate enlightening beings.
What is the best way to respond to an nominally (nothing like that is innate) evil person doing evil (whatever you think amounts to that enough to at know not only that they should be stopped but that a lot hinges on it for other people) to get what they want?
We vow to save all sentient beings: can we postpone it for some? Do we say "a Buddha would help you in your next life, but I cannot"?
I suppose the answer is just to offer help to others first: after-all, we are all said to have undergone countless, trillions by trillions of lives, so no one life can be blamed for how it has suffered. But what if the evil doer turns to you for a better rebirth, after or even before their evil actions?
user23322
Feb 20, 2022, 11:26 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 11:27 AM
5
votes
13
answers
8273
views
Is our mind faster than light?
Here is what I have been told by some Thai followers: The sun's light takes 8 minutes to reach the Earth, but our mind can think of the sun or even of distant stars instantly. That is to say, our mind is faster than the speed of light. They claim science is a subset of Buddhism. Is this true or fals...
Here is what I have been told by some Thai followers:
The sun's light takes 8 minutes to reach the Earth, but our mind can think of the sun or even of distant stars instantly. That is to say, our mind is faster than the speed of light. They claim science is a subset of Buddhism.
Is this true or false?
Pantip
(51 rep)
Nov 29, 2014, 07:42 AM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 05:29 AM
Showing page 29 of 20 total questions